9 Payment Methods to Offer Netherlands Customers
Successfully expand your business to the Netherlands by learning the top payment methods Dutch customers expect. Netherlands payment methods are known for their seamlessness, trustworthiness, and convenience.
The top payment methods in the Netherlands’ market include both online payment methods and in-person options. Knowing these options will allow your business to accept payments from a wider range of customers, maximising sales.
These top 9 payment methods will get your business venture in the Netherlands off on the right foot.
Online Payment Methods
The following payment methods are used for online shopping in the Netherlands.
1. iDeal
iDeal is the top mobile banking payment method in the Netherlands. iDeal customers racked up over one billion transactions in 2021 alone. This popular digital payment method allows clients to pay directly through their bank accounts ensuring a secure and simple process for online purchases.
Why is this important? The Dutch value a streamlined and secure e-commerce transaction process. Offering iDeal as a payment method makes the checkout process easier and quicker for customers.
2. Mobile Payments
Mobile payments are among the most popular payment methods in the Netherlands market. These secure transactions are completed with smartphones using an app that connects to the customer’s bank account or payment card. Tech-minded Dutch clients find mobile payments a great fit for their lives because they are quick and convenient.
Why is this important? The mobile payments market is growing rapidly. This expansion makes it important to have a mobile payment option in your online or brick-and-mortar Netherlands business.
3. Credit Cards and Debit Cards
Debit and credit card payments are commonly used by the Netherlands population. Mastercard and Visa debit and credit cards are issued by Dutch banks and can be used for e-commerce purchases. Younger consumers particularly like this option, as well as people who are making international online transactions.
If your business is expanding to the Netherlands, be sure to find a reputable online payment service provider that accepts international payment cards. Global merchant service providers, like Unicorn Group, allow your business to securely accept international payments online through a global payment gateway.
Why is this important? A global payment processor that supports secure international transactions will allow you to process international card payments from Dutch customers successfully. Dutch consumers spent €7.8 billion online in Q3, 2024, according to the Dutch Payments Association. Make sure you get your slice of that pie and don’t miss out on revenue due to failed international payments.
4. SEPA Direct Debit
SEPA (Single Euro Payments Area) direct debit is used throughout the Netherlands and other areas of the EU for low-cost bank transfers in euros. This payment method is frequently used for monthly subscriptions and other recurring payments. SEPA transfers are a budget-friendly way to transfer money from one bank account to another within the SEPA community.
Why is this important? SEPA makes cross-border transactions easier to manage for businesses looking to reach customers in other EU countries.
5. Klarna
Klarna is a global payment and shopping service with over 85 million users worldwide. This company offers several online payment options including pay in full, invoices, instalment plans, and financing.
Klarna’s “buy now pay later” (BNPL) service is popular in the Netherlands. People enjoy the fact that BNPL payment services allow them to pay over a longer period of time. Please note that the Dutch government is seeking to limit Klarna’s expansion into physical retail stores. However, this payment method is readily available and widely used for online shopping.
Why is this important? If you have a business with online payment methods, offering Klarna may help reduce cart abandonment and increase your sales.
6. Cryptocurrency Payments
The Dutch crypto market is on the rise. It is legal to make cryptocurrency payments in the Netherlands. However, there are some regulations to keep track of to make sure your company stays compliant. Cryptocurrency is regulated to help prevent fraud and stay compliant with Anti-Money Laundering (AML) laws.
Your business may want to accept payments from Bitcoin or Ethereum to reach the more tech-savvy Dutch clients. Make sure to register with the Dutch Central Bank for legal operations.
Why is this important? Crypto is an innovative option for businesses that want a leading advantage over others who are not yet current with crypto.
7. PaySafeCard
A PaySafeCard is a prepaid payment method that allows customers to take part in e-commerce without a bank account, credit card, or personal information. The client purchases the voucher and receives a 16-digit PIN to use during checkout on any authorised website. This can include gaming and other online stores.
Why is this important? A PaySafeCard keeps online customer payments secure. For patrons who are nervous about the safety of e-commerce payment methods, being given the option to pay with a PaySafeCard could ease their fears.
In-Person and Online Netherlands Payment Methods
The following Netherlands payment method can be used both in person and online.
8. QR-Code Payments
QR-code payments are becoming an increasingly common way to pay in the Dutch market both online and in person. QR codes are a quick and easy way for customers to pay from mobile devices.
Before implementing QR-code technology, find out how to generate QR codes for payments. Understanding the process will help you decide if your business is ready to adopt this popular payment option.
Why is this important? Dutch customers who are tech-savvy enjoy the option to make contactless payments using QR codes.
In-Person-Only Netherlands Payment Methods
The following payment method is used in brick-and-mortar businesses in the Netherlands.
9. Cash
Cash is not as popular as it once was in the Netherlands. However, more than 90% of Dutch people value the option of paying in cash. Commonly, businesses accept cash payments for physical transactions.
Why is this important? It is important to accept cash payments to cater to all customer preferences.
Accept Payments from More Dutch Customers
Having a successful business in the Netherlands requires companies to offer locally preferred payment methods. Customers making e-commerce purchases or completing brick-and-mortar transactions will appreciate the availability of a range of popular payment options.
Online options like iDeal, mobile payments, debit and credit cards, SEPA, Klarna, and QR codes are all viable choices for businesses to implement in the Netherlands market. Physical stores should additionally offer the possibility of paying in cash.
Working with an international payment service provider will ensure a positive and safe purchase experience for Dutch customers, whether in-country or cross-border. When you create a seamless purchasing experience, you will encourage more sales to customers in the Netherlands.
