In the Netherlands, sending a payment request is a practical and popular way to get paid quickly. This can range from splitting the lunch bill with friends to managing client payments as a freelancer or small business. Familiar tools such as iDEAL—which processes about three-quarters of Dutch online transactions—make it easy to send a link or quick response (QR) code. Then, customers can pay instantly without exchanging banking information. For businesses, sending payment requests is a convenient and smart way to maintain a healthy cash flow, decrease administrative tasks, and receive payments on time.

To manage payment requests successfully, you should consider tools that match the needs of your business and customers. We explain how to send payment requests in the Netherlands effectively, including automation tools and tips for avoiding common mistakes.

What’s in this article?

• What is a payment request, and how does it work in the Netherlands?
  
• How can you send a payment request using iDEAL?
  
• What are the best tools for sending payment requests in the Netherlands?
  
• What information should be included in a payment request?
  
• How can businesses automate recurring payment requests?
  

What is a payment request, and how does it work in the Netherlands?

A payment request (in Dutch, betaalverzoek) is one of the easiest and most familiar ways to collect payments in the Netherlands. Sending a link or QR code is quick, and the recipient can pay instantly. Let’s look at how these requests operate:

How does a payment request work?

• Create a request: Using a bank app, a tool such as Tikkie, or payment service providers such as Stripe, enter the amount, and add a description to generate the link or code.

• Send the link: Share the link with the payer via email, WhatsApp, short message service (SMS), or another messaging platform.

• Wait for payment: The recipient clicks the link, chooses their bank, logs in, and pays.

• Receive confirmation: The payment deposits into your account, and both you and the payer get a confirmation.

Why are payment requests beneficial?

• Speed: Because there’s no need to enter a card number or other payment details, customers can pay quickly.

• Accuracy: Manual payments create more opportunities for errors, while payment requests automatically populate the payment amount for the customer.

• Tracking: Businesses know as soon as a payment is processed and can easily track payments.

• Security: Trusted bank and payment apps integrate payment requests, minimizing the risk of fraud.

How can you send a payment request using iDEAL?

Businesses in the Netherlands commonly send payment requests with iDEAL, the country’s most popular online payment method. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how to do it effectively:

Choose the right tool

Businesses have several options for sending iDEAL-enabled payment requests, depending on their needs:

• Banking apps: Dutch banks such as ING, Rabobank, and ABN AMRO allow businesses to create payment requests directly with their banking apps.

• Third-party platforms: While other tools might work well for one-off requests, they could lack the customization capabilities necessary for business use.

• Payment service providers: Businesses can create branded iDEAL payment links, automate recurring requests, and manage payments at scale with providers such as Stripe.

Create the payment request

To generate your payment link or QR code, log into your chosen tool or payments platform, and enter the payment details, including:

• Amount: The total the customer owes

• Description: The reason for the payment (e.g., “Invoice #1234 for design services”)

• Customer information: Name and contact details, if required

Share the payment link

Send the payment link directly to your customer via their preferred channel, which might include:

• Email: Ideal for invoices or formal communication

• WhatsApp or SMS: Great for quick, informal requests

• Embedded links: Placed on your website or checkout flow

For in-person transactions, display the QR code for customers to scan and pay immediately.

Pay with iDEAL

When customers click the link:

• They’re redirected to an iDEAL page where they select their bank.

• They confirm the payment through their bank’s app or website.

• The funds are almost immediately transferred to your account.

Track and confirm payments

When the payment is completed, you are notified in real time. Stripe allows you to monitor the payment status, send reminders for unpaid requests, and automatically reconcile payments in your system.

Why use iDEAL for business payment requests?

Businesses can process iDEAL payment requests without disrupting their workflow by integrating with providers such as Stripe. This saves time and provides customers with a stress-free payment experience. Other reasons to consider sending requests with iDEAL and Stripe include:

• It’s familiar and trusted: Dutch customers are already comfortable with iDEAL.

• Payments are fast: Payments are generally settled without delay.

• It’s flexible: iDEAL accommodates one-off requests, recurring payments, and large transactions.

What are the best tools for sending payment requests in the Netherlands?

The tools you use to send payment requests in the Netherlands can impact your experience with the process. Here are the best options for sending payment requests, with a focus on tools that support iDEAL:

Banking apps

Most Dutch banks offer built-in payment request tools through their mobile apps. You can quickly generate a request, turn it into a link or QR code, and send it—perfect for smaller, one-off payments.

For businesses, however, banking apps can be limiting. You won’t have access to valuable features such as branded requests, automated follow-ups, or detailed payment tracking.

Stripe Payment Links

If you’re looking for a business solution that’s flexible and customizable, Stripe Payment Links can meet a range of needs:

• iDEAL integration: Stripe provides a simple way to send requests with iDEAL so Dutch customers can pay using a method they already know and trust.

• Customization: You can create payment pages with your branding—including your logo and visual identity—for a polished product.

• Easy sharing: Stripe generates secure links you can send through any channel or embed on your site.

• Automation: For recurring payments (i.e., subscriptions or regular invoices), Stripe can automate the process so you don’t have to manually send each request.

• Real-time tracking: The Stripe Dashboard provides busy owners an overview of paid and pending requests, including whether any follow-ups are needed.

QR codes for in-person payments

If you run a business with a physical location, a QR code is a simple way to collect payments in person. With Stripe, you can create QR codes customers scan to pay instantly via iDEAL.

Invoices with embedded iDEAL links

For businesses that rely on invoices, tools that support embedded payment links can dramatically speed up how quickly you get paid. With Stripe Invoicing, for example, you can send expert invoices with a one-click iDEAL payment option.

What information should be included in a payment request?

A well-crafted payment request helps customers understand exactly what they’re paying for and how to complete the payment. Whether you’re sending a one-time request or automating recurring ones, including clear and relevant details makes the process smoother and reduces confusion. Here’s what every payment request should include:

Amount due

The most important detail to include is how much the recipient owes. Make the amount due very clear. If it’s a partial payment or includes value-added tax (VAT) or other fees, provide detailed information for full transparency. For example:

• “€150 for web design services (incl. 21% VAT)”
  

Payment description

A payment description is a short, clear explanation of the payment’s purpose. This helps customers recognize the request, which can increase the likelihood that they pay shortly after receipt. If the payment relates to a specific invoice, include the invoice number or reference number for easy recordkeeping and reconciliation. Examples of descriptions can include:

• “Invoice #1234: July marketing services”

• “Dinner split: Team outing on June 15th”

Due date

Inform the recipient when payment is due. For businesses, establish payment terms (e.g., “Due within 14 days”) to set expectations and reduce delays. For example:

• “Please complete payment by March 31, 2025.”
  

Payment link or QR code

The payment request’s link or QR code makes paying simple and fast. If you’re using a tool such as Stripe, this payment link will direct customers to a branded payment page where they can pay via iDEAL or several other options.

Your business information

For professionalism and clarity, include:

• Your business name and logo
  
• Contact information (e.g., email or phone)
  

This reassures customers that the request is legitimate and gives them a way to reach you if they have questions.

How can businesses automate recurring payment requests?

If your business uses recurring payments—such as for retainer clients—automating your payment requests could improve efficiency. Instead of manually sending the same payment requests each month—or chasing late payments—automation saves you and your customers time and effort. Stripe makes the process scalable, simple, and customer-friendly.

Send automated invoices with embedded payment links

For businesses that regularly invoice clients—such as freelancers or service providers—Stripe offers automated invoicing with embedded iDEAL payment links. This allows you to:

• Schedule invoices to go out on specific dates
  
• Include direct payment links for iDEAL so customers can pay in a few clicks
  
• Automatically send reminders for unpaid invoices
  

Use Stripe’s efficient customer portal

Stripe’s customer portal offers clients more control over their invoice payments while also reducing your administrative workload. With this tool, customers can securely update their payment details, view past and current invoices, and manage subscriptions on their own. This allows payments to proceed on schedule without manual intervention from the business.

Why automating payment requests matters

Using automated payment requests with Stripe can benefit your business in important ways. Here’s how Stripe can help:

• Saves time: Automation reduces repetitive manual tasks, as Stripe handles sending requests and reminders.

• Improves cash flow: Scheduled payments and automated follow-ups mean fewer delays and missed payments.

• Emphasizes your focus on customers: Dutch customers prefer paying with iDEAL, so supporting these payments is a wise choice.

• Scales with your business: Whether you’re managing a handful of recurring payments or thousands of them, Stripe can handle what you need as your business grows.