Business payment requests (“betaalverzoeken” in Dutch) are a core part of how companies get paid in the Netherlands. They shorten payment cycles, improve liquidity, and minimize reconciliation work without changing how customers pay. Dutch businesses rely on betaalverzoeken to collect payments quickly through familiar banking flows such as iDEAL. From 2023–2024, iDEAL payments at businesses in the Netherlands rose as much as 14%.

Below, we’ll break down how business payment requests in the Netherlands work, payment systems that support them, and how companies can use them to build faster, more efficient payment workflows.

What’s in this article?

• What is a business payment request in the Netherlands?
  
• Which payment systems support business payment requests in the Netherlands?
  
• How do Dutch businesses use payment requests instead of invoices or card payments?
  
• How do payment requests affect reconciliation, cash flow, and accounting processes?
  
• What considerations apply to business payment requests for Dutch businesses?
  
• How can businesses implement secure, compliant, and efficient payment request workflows in the Netherlands?
  
• How Stripe Payment Links can help
  

What is a business payment request in the Netherlands?

A business payment request (“zakelijk betaalverzoek” in Dutch) is a digital method of asking a customer to pay a specific amount immediately. Freelancers, service businesses, marketplaces, and larger companies use these requests when they need payment quickly.

Business payment requests typically use iDEAL, which moves money directly from the customer’s bank to the business account and is widely used and trusted across the Netherlands. As of January 2024, iDEAL transactions accounted for nearly 70% of all payments made in the Netherlands. From the start of 2026, Dutch customers and businesses began transitioning from iDEAL to the pan-European digital wallet, Wero.

Which payment systems support business payment requests in the Netherlands?

Businesses with higher volumes, recurring payments, or more complicated workflows often benefit from using providers like Stripe to send business payment requests. These providers offer iDEAL (and soon Wero) payment requests through payment links, invoices with built-in payment buttons, and support for branding, real-time tracking, automation, and additional payment methods.

Businesses with lower volumes or occasional use can create payment requests directly in many online banking apps by entering an amount and description. These requests settle quickly and usually cost very little.

Some tools are designed specifically to send payment links through specific channels, such as text message (SMS) and email, often with higher transaction limits. They still rely on iDEAL in the background so the customer experience stays consistent.

The customer payment flow is largely the same across systems, but the business experience varies. Banks prioritize simplicity, while platform solutions prioritize flexibility, integration, and visibility.

How do Dutch businesses use payment requests instead of invoices or card payments?

Instead of sending an invoice and waiting weeks for payment, businesses can send a payment request alongside the invoice or immediately after delivering a service. They can include the payment request within the invoice itself via a payment link or QR code. That keeps the formal invoice intact while giving customers a “pay now” option that can dramatically shorten payment times.

If an invoice goes unpaid, many businesses send a payment request, rather than a second invoice, as a reminder. The request acts as a prompt and decreases the effort required for the customer to settle the balance.

Businesses also use payment requests for deposits, partial payments, adjustments, or one-off fees that don’t fit neatly into a standard checkout flow. The flexibility makes it easier to request the exact amount owed without rebuilding pricing or checkout logic.

Because iDEAL is so widely used, payment requests often replace card payments for domestic customers. They avoid card fees, lower failed payments, and send funds straight to the business bank account. Service providers such as freelancers, tradespeople, and delivery businesses use payment requests to get paid immediately without carrying a card terminal. Links or QR codes can replace cash, cards, and manual bank transfers.

How do payment requests affect reconciliation, cash flow, and accounting processes?

In the Netherlands, business payment requests are typically paid more quickly than standard invoices. That reduces outstanding receivables and improves day-to-day liquidity. Customers don’t need to manually enter amounts or references, which helps decrease incorrect payments and misapplied transfers. And because the payment experience is immediate and familiar, they’re less likely to delay payment. Faster settlement and clearer payment status give finance teams a more accurate view of incoming cash.

When it’s done right, a payment request includes a predefined reference, such as an invoice number or customer ID. This enables cleaner reconciliations and minimizes manual follow-ups. Many payment request tools show real-time status so businesses can see which requests are paid and which are still outstanding. Businesses still issue invoices for compliance and recordkeeping purposes, but payment requests handle the collection step.

Payment request data can also be exported or integrated directly into accounting software. When a request is paid, invoices can be automatically marked as settled. This keeps books up-to-date without duplicate entries.

What considerations apply to business payment requests for Dutch businesses?

Businesses experience the best results when they think through compliance, customer confidence, and whether payment requests are the right fit for them before they scale up.

Consider the following:

• Invoicing and tax compliance: Businesses still need to issue invoices that meet Dutch value-added tax (VAT) and recordkeeping requirements, especially for B2B transactions.

• Customer trust and clarity: Every payment request should state whom it’s from and what it’s for so it doesn’t feel unexpected or suspicious.

• Security and fraud awareness: Payment requests should always route through trusted providers and official banking flows. Businesses should avoid sending unexplained links and educate customers on how legitimate requests are delivered.

• Costs and pricing impact: While iDEAL payment requests are typically low-cost, fees vary by provider and volume. Stay aware of costs.

• Payment limits and volume: Some tools cap the maximum amount per request or the number of requests that can be sent. Businesses that handle high-value or high-frequency payments should confirm limits before they rely on one platform for their operations.

• Customers’ payment preferences: While many Dutch customers are comfortable with using iDEAL, some clients (especially international or enterprise buyers) might look for traditional invoicing or bank transfers.

• Consistent operations: Payment requests should fit cleanly into existing billing and finance workflows. Improvised use can create tracking gaps, if requests aren’t logged or reconciled systematically.

How can businesses implement secure, compliant, and efficient payment request workflows in the Netherlands?

Payment request workflows should be transparent, predictable, and automated where possible.

Here are some best practices for designing and maintaining this workflow over time:

• Automate your processes: Payment providers like Stripe allow businesses to generate and send payment links programmatically or on a schedule, which keeps collections consistent without manual effort.

• Make it easy for the customer: Tie every request to an invoice number, customer, or contract, and keep your requests predictable, accurate, and detailed. Integrate payment requests into your invoices to get paid without delay.

• Maintain visibility and controls: Teams should be able to see which requests are paid, pending, or expired in one place. Access controls and audit logs help prevent mistakes and support internal accountability.

• Periodically review your process: Look at payment timing, failure rates, and customer feedback. As volumes grow, payment behavior changes. Monitoring will help you fine-tune workflows and spot bottlenecks early.

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