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Cash payments

Every Dutch citizen can use a debit card linked to a payments account to withdraw cash from an ATM. In the Netherlands, this can be done at Geldmaat's yellow ATMs, which also allow you to deposit money.

Recent developments in society

  • Cash is a topic of public debate.
  • Digital payment methods are gaining popularity due to their convenience and efficiency.
  • Cash remains essential for certain groups.
  • Voluntary agreements and legislation ensure that cash remains readily available and accessible.

Role of the Dutch Payments Association

  • The Dutch Payments Association strives to ensure that cash payments in the Netherlands function well, are affordable, secure, and accessible.
  • We stimulate innovation, seek a good balance between cash and digital payments, and work together with various stakeholders to achieve this.
  • We provide reliable facts and figures about the use and costs of various payment methods at the point-of-sale, including cash.

Our vision for the future

  • The Dutch Payments Association believes in a future in which cash and electronic payments continue to coexist.
  • We strive for an inclusive payments system in which everyone can pay in the way that suits them best.
  • We remain committed to reliable, accessible, secure, and affordable cash transactions—now and in the future.

Facts and figures

  • 1.4billion In 2024, 1.4 billion purchases were paid for in cash at the counter
    In 2024, 1.4 billion purchases were paid for in cash at the counter
  • €29.5billion The total value of cash payments at the counter amounted to €29.5 billion in 2024
    The total value of cash payments at the counter amounted to €29.5 billion in 2024
  • In 2024, nearly 1 in 5 cash register payments were made in cash
    In 2024, nearly 1 in 5 cash register payments were made in cash
  • 16% For payments between €50 and €100, 16% of transactions were paid in cash in 2024
    For payments between €50 and €100, 16% of transactions were paid in cash in 2024
  • 38% Consumers who find it (very) difficult to make ends meet paid 38% of their purchases in cash in 2024
    Consumers who find it (very) difficult to make ends meet paid 38% of their purchases in cash in 2024
  • 11% In 2024, only 11% of payments at vending machines were made in cash
    In 2024, only 11% of payments at vending machines were made in cash

Latest news

  • Make digital euro useful, simple and affordable

    • News
    • European legislation
    Published on:
    Political negotiations on the introduction of the digital euro have reached a decisive stage. The question is no longer whether the digital euro will be introduced, but how it will be introduced. The Dutch Payments Association and the vast majority of our members advocate for a digital euro…

A list of articles

See all the news

Frequently asked questions

  • What is the maximum amount I can pay in cash?

    From January 1, 2026, the maximum amount that can be paid in cash between a merchant and a consumer is €3,000. This is a legal requirement to prevent money laundering and tax evasion. Different rules apply between private individuals. You may pay each other more than €3,000 in cash. However, for private transactions above €10,000, both parties are required to report this to the Dutch Tax Administration. It is not permitted to circumvent the limit by splitting a payment into several parts, even between private individuals.

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Working together to ensure accessible cash

  • Cash Working Group

    The Cash Working Group discusses developments relating to cash and its availability in the Netherlands. The working group promotes coordination between banks and Geldmaat and contributes to accessible, reliable and well-functioning cash payments.

More about the Cash Working Group

Let's shape the future of payments together

Join the network of payment service providers working together to create a secure, reliable, accessible, and efficient payment ecosystem in the Netherlands.

  • Access to up-to-date knowledge and developments in payments
  • Influence on policy and standards in the Netherlands and Europe
  • Representing the sector to stakeholders
  • Part of the Dutch payment ecosystem