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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 2025, online spending decreased by 1% to €35.7 billion, mainly due to services such as travel and accommodation, insurance and tickets.
  • In 2025, 347 million online purchases were made. Of these, 302.2 million took place in the Netherlands. 44.8 million purchases were made across national borders, an increase of 9% compared with 2024. China consolidated its leading position.
  • Smartphones account for a growing share of payments for online purchases (32%).
  • Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) is growing, especially among younger age groups.
  • iDEAL remains the most widely used payment method, accounting for 71% of all online purchases, followed by credit cards (8%) 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.
  • Agentic Commerce and Agentic Payments represent the next major development in online payments.

Facts and figures

  • €35.7billion Dutch consumers spent €35.7 billion online in 2025.
    Dutch consumers spent €35.7 billion online in 2025.
  • 347million The number of online purchases remained stable in 2025, at 347 million purchases.
    The number of online purchases remained stable in 2025, at 347 million purchases.
  • 14million In 2025, the Netherlands had 14 million online shoppers.
    In 2025, the Netherlands had 14 million online shoppers.

Latest news

  • High confidence in Dutch payment system

    • News
    • Card payments
    Published on:
    Three-quarters of Dutch households have a high level of confidence in the payment system. This is evident from the annual confidence survey conducted by De Nederlandsche Bank(opens in new window) (DNB) on the financial sector in the Netherlands.

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.

Browse all frequently asked questions

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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