There are three types of OV-chipkaart:

Personal OV-chipkaart:

• Convenient if you travel regularly, for instance commuter traffic.
• Personalized, therefore non-transferable.
• Personalized benefits and discounts, for example for children and senior citizens.
• Autoreload option.
• Card can be blocked in the event of theft or loss.
• My OV-chipkaart: your travel information available online.
• Valid for 5 years.

Apply for a personal OV-chipkaart.

Anonymous OV-chipkaart:

• Transferable.
• Convenient if you travel infrequently.
• Completely anonymous.
• Does not have the personal OV-chipkaart options.
• Valid for 4 to 5 years.
  
  
  Disposable OV-chipkaart:
  An OV-chipkaart for one trip or for a predetermined short-term use. For example, a one-day train or bus ticket or, for tourists, a 3-day ticket for all public transport within the city of Amsterdam.