What Is iDEAL?
iDEAL is the Netherlands' most-used online payment method, handling over 60% of Dutch e-commerce transactions. It connects directly to your Dutch bank account — you pay at checkout through your bank's login, without a credit card or a separate account.
iDEAL is operated by Currence and supported by all major Dutch banks: ABN AMRO, ING, Rabobank, SNS Bank, ASN Bank, Triodos, Bunq, and Revolut NL. The payment goes through your banking app or internet banking and settles instantly.
Who Can Use iDEAL?
iDEAL requires a Dutch bank account. You do not need to sign up anywhere — it is built into your online banking. If you bank at a participating Dutch bank, iDEAL is already available to you.
If you do not have a Dutch bank account, iDEAL does not work. Alternatives accepted at the same platforms: Bancontact (Belgium), Sofort (Germany), SEPA transfer, or card.
Where Is iDEAL Accepted?
Most Dutch webshops accept iDEAL. Beyond the Netherlands, it is available at a growing number of international platforms. Notable examples: Dundle, Startselect, Coinsbee, Bitvavo, and Kraken all accept iDEAL. You will also find it at Spotify, Booking.com, and several other subscription services.
How to Pay with iDEAL
- Select iDEAL at checkout.
- Choose your Dutch bank from the dropdown.
- Log in to your bank's environment, in the banking app or browser.
- Review the payment details and confirm with your bank's authentication (PIN, biometric, or token).
- You are redirected back to the shop. The payment is confirmed instantly.
Fees and Limits
iDEAL is free for consumers. Merchants pay roughly €0.10–€0.35 per transaction, set by their bank. Payments are final: there is no chargeback mechanism. If a merchant makes an error, the refund has to come from them directly.
Most banks set a daily iDEAL limit of €10,000 per transaction, though individual bank limits apply.
