In the Netherlands, traditional savings accounts often yield less than 2% interest (as of 2025). For people looking for a safe and simple alternative, there’s a surprisingly effective option hidden in your grocery cart: koopzegels.
Yes, those little digital savings stamps from Albert Heijn and other supermarkets might seem old-fashioned, but they can actually give you a 6%+ return, risk-free. Here’s how they work, how to cash them out, and why they’re worth considering.
What Are Koopzegels?
Koopzegels are savings stamps you collect by paying a small extra amount on top of your grocery bill at certain Dutch supermarkets like Albert Heijn, Jumbo, or PLUS.
It’s an old-school system, but still going strong in the digital age. Most stores now track your stamps in their app, so there’s no more sticking paper stamps into a booklet.
Here's how it works at Albert Heijn:
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For every €1 spent, you can buy 1 koopzegel for €0.10
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If you have Albert Heijn Premium, you can buy 2 koopzegels for €0.20 per €1 spent
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Stamps are stored digitally in the Albert Heijn app
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Once your digital stamp booklet reaches 490 koopzegels (€49), you receive €52 back
That’s a €3 profit for every full booklet—simple and automatic.
What’s the Return on Investment?
Let’s break down the math:
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You invest: €49
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You get back: €52
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That’s a €3 profit, or a 6.12% return
In comparison:
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A Dutch high-interest savings account in 2025 might offer 1.5–2% annually
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Koopzegels offer more than 3x the return—and it's practically risk-free
Yes, it takes time to fill a booklet, but the return is fixed and guaranteed by the store.
How Do You Cash Them Out?
Once you fill a stamp booklet, you can cash out in three ways:
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At the Service Desk
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Ask them to transfer the amount directly to your bank account
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At Checkout (in-store)
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Use your stamps to settle your grocery bill
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At self-checkout, your purchase must be above €52 to use a full booklet
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With Online Orders
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Redeem 1 booklet per online grocery order
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Note: You can redeem a maximum of 10 booklets per day in-store.
Real-Life Example: Our Family’s Experience
We’re a couple with no kids, and we do most of our grocery shopping at Albert Heijn. Here’s what it looks like in practice:
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We spend about €400–€500 per month on groceries (including koopzegels)
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We have Albert Heijn Premium, so we collect 2 koopzegels per €1
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We started collecting koopzegels in February 2023
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As of July 2025, we’ve filled 50 full booklets
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That’s €2686 saved, including €153 in interest
That’s like getting paid €153 just for sticking with your usual grocery habits!
Partial Booklets: What If You Don’t Fill One?
You don’t have to wait for a full booklet to get your money back:
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Up to 254 stamps: You get €0.10 per stamp back (no bonus)
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255 to 489 stamps: You get €0.10 per stamp + €0.50
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490 stamps (full booklet): You get the full €52, which includes the €3 bonus
So yes—you can cash out at any time, but to get the best return, it's smart to wait for a full booklet.
Is It Really Worth It?
Yes, if you shop regularly at Albert Heijn (or another store offering koopzegels), it’s absolutely worth it.
Here’s why:
Pros:
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Risk-free 6% return
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No effort required—it’s part of your shopping
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Digitally tracked in the AH app
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Feels rewarding—like building a small emergency fund or vacation savings
Cons:
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It takes time to fill a booklet
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You need to remember to opt-in when checking out
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Payout rules are a bit limited (e.g., max 10 booklets/day, 1 for online)
If you’re not a fan of complicated investments or don't have the time to chase bank interest rates, koopzegels are a hidden gem. They're simple, safe, and rewarding.
Whether you use the money to pay for a weekend getaway, a second-hand bike, or just to pad your savings, it’s a great way to turn everyday spending into something more.