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Online payments

Online payments extend beyond just paying at web shops. For example, we also pay traffic fines and municipal taxes online. The term encompasses all forms of electronic payments via the internet, to web shops and other organizations.

Online payments are made using a variety of payment methods, including iDEAL, credit and debit cards, Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL), crypto, open banking, mobile requests-to-pay, and QR codes. Other forms of electronic payment include card payments and (account-to-account) transfers.

Recent developments in society

Purchases: number of final purchases, not canceled and not returned.
Spending: the total amount of all purchases, including VAT and excluding shipping costs.

  • In 2024, online spending in e-commerce (web shops) rose by 5% to €36 billion, mainly due to growth in services such as insurance and tickets.
  • That year, 345.3 million online purchases were made in e-commerce, of which 304.5 million were in the Netherlands and 40.8 million were cross-border.
  • More and more consumers are paying for their purchases in online stores via their smartphones (one-third of all e-commerce payments).
  • Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) is growing, especially among young people.
  • In 2024, iDEAL remained the most widely used payment method in e-commerce, accounting for 72% of all online purchases, followed by credit cards (9%) and direct debits (5%)

Role of the Dutch Payments Association

  • Encouraging reliable, accessible, secure, and affordable online payments for all participants.
  • Coordinating standards and infrastructure for online payments.
  • Collaborating with banks and payment service providers on innovations such as open banking and payments via QR codes.
  • Monitoring and analyzing trends in online payment behavior, including in the Thuiswinkel Markt Monitor.

Our vision for the future

  • We will inform merchants, consumers, and other interested parties about the transition from iDEAL to Wero; every iDEAL merchant will have made the switch by the end of 2027 at the latest.
  • Monitor European legislation that affects online payments, such as PSD3 and PSR.
  • Proactively promote the accessibility and inclusivity of online payments by supporting members and stakeholders in complying with the European Accessibility Act.

Facts and figures

  • €36billion Dutch consumers spent €36 billion online in 2024.
    Dutch consumers spent €36 billion online in 2024.
  • 345million The number of online purchases fell by 1% to 345 million in 2024.
    The number of online purchases fell by 1% to 345 million in 2024.
  • 14.1million In 2024, the Netherlands had 14.1 million online shoppers.
    In 2024, the Netherlands had 14.1 million online shoppers.

Latest news

  • First online lunch session updates members on current developments in the payments sector

    • News
    • European legislation
    Published on:
    On Wednesday, April 15, the Dutch Payments Association organized the first online lunch session of 2026. With this new series of meetings, it aims to quickly update members on the most important developments in the Dutch payments sector. The lunch sessions are specifically intended for members who participate less actively in working groups, task forces, and other formal bodies.

A list of articles

See all the news

Frequently asked questions

  • When will iDEAL switch to Wero?

    The transition from iDEAL to Wero will start in early 2026. Merchants and consumers will soon see a new logo: iDEAL | Wero. By the end of 2027 at the latest, every iDEAL merchant will have switched to Wero. After that, the iDEAL brand will gradually disappear.

  • What is the difference between iDEAL and Wero?

    iDEAL is an established Dutch payment method via bank transfer. Wero is a new European payment solution based on instant payments and open banking.

  • Is BNPL safe for consumers?

    Yes, provided it is used responsibly. Pay attention to the terms and conditions and pay on time to avoid additional costs.

  • What is the difference between a digital wallet and a credit card?

    A digital wallet is an app in which you store payment methods (such as a credit card) and which you can use to make tap-to-pay or online payments.

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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