Debit card
A debit card (pinpas) has a Personal Identification Number issued for use with your bank account. The amount is transferred directly from your account to the payee’s account. You can negotiate a maximum daily limit with your bank when you open your account. Debit cards are accepted in most shops, restaurants and cash dispensers. In fact, sometimes you can only pay by debit card. If you see a sign saying “Hier Alleen Pinnen”, you cannot use cash and credit cards
Contactless
It is common to use a contactless payment method, such as Apple Pay. The embedded chip and antenna enable consumers to wave the card or a mobile telephone over a reader at a point-of-sale terminal. You can use this payment method for payments of less than €50 without entering a PIN code. For larger purchases or if consecutive contactless payments exceed the daily contactless limit of €100, you will need to enter your PIN code.
iDEAL
iDEAL is a Dutch online payment system that allows you to pay via your bank. iDEAL is widely used, not only for web shops, but also for things such as energy bills and municipal taxes. You can choose how to approve your payments: on the iDEAL payment page via the QR code, with a confirmation in your banking app or via your bank.
PAYPAL
PAYPAL is also widely used for internet payments.
Tikkie
Apps such as Tikkie are often used to pay back or request payment from friends/colleagues. If someone owes you money, you simply enter the amount into the Tikkie app, say what it is for, and then choose who should pay. You can send your payment request via a QR code, WhatsApp, SMS or other channels. A link is sent to the relevant person/s. When they click on the link, they are directed to their current bank account and pay you through iDEAL.
International money transfer
Dutch banks can arrange an international money transfer. You will need to provide your international banking code (ABA number for the US, IBAN or BIC for European banks), which is printed on your bank statements.
Credit cards
Credit cards are not widely used in the Netherlands and are generally not accepted in supermarkets. They are mainly used for bigger purchases and in restaurants, airports, and clothing shops.
Personal cheques and eurocheques
Personal cheques and eurocheques are not commonly used in the Netherlands.