Top payment methods in Belgium: A guide on best ways to pay
Wondering what the most popular ways to pay are in Belgium? Explore the top payment options and choose wisely.
Belgium, with a population of around 11.86 million people, has a GDP of approximately 684.86 billion making it the 23rd largest economy in the world. The official currency of Belgium is the Euro (EUR)
A highly diversified and open economy driven by services, manufacturing, and high-tech industries, benefiting from its central geographic location. As a founding member of the European Union, its economy is deeply integrated with other EU member states, especially Germany and France.
| Country | Belgium |
|---|---|
| Population | 11.86 million |
| GDP (USD) | 684.86 billion |
| Global Ranking | 23rd |
| Currency | Euro (EUR) |
Spend abroad with the mid-market exchange rate - no markups, and no sneaky transaction fees.
What is the main payment method in Belgium?
The leading payment method in Belgium is the national debit card scheme, Bancontact, which is often co-branded with Maestro or V-Pay and includes a popular mobile app for QR code payments. Credit cards from networks like Visa and Mastercard are also widely used, particularly for online shopping, international travel, and larger retail purchases. For recurring bills such as rent and utilities, the SEPA (Single Euro Payments Area) credit transfer is the standard.
How to pay in Belgium
Each country has its own way of moving money, and choosing the right method can sometimes be difficult. That’s why we have curated the most popular and best payment options for you to use in Belgium.
| Payment Method | Description | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Wise | Wise provides international money transfer services. It is known for offering transparent, low-cost currency exchange rates and fast transfers. Wise uses the mid-market exchange rate and charges a small, upfront fee, making it a cost-effective alternative to traditional banks for sending money abroad. The platform also offers multi-currency accounts, allowing users to hold and manage money in multiple currencies. | Online/In-person |
| Bancontact | Bancontact is the leading payment method in Belgium. It is a local debit card scheme that is ubiquitous for both in-person contactless payments and online checkouts. | Online/In-person |
| Cards (Credit - Visa/Mastercard) | While Bancontact is preferred for debit, credit cards from providers like Visa and Mastercard are also widely accepted, especially for e-commerce, travel, and larger purchases. | Online/In-person |
| Digital Wallets (Payconiq) | The Payconiq by Bancontact app is a very popular mobile payment solution for P2P transfers, online payments, and in-store QR code payments. | Online/In-person |
| Cash (Euro) | Cash is still a frequently used payment method in Belgium, available for all types of transactions, although digital payments are more common. | In-person |
Traveling beyond Belgium? Explore payment methods by country.
Is PayPal available in Belgium?
Yes, PayPal is accepted in Belgium.
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Whatever you need to buy during your trip, whether it’s a travel adapter, train ticket or an extra bottle of sunscreen, the Wise Multi-Currency Card has you covered.
You can spend like a local in 150+ countries, as this clever contactless card automatically converts currency at the mid-market exchange rate whenever you spend - for just a small conversion fee.
And for extra convenience, you can add your Wise Multi-Currency Card to your Google Wallet or Apple Wallet. Then you can travel even lighter and pay using just your phone, with no need to pack the physical card.
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This publication is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Wise Payments Limited or its subsidiaries and its affiliates, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice from a financial advisor or any other professional.
We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether expressed or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date.