How to Accept iDEAL Payments
iDEAL is the #1 payment method in the Netherlands with 73% market share. Learn how to accept iDEAL on your website, payment links, or invoices.
What is iDEAL?
iDEAL is a Dutch bank transfer system that lets customers pay directly from their online banking environment. Created in 2005 by major Dutch banks, it's now the default payment method for Dutch e-commerce — processing over 1.3 billion transactions annually.
How iDEAL Works
Select iDEAL
Customer chooses iDEAL at checkout
Choose Bank
Selects their bank from the list
Authenticate
Confirms in their banking app
Done!
Instant confirmation for both parties
Why Accept iDEAL?
73% Market Share
iDEAL dominates Dutch e-commerce with 1.3 billion transactions per year.
Bank-Level Security
Payments happen in the customer's secure banking environment. No card data shared.
Instant Confirmation
Real-time payment status. Know immediately if payment succeeded or failed.
No Chargebacks
Customers can't dispute iDEAL payments with their bank. Lower fraud risk.
Supported Banks
All major Dutch banks support iDEAL payments
How to Set Up iDEAL
Choose a payment provider that supports iDEAL. Mollie is most popular in the Netherlands.
Mollie
The most popular choice for Dutch businesses. Native iDEAL support with competitive rates.
- Create a Mollie account at mollie.com
- Complete business verification (KVK number required)
- iDEAL is enabled by default
- Connect Mollie to PayRequest or integrate directly
Stripe
Global payment platform with iDEAL support. Great for international businesses.
- Create a Stripe account
- Enable iDEAL in Dashboard → Settings → Payment methods
- Complete any required verification
- iDEAL appears automatically for Dutch customers
PayRequest + Mollie
Fastest setup. Connect Mollie and start accepting iDEAL in minutes.
- Sign up for PayRequest
- Go to Settings → Payment Providers
- Connect your Mollie account
- Create payment links — iDEAL is automatically available
Limitations to Know
Euros Only
iDEAL only works with EUR currency. Multi-currency stores need conversion.
Netherlands Only
Only customers with Dutch bank accounts can pay with iDEAL.
One-Time Payments
iDEAL doesn't support recurring payments. Use SEPA Direct Debit for subscriptions.
Refund Window
Refunds possible up to 180 days. May take up to 7 days to process.
The Future: iDEAL → Wero Transition
iDEAL is transitioning to Wero, a new pan-European instant payment system. Here's what you need to know:
- • Q1 2026: iDEAL rebranding begins
- • End of 2027: Full transition to Wero completed
- • For merchants: If you use Mollie or Stripe, the migration is automatic
- • Customer experience: Stays largely the same
Who Uses iDEAL?
Dutch E-commerce
Essential for any webshop selling to Dutch customers. Expect 70%+ of payments via iDEAL.
Freelancers & ZZP'ers
Send invoices that Dutch clients can pay instantly with their bank.
B2B Services
Accept business payments directly. No credit card fees, instant confirmation.
Marketplaces
Enable Dutch sellers and buyers to transact with their preferred payment method.
Subscriptions
Note: iDEAL itself is one-time only, but you can use SEPA Direct Debit for recurring.
International Selling to NL
Even if you're outside Netherlands, accept iDEAL to convert Dutch customers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is iDEAL and why is it so popular in the Netherlands?
iDEAL is a Dutch online payment system created in 2005 by major banks. It lets customers pay directly from their bank account without sharing card details. With 73% of Dutch online purchases using iDEAL, it's essential for any business selling to Dutch customers.
How much does iDEAL cost for merchants?
Mollie charges €0.29 per iDEAL transaction (no percentage). Stripe charges 1.4% + €0.25. There are no monthly fees — you only pay per transaction. PayRequest adds no extra fees on top.
Can I accept iDEAL if my business is outside the Netherlands?
Yes! You don't need a Dutch business to accept iDEAL. Payment providers like Mollie and Stripe let international businesses accept iDEAL payments. Funds can be paid out to bank accounts in most countries.
Do I need a Dutch bank account?
No. Mollie and Stripe can pay out to bank accounts in any SEPA country (all of EU). You can also use Wise or other services for non-EU payouts.
Can customers dispute iDEAL payments?
No. Unlike credit cards, iDEAL payments cannot be charged back. Once the customer confirms payment in their banking app, the transaction is final. This makes iDEAL very safe for merchants.
What is Wero and will it replace iDEAL?
Wero is a new pan-European instant payment system. iDEAL will transition to Wero between 2026-2027. The payment experience stays similar — merchants using Mollie or Stripe will be automatically migrated.
Related Guides
Start Accepting iDEAL Today
PayRequest + Mollie = instant iDEAL payments. Create payment links, invoices, and subscriptions for the Dutch market in minutes.