Key takeaways
- Offer the payment methods your customers expect — in the Netherlands especially iDEAL.
- Compare providers on cost per transaction and convenience.
- More relevant payment options reduce your dropout rate.
- Microcart has iDEAL, Bancontact and credit card built in via Mollie.
Which payment methods you offer directly determines how many visitors actually pay. If a customer misses his familiar way of paying, he will drop out — even if the product was already in the basket. At the same time, you don't want so many methods that your checkout becomes a maze and you incur unnecessary costs. The trick is: the right basis, and only expand if your target group asks for it.
This guide lists the most important payment methods for a Dutch webshop — with their costs, who they are intended for, and the minimum you need.
The methods side by side
| Method | Costs (indication) | Who it’s for | Recommended |
|---|---|---|---|
| iDEAL | fixed amount per transaction (few cents) | Dutch customers | Must have |
| Bancontact | low, fixed per transaction | Belgian customers | When sold in BE |
| Credit card | ± 1,8–2,9% | abroad, business buyers | Recommended |
| PayPal | ± 2–3% + fixed amount | buyers with PayPal preference | Optional |
| Pay afterwards (Klarna, Riverty) | higher %, more administration | conversion increase | Consider later |
| Apple Pay/Google Pay | follows your provider | mobile buyers | Great on mobile |
The percentages are indications; your exact rate depends on your payment provider. You can read how the provider side works in Accept iDEAL in your webshop.
iDEAL: indispensable in the Netherlands
In the Netherlands, the vast majority pay with iDEAL. If you don't offer it, you will simply lose customers — no matter how good your product is. The big advantage besides the familiarity: iDEAL usually costs a fixed, low amount per transaction instead of a percentage. For larger orders, this is considerably cheaper than a percentage method. For almost every Dutch webshop, iDEAL is the first one you turn on.
What is the minimum you need?
This is the golden basis for most Dutch web shops:
- iDEAL — indispensable.
- Credit card — for foreign and business customers.
- Bancontact — as soon as you also sell in Belgium.
Start with that. You only add PayPal, Apple Pay and post-payment if you notice that your target group is asking for it.
Pay afterwards: opportunities and hooks
Pay afterwards (Klarna, Riverty) can increase your conversion — customers are more likely to order if they only pay after receipt. But it entails a higher percentage and more administration, and you will have to deal with payment reminders and non-payment via the provider. For clothing and more expensive products it may be worth it; don't start with it by default.
Pay attention to the total costs
In addition to the costs per method, some webshop platforms charge a own percentage on each sale, on top of your payment provider. That adds up as you grow — exactly the pitfall from the hidden costs of webshop platforms. Calculate your payment costs on your expected turnover, as in what a webshop costs; a platform with one fixed price without transaction costs keeps things predictable.
A checkout that converts
The method is one thing; the checkout surrounding it determines whether the sale continues:
- Show the payment logos clearly — recognition builds trust.
- Only request what is necessary and offer guest checkout.
- Show the shipping costs in advance, not only on the last screen.
- Make mobile payments work smoothly — that's where most traffic comes from.
If someone drops out during checkout, that sale can often still be made — see recover an abandoned shopping cart.
Common mistakes
- Not activating iDEAL (or switching it on too late) and thus losing Dutch buyers.
- Offering too many methods at the same time and making the checkout confusing.
- Do not pass on payment costs, including any platform fee.
- Only show shipping costs on the last screen.
Frequently asked questions
Which payment method is the cheapest?
iDEAL is usually the cheapest: a fixed amount per transaction, no percentage. Credit card and PayPal charge a percentage and are more expensive for high amounts.
Do I need PayPal?
Not necessarily. Some buyers like to use it, but iDEAL is more important for a Dutch webshop. Add PayPal if your target group asks for it.
What does post-payment cost?
Providers such as Klarna or Riverty charge a higher percentage and involve some administration. It can increase your conversion, but don't start with it as standard.
How many payment methods should I offer?
Keep it clear: iDEAL plus one or two additions (credit card and Bancontact for sales in Belgium) is enough for most starters.
Do I pay double costs?
This is possible if your platform charges its own percentage on top of your payment provider. To avoid that, choose a fixed-price platform with no transaction fees.
Get started
Set up iDEAL as a basis and top up with credit card (and Bancontact if you sell to Belgium). Calculate the total payment costs on your expected turnover and keep your checkout sleek and mobile-friendly. If you are still starting from scratch, start with the step-by-step plan to start a webshop.
