Frequently Asked Questions about the OV-pas
The OV-pas is the successor to the OV-chipkaart. Find out here when we will be transferring season tickets, how to top up your balance, and other frequently asked questions.
Switch to OV-pas
How do I get an OV-pas?
How do I get an OV-pas?
You cannot yet travel using an NS season ticket on your OV-pas. If you already have a season ticket with us, we will let you know when you can switch.
We will start transferring season tickets at the end of the year. Until then, continue to travel as usual with your OV-chipkaart.
Are you travelling 2nd class without a discount?
Then you can travel using your debot card or buy an OV-pas at ovpay.nl. Would you prefer to buy the OV-pas in a shop? The card is also available at all Primera shops. You can pay for it in cash and top it up with cash there too with the barcode.
When will it be my turn?
When will it be my turn?
We will start transferring season tickets to the OV-pas at the end of the year.
All our season ticket holders will eventually make the switch. This is a major undertaking that will continue until the end of 2027.
You will receive notification from us as soon as it is your turn. Unfortunately, we cannot say exactly when you will receive your OV-pas.
My OV-chipkaart has (almost) expired
My OV-chipkaart has (almost) expired
If your OV-chipkaart has expired or will expire this year, you will receive or be able to order a replacement OV-chipkaart.
At the end of the year, we start transferring season tickets to the OV-pas. You will be informed when it is your turn.
Can I keep travelling with my OV-chipkaart?
Can I keep travelling with my OV-chipkaart?
Yes, you can continue travelling with your OV-chipkaart as long as it is still valid. We will notify you when it is your turn to switch to the OV-pas.
If your OV-chipkaart expires and you have not yet received a notification from us, you will still receive or be able to order a replacement OV-chipkaart.
Travel with your OV-pas
Where can I view my journeys and costs?
Where can I view my journeys and costs?
View your journeys and the fares in Mijn NS. First, link your OV-pas to your account. Journeys with other carriers appear only in the OVpay app.
The card reader or gate will not show the cost of your journey when you check out. Your balance will also not be displayed.
I already have an OV-chipkaart. Can I transfer my season ticket to it?
I already have an OV-chipkaart. Can I transfer my season ticket to it?
No, this is not possible. You cannot yet use an NS season ticket on your OV-chipkaart. Please continue to use your OV-chipkaart to travel with your season ticket.
We will start transferring season tickets to the OV-chipkaart at the end of this year. You will receive a notification from us when it is your turn.
Can I use the Combined Travel Discount?
Can I use the Combined Travel Discount?
No, that’s not possible yet. You cannot use the Samenreiskorting discount with your OV-pas. This is because we aren't yet able to add discounts or season tickets to the OV-pas.
Would you like to use the Samenreiskorting discount? If so, please use an OV-chipkaart or buy a discounted ticket.
Can I use door-to-door services like OV-fiets?
Can I use door-to-door services like OV-fiets?
Not all services are available or payable with your OV-pas yet. For example, you cannot rent an OV-fiets at this time.
You do receive a discount on Park and Ride (P+R) when travelling with your OV-pas.
You can also use your OV-pas to access the bicycle storage, but the parking fees must be paid afterwards with your debit card.
About the OV-pas
How does OV-pas work?
How does OV-pas work?
The OV-pas is the successor to the OV-chipkaart. Your details are no longer stored on your card, but in a highly secure online database.
This means you can do more online and no longer need to visit an NS ticket machine (though you’re still welcome to do so).
Travel on all public transport
For you as a passenger, not much else will change. With your OV-pas, you can travel on all public transport in the Netherlands. You check in and out as usual.
You can even take ICE or IC Direct train services, provided you purchase the supplement.
What is the difference between the OV-pas, OV-chipkaart and payment card?
What is the difference between the OV-pas, OV-chipkaart and payment card?
The OV-pas replaces the OV-chipkaart. It looks like a new plastic card, but there are many technical changes behind it.
Your details are no longer stored on the card itself but in a secure online database. This makes it easier to manage your travel online, and you no longer need to visit an NS Ticket Machine (although you still can).
Are you travelling 2nd class without a discount?
Then you can easily check in and out with your payment card. This lets you travel simply by train without buying an extra card.
NS season tickets cannot be loaded onto your payment card.
Is there an anonymous OV-chipkaart?
Is there an anonymous OV-chipkaart?
The OV-pas remains anonymous when you order it online without an account, provided you do not register a season ticket on it.
In all other cases, the card will contain personal information.
How is my privacy protected?
How is my privacy protected?
Privacy is a paramount concern of NS. Read our privacy statement for more information.
Costs and payment
Where can I view my journeys and costs?
Where can I view my journeys and costs?
View your journeys and the fares in Mijn NS. First, link your OV-pas to your account. Journeys with other carriers appear only in the OVpay app.
The card reader or gate will not show the cost of your journey when you check out. Your balance will also not be displayed.
How to pay for train travel?
How to pay for train travel?
At the moment, you can only travel with your OV-pas with on balance. The cost of your journey will then be deducted from your balance.
How to check your OV-pas balance
How to check your OV-pas balance
You can check your balance on the ticket machine or in the OVpay app. Visit ovpay.nl to download the app and pair your OV-pas. The conductor can also tell you your balance.
How to top up your OV-pas
How to top up your OV-pas
You can top up your OV-pas using the OVpay app. Regrettably, our ticket machines do not offer this service.
Do you have a OV-pas with a barcode? If so, you can top it up with cash at a Primera shop.
How do I activate automatic top-up?
How do I activate automatic top-up?
You can activate automatic top-up for your OV-pas at ovpay.nl or via the OVpay app.
Problems on the way
I overpaid for my trip
I overpaid for my trip
If you suspect that you overpaid for your trip, check the following:
- All your trips with public transportation are aggregated and billed together. Go to Mijn NS or use the OVpay app to verify the fares you were charged. With an OV-pas, you travel in 2nd class and pay the full fare.
- Check whether you didn't accidentally miss a check-in or check-out. If you do, then we will charge €20 (for missed check-in) or €33.30 (for missed check-out) to your account.
If you are sure you overpaid
Please contact our Customer Service. We recommend reaching out via the chat, as it will be easier for us to help you if you send us a screenshot.
I can't check in with my OV-pas
I can't check in with my OV-pas
There are two possible reasons.
- Your OV-pas has been blocked for public transportation, for example because you do not have the required minimum balance.
- Your OV-pas has been reported lost or stolen.
To find out more, check the display on the gate or card reader.
My OV-pas has been blocked
My OV-pas has been blocked
If you didn't report your OV-pas as lost or stolen yourself, your card was blocked because you do not have the minimum required balance. Make sure there is at least € 20 on your OV-pas and try again after no more than 15 minutes.
If you still can't check in, go to ovpay.nl to find out what to do next.
I have a question or complaint about travelling with the OV-pas
I have a question or complaint about travelling with the OV-pas
If you have a question or complaint about your trip, please reach out to the operator. In other words, if you travelled with NS, contact the NS customer service.
If you have a question or complaint about the OV-pas, how it works or a missed check-out, please contact the OVpay customer service through their website (ovpay.nl) or by calling 0900 14 33.