Payments newsletter: Betaaljournaal 31

Many laws and regulations concerning cash are forthcoming

Until 2015, cash was still the most commonly used payment method at the point-of-sale in the Netherlands (54% of all payments in 2014). Ten years later, in 2024, only one in five transactions at the counter will be paid for in cash. The other four transactions will be carried out electronically, using a (contactless) payment card or a mobile phone. A lot has happened in recent years with regard to cash, and we are seeing various new developments and measures coming our way.

Payments in 2024 at a glance

At the start of the new year, we look back on collective payments in the past year with a factsheet. While debit card spending at the point-of-sale rose by 2.8% in 2024 compared to 2023, online iDEAL spending increased by no less than 13%. Annual turnover with iDEAL is now almost as high as with debit card payments. Tap-to-pay with smartphones or smartwatches continues to grow strongly at the point-of-sale, although this was not yet the most commonly used payment method in 2024.

Arjan Bol appointed new director of the Dutch Payments Association

The board of the Dutch Payments Association has appointed Arjan Bol as Managing Director, effective April 1, 2025. After a short handover period, our current director, Gijs Boudewijn, will retire on May 30, 2025. In mid-May 2025, the Dutch Payments Association will organize a symposium to bid farewell to Gijs Boudewijn and welcome Arjan Bol.

Minister of Finance presents vision for the financial sector in 2025

In a recent letter to the House of Representatives, Minister Heinen of Finance shared his vision for the financial sector in 2025. In his letter, he also addresses topics related to payments, such as cash, accessibility of banking and payment services, and the Basic Bank Account. We would like to share the vision of the Dutch Payments Association on a few important topics in the letter to the House of Representatives:

• We hope that the flexible agreements from the Cash Convenant can be incorporated into the upcoming legislation and regulations on cash.
• Banks are already working closely together to provide accessible services. We do not believe that new legislation is necessary for this.
• The range of Basic Bank Accounts available to people who are unable to open a regular bank account is sufficient. Five Dutch banks offer Basic Bank Accounts that exceed the minimum legal requirements.
• Rules for basic payment accounts for merchants must come from the EU in order to ensure a level playing field between all member states. Until then, we prefer self-regulation over national legislation.

Milestones for Accessible Banking in 2024 at a glance

We also look back on the Accessible Banking program in 2024 with an insightful factsheet. Within the program, banks are working to make their digital products and services more accessible and to offer more help to customers who have difficulty using digital services. Much has been set in motion in 2024. In 2025, we will focus on raising awareness of all the possibilities.

See all the milestones in 2024 in our factsheet.

Wide range of payments accounts

A well-functioning payments account is essential for everyone, both consumers and merchants. Who are the providers in the Netherlands, and what should you pay attention to? On our website, we provide an overview of the most important points to consider and options available.

Read more about the wide range of payments accounts available in the Netherlands.

Gijs Boudewijn appointed Chairman of the European Payments Council

On December 18, 2024, the General Assembly of the European Payments Council (EPC) elected Gijs Boudewijn as its new chairman for a two-year term, effective June 11, 2025. This will enable a smooth handover from the current chairman, Javier Santamaría. On May 30, 2025, Gijs Boudewijn will retire as director of the Dutch Payments Association.