A Dictionary of Dutchness

Chipknip

The chipknip is a smart card which can be uploaded with virtual cash via special machines at banks. It is designed to pay for small items and parking meters. The banks, which spent years developing the system, hoped it would lead to a phasing out of cash but the public has been reluctant to embrace it. However, with more and more automatic payment machines accepting cards only, the chipknip is being forced into people’s wallets.