- Of all payment methods, 85% of the surveyed Dutch people most often choose the physical payment card, but the smartphone is also gaining ground.
- 75% of young adults (18-35 years) prefer to pay with their smartphone, a significant increase compared to 2022.
- 53% do not have enough cash at home for a week of basic needs, compared to 41% who do.
In 2025, trust in digital payment methods was high: 89% trust cards or mobile payments, almost as much as cash (88%). Although one in three still carries between €20 and €49 in cash, more than half (53%) typically pays with a debit card or mobile, regardless of the amount. Two in five respondents do not take a business seriously if only cash payments are accepted. Additionally, there is a small group (14%) that regularly pays with a wearable, such as a smartwatch, payment ring, or wristband. This payment method is particularly popular among Gen Z: 30% of 18 to 30-year-olds use a wearable to settle payments.
Mobile Payments Becoming More Popular
In recent years, mobile payments have become increasingly popular. In the 2022 survey, it was found that 38% of the Dutch sometimes to often used their smartphone to pay, now that figure is nearly half (47%). This growth is particularly visible among young adults: in 2025, 75% of 18 to 35-year-olds prefer mobile payments, compared to 62% in 2022. Among older age groups, this growth lags behind. In 2025, 41% of those aged 46 to 60 paid via mobile, and only 23% of those aged 61 and older.
Also notable are the differences between men and women regarding mobile payments. For women, speed (60%) is the most important reason to pay via mobile, while men primarily choose convenience (58%). Additionally, women prefer to pay with their smartphone so they can leave their wallet at home (54%), compared to 40% of men.
Dilemma: Wallet or Smartphone?
The Dutch were also asked what they would take with them if they had to leave their home in an emergency: their wallet or smartphone? The majority (51%) reach for their wallet with debit or other payment cards (51%). The smartphone comes in second place (47%), especially popular among 18 to 35-year-olds (68%). Those aged 61 and older are more likely to choose their wallet (73%).
Read also: Unox and the New Year's Dive: How to Create Brand Value
Enough Cash in Emergencies
If digital payments are temporarily not possible, over half of the respondents (53%) do not have enough cash at home to cover a week of basic needs. Last year, the government urged people to keep enough cash on hand for emergencies. Four in ten respondents (41%) say they do have enough cash at home for this purpose. Safety also plays a role: more than half (55%) feel safer with a bank card in their pocket than with cash, while 38% do not experience a difference.
Read also: Almost one million kilos of vegetables are at risk of being wasted
Flexibility and Speed Are Key
The Payment Monitor also shows that the Dutch find it particularly important that their preferred payment method is accepted everywhere (48%) and that payments are quick (47%). For a third (33%), it is essential that they do not first have to go to an ATM before making a purchase. Convenience and speed were again important themes for payment behavior in 2025.
'The Dutch consumer embraces digital payment methods and expects flexibility and freedom of choice. Safety and convenience are central to this. It is up to retailers to respond to this and ensure that payments can always be quick, safe, and easy, regardless of the chosen payment method,' said Jos van de Kerkhof, Country Manager Netherlands Visa Netherlands.
Read also: Received a provisional assessment as an entrepreneur? Here’s what you need to know
