Top payment methods in Netherlands: A guide on best ways to pay
Wondering what the most popular ways to pay are in Netherlands? Explore the top payment options and choose wisely.
Netherlands, with a population of around 18.05 million people, has a GDP of approximately 1.27 trillion making it the 18th largest economy in the world. The official currency of Netherlands is the Euro (EUR)
A highly open and prosperous economy driven by international trade, financial services, and a high-tech agricultural sector. As a founding EU member, it is a key hub within the European single market, with Germany as its most significant partner.
| Country | Netherlands |
|---|---|
| Population | 18.05 million |
| GDP (USD) | 1.27 trillion |
| Global Ranking | 18th |
| 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 Netherlands?
The dominant online payment method in the Netherlands is iDEAL, which allows customers to pay securely and directly through their own bank's online environment. For in-store purchases, debit cards (with Maestro and V-Pay as common schemes) are the most popular method, and credit card acceptance can be limited. Tikkie is a widely popular mobile app for peer-to-peer payment requests, making it incredibly easy to split bills and share expenses.
How to pay in Netherlands
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 Netherlands.
| 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 |
| iDEAL | iDEAL is the dominant payment method for e-commerce. It is an online bank transfer system where users pay by securely logging into their own bank's portal. It is not a wallet. | Online |
| Debit Cards (V PAY, Maestro) | For in-person transactions, debit cards are the primary payment method. Contactless payments are standard. Note: Many places do not accept credit cards. | In-person |
| Bank Transfers (SEPA) | SEPA direct debits are standard for recurring bills, while credit transfers are used for one-off payments. | Online |
| Credit Cards (Visa, Mastercard) | Credit cards are used, particularly for online shopping on international sites or for travel, but are much less common for daily domestic retail than debit cards. | Online/In-person |
Traveling beyond Netherlands? Explore payment methods by country.
Is PayPal available in Netherlands?
Yes, PayPal is accepted in Netherlands.
Cover all your international travel expenses with the Wise Multi-Currency Card
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.
Please see terms of use and product availability for your region or visit Wise fees and pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.
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.