Frequently asked questions about the OV-pas
The OV-pas is the successor to the OV-chipkaart. Here you can find when we will transfer season tickets, how to add credit, and other frequently asked questions.
Switching to the OV-pas
How do I get an OV-pas?
How do I get an OV-pas?
You cannot yet travel with an NS subscription on your OV-pas. If you have a subscription with us, we will let you know when you can switch.
At the start of next year we will begin transferring subscriptions. Until then you can continue to travel with your OV-chipkaart.
Do you travel 2nd class without a discount?
Then travel with your payment card or buy an OV-pas on ovpay.nl. If you prefer to buy the card in a shop, the OV-pas is also sold at all Primera stores. You can pay for it there in cash and top it up using the barcode on the card.
When will it be my turn?
When will it be my turn?
At the start of next year we will begin transferring subscriptions to the OV-pas. All our subscribers will eventually switch over. That is why it is a major operation that will continue until the end of 2027.
You will receive a message from us as soon as it is your turn. We cannot say exactly when you will receive your OV-pas.
How much does the new OV-pas cost?
How much does the new OV-pas cost?
The new OV-pas costs € 6,00. If you have a subscription with us, you will usually receive a free OV-pas from us. Only if you have NS Flex Basis or an annual season ticket for bicycle storage will you pay € 6,00 for your new card.
My OV-chipkaart has (almost) expired
My OV-chipkaart has (almost) expired
Has your OV-chipkaart expired or will it expire this year? You will still receive or be able to order a replacement OV-chipkaart.
Early next year we will start transferring season tickets to the OV-pas. You will receive a notification from us when it is your turn.
Can I keep travelling with my OV-chipkaart?
Can I keep travelling with my OV-chipkaart?
Yes, you can keep travelling with your OV-chipkaart while it is still valid. We will let you know when it is your turn to switch to the OV pass.
If your OV-chipkaart expires but you have not yet heard from us, you will still receive or be able to order a replacement OV-chipkaart.
Travelling with OV-pas
Where can I view my journeys and costs?
Where can I view my journeys and costs?
View your journeys and what they cost in Mijn NS. First link your OV-pas to your account. Your journeys with other operators only appear in the OVpay app.
When you check out you will not see on the card reader or gate what the fare for your journey was. You will also not see your balance.
I already have an OV-pas. Can I put my season ticket on it?
I already have an OV-pas. Can I put my season ticket on it?
No, that is not possible. At the moment you cannot travel with an NS season ticket on your OV-pas. Continue to use your OV-chipkaart to use your season ticket.
At the start of next year we will begin transferring season tickets to the OV-pas. You will receive a message from us when it is your turn.
Can I use Samenreiskorting?
Can I use Samenreiskorting?
No, not yet. You cannot use Samenreiskorting with your OV-pas because we cannot yet apply a discount or season ticket to the OV-pas.
If you want to use Samenreiskorting, use an OV-chipkaart or buy a discounted ticket.
Can I use door-to-door services such as OV-fiets?
Can I use door-to-door services such as OV-fiets?
Not all services can yet be used or paid for with your OV-pas. For example, you cannot rent an OV-fiets yet.
You already get a discount on Park and Ride (P+R) when travelling with your OV-pas. You can use your OV-pas to access bicycle storage, but you must pay the parking fee afterwards with your payment card.
About the pass
How does the OV-pas work?
How does the OV-pas work?
The OV-pas replaces the OV-chipkaart. Your details are no longer stored on the pass but in a well-secured online database.
This lets you arrange more things online and means you no longer need to visit an NS Ticket Machine (but you still can).
Travel on all public transport
For you as a traveller not much else changes. With your OV-pas you travel on public transport across the Netherlands. You check in and check out as usual.
So also by bus, tram and metro. Or on the ICE or IC Direct; you still have to buy a 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 many technical changes have been made.
Your details are no longer stored on the pass but in a well-secured online database. This lets you arrange more things online and means you no longer need to visit an NS Ticket Machine (but you still can).
Travelling without a discount in 2nd class?
Check in and check out easily with your payment card. This lets you travel by train without buying an extra pass. You cannot add NS season tickets to your payment card.
Is there an anonymous OV-pas?
Is there an anonymous OV-pas?
The OV-pas is anonymous if you order it online without an account and do not add a season ticket to it. In other cases the pass will contain personal details.
How is my privacy protected?
How is my privacy protected?
We take your privacy very seriously and pay close attention to it. See all the details in our privacy statement.
Costs and payment
How do I check and top up my balance?
How do I check and top up my balance?
Add your OV-pas to Mijn NS to check and top up your balance. You can also do this at an NS Ticket Machine.
The train conductor or service staff can also see your balance. OV Service & Tickets shops cannot do this yet.
How do I pay for my journey?
How do I pay for my journey?
At the moment you can only travel with your OV-pas using stored balance. The fare for your journey will be deducted from your balance.
How do I turn on automatic top-up?
How do I turn on automatic top-up?
Turn on automatic top-up for your OV-pas at ovpay.nl or in the OVpay-app
How much balance do I need on my OV-pas?
How much balance do I need on my OV-pas?
You need at least € 20 on your OV-pas to travel with us. You can easily check or top up your balance via Mijn NS.
Problems (while travelling)
I have been charged too much for my journey
I have been charged too much for my journey
Do you think you have been charged too much for your journey? Please check the following first:
- The amounts we debit from your account cover your travel across public transport. Check whether the costs per journey are correct in Mijn NS or the OVpay app.
- Check whether you missed a check in or check out. We charge € 20 for a missed check in and € 33,30 for a missed check out.
Have you definitely been charged too much for travel with us?
Please contact our Customer Service. Use the chat if you can so you can send a screenshot and receive quicker help.
I cannot check in with my OV-pas
I cannot check in with my OV-pas
There are two possible reasons for this.
- Your OV-pas has been blocked for travel on public transport. This can happen, for example, if you do not have enough balance on your OV-pas.
- Your OV-pas is registered as lost or stolen.
Also read the message that appears on the reader or gate to see the reason for your case.
My OV-pas is blocked
My OV-pas is blocked
If you have not reported your OV-pas as lost or stolen, it has been blocked because your balance is too low to travel. Make sure you have at least € 20 on your OV-pas and try to check in again after a few minutes (maximum 15).
Still not working? Go to ovpay.nl to find out what you can do.
I have a question or complaint about travelling with an OV-pas
I have a question or complaint about travelling with an OV-pas
Do you have a question or complaint about the journey itself?
Contact the carrier you travelled with. If you travelled on our train, you can contact our Customer Service.
Do you have a question about the OV-pas (how it works) or about a missed check out?
Please contact OVpay Customer Service through their website (ovpay.nl) or by phone at 0900-1433.