About Us
iDEAL is an online payment method that allows consumers to pay via their own bank. Not only web shops but also other companies offer iDEAL. iDEAL is increasingly used for paying energy bills, donations to charities, topping up call credits, payment requests, paying municipal taxes, traffic fines, etc...
Introduction
ince 2005, iDEAL has been the standard for online payments in the Netherlands. As the most widely used payment method, iDEAL offers millions of consumers a secure and convenient way to pay, both online and in physical stores.
The creation of iDEAL
iDEAL was introduced in 2005 by the largest banks in the Netherlands with the goal of creating a standardised and simple payment method for online transactions. Since then, iDEAL has grown to become the preferred payment method for Dutch consumers.
Why iDEAL?
The primary objective was to provide a secure, bank-based payment solution that was trusted by both consumers and businesses. From the start, collaboration with banks was crucial to iDEAL's success.
Key milestones:
- 2008-2015: Explosive Growth:
Within just a few years after its launch, iDEAL surpassed 100 million transactions. Major Dutch banks such as ING, ABN AMRO, and Rabobank continued to invest in iDEAL's infrastructure to meet the growing demand.
- iDEAL QR and Mobile Payments (2016):
With the rise of mobile banking and the shift towards mobile payments, iDEAL introduced innovative services such as iDEAL QR, allowing users to make fast and easy payments via their smartphones.
- Trust and Usage:
Through seamless integration with existing bank accounts and the trusted position of banks, iDEAL managed to secure a 70% market share of all online payments in the Netherlands.
Launch of the new iDEAL (2023):
To ensure that iDEAL remains future-proof, the new iDEAL was launched in 2023, featuring new functionalities such as iDEAL Snel betalen and iDEAL Snel bestellen. These updates enhance user convenience and shorten the payment process, with the introduction of the iDEAL profile being a key feature.
What is EPI?
The European Payments Initiative (EPI) is an ambitious collaboration between major European banks, including ABN AMRO, ING, and Rabobank, aimed at developing a uniform, pan-European payment system. This system seeks to provide an alternative to existing international providers and harmonise European payments.
The role of iDEAL within EPI:
On 31 October 2023, iDEAL was partially transferred to the European Payments Initiative. Together with Payconiq International, iDEAL forms a foundation for the European payment solution that will be available in multiple countries in the future. This transition highlights iDEAL's value as a reliable platform and underscores the ambition to facilitate cross-border payments across Europe.
The future of iDEAL within EPI
As part of EPI, iDEAL will be further integrated into a broad European network, meaning that users can expect the same payment conveniences, both nationally and internationally.
The role of iDEAL in Europe and the transition to Wero
With the transition to the European Payments Initiative (EPI), iDEAL is set to be gradually replaced in the Netherlands by Wero, the new pan-European payment solution, which is expected to be fully implemented by 2028. Wero aims to provide a unified solution for both domestic and cross-border payments within Europe.
While iDEAL will continue to play a trusted role in the Netherlands during the transition period, the shift to Wero is crucial in establishing a standardised European payment infrastructure. Wero will introduce new payment options designed to meet the needs of the European market, while maintaining the security and efficiency that iDEAL is known for.
The transition from iDEAL to Wero represents an important step in the harmonisation of European payments, with the familiar functionalities of iDEAL being adopted and integrated into a broader European ecosystem. This will offer consumers and businesses greater flexibility and efficiency in their payment processes.
The evolution of iDEAL
In nearly two decades, iDEAL has grown from a national online payment solution into a key component of Europe's payment infrastructure. With its continuous focus on innovation and collaboration, iDEAL is ready to play a leading role in the future of digital payments across Europe.
Since 2005, iDEAL has been the Dutch standard for online payments, used by nearly 100% of Dutch consumers. More than 210,000 businesses offer this simple and secure payment method in their webshops, payment requests, and invoices.
Each year, over 1 billion transactions are processed, averaging 3.5 million transactions per day, with peak days exceeding 6 million. 70% of all e-commerce transactions in the Netherlands are made via iDEAL.
Our Mission
Leading in digital payments and data sharing services.
Our Vision
An iDEAL product is used for every payment in the Netherlands. This is fast, reliable and easy.
Innovative
In a rapidly changing digital world, iDEAL is the frontrunner. We embrace technological innovation to make online payments increasingly simple and efficient. Our recent expansions, such as the iDEAL payment page and the iDEAL ‘Checkout' and ‘Pay fast' features, are perfect examples of this.
Entrepreneurial
At iDEAL, entrepreneurship is in our DNA. We are constantly looking for new opportunities to expand and improve our services. We take initiative and dare to think big, always with the goal of creating the best payment experience for our users.
Meaningful
iDEAL is more than a payment method; we make a difference in people's daily lives. Whether it’s paying a bill, supporting a charity, or shopping securely at your favorite online store: we make it possible, in a way that is accessible to everyone.
Trusted
Trust is the foundation of everything we do. We work closely with major banks to ensure that your payments are safe and worry-free. You can count on us, time and time again.
Current Outages
We strive for flawless service. However, if there is an outage with your bank, you can easily check this via our iDEAL availability page.
Strong Together
iDEAL is more than a payment method. We are a team of driven professionals who work every day to provide the best online payment experience for you.
