The most used e-commerce payment methods in the Netherlands 2014-2021

Which payment method do Dutch consumers prefer to use when shopping online? In 2020, more than half of all e-commerce payment transactions were done with iDEAL. This domestic bank transfer system allows online shoppers to use their debit card for online account and is supported by all Dutch consumer banks. Because of this, Dutch consumers used bank transfers relatively more for their e-commerce payments than consumers from the EMEA region (Europe, the Middle East, Africa). Consequently, 92 percent of online stores in the Netherlands offered iDEAL as a payment method in 2017. Credit cards, PayPal and Klarna/Afterpay were offered far less that year.

What is the e-commerce market size in the Netherlands?

In 2020, Dutch consumers spent around 27 billion euros on online shopping. Compared to the rest of the European Union, the Netherlands ranked as the fifth country of the EU-28 when it comes to e-commerce. 79 percent of consumers in the Netherlands purchased a good or service online in 2017. Only Sweden, Norway, Denmark and the United Kingdom reached a higher percentage.

How is e-commerce in the Netherlands going to develop?

According to a 2018 survey, both consumers as well as industry experts believe that e-commerce will take up a larger share in total retail sales come 2023. Specific product groups stand out in the predictions. Consumers expect to find the largest relative growth within food/near food, household electronics (for example, washing machines) and telecom. Industry experts believe that the largest growth will be within telecom and consumer electronics (like cameras).