Payments

Payments in the Netherlands

You can make payments in the Netherlands in a number of different ways: with cash, by debit card or credit card, by mail, telephone or computer.

• In many shops, you can pay by debit card, chipknip electronic wallet, credit card, or simply in cash.
• If you pay by debit card, you will need your PIN (Personal Identification Number). Paying with the chipknip electronic wallet is designed for the payment of smaller amounts. With a credit card, all you need do is sign the payment slip.
• In more and more cities, it is only possible to pay for parking with the chipknip.
• The majority of supermarkets do not accept credit cards.
• Cheques are not used as a form of payment in the Netherlands.
• To withdraw cash in the Netherlands, most people simply use the cash dispenser or ATM (automatic teller machine). Larger sums can be withdrawn over the counter at the bank itself.
• 80% of the Dutch population pay for their purchases using a debit card and PIN, with no signature being required.  
• More and more Dutch people are choosing to organise their finances via online banking.
• It is standard practice to set up a direct debit mandate with regular suppliers (e.g. gas/water/ electricity or the newspaper) to enable them to debit the amount due from your account automatically.
• Instead of issuing a direct debit mandate, you can instruct your bank to transfer a fixed amount to a third party at regular intervals.