Payment solutions for every business

A payment instrument is the tangible tool used to execute a payment, like a payment card, a transfer via your business account, or even cash. A payment method, on the other hand, describes how that payment is made. Examples include iDEAL, credit card, direct debit, or an online payment link.

For entrepreneurs, it's important to understand both: the right payment instrument determines the speed and security of the transaction, while the chosen payment method often dictates how user-friendly it is for your customer. With Qonto, you have access to modern payment instruments like physical and virtual cards, and flexible payment methods such as transfers, direct debits, and payment links. This way, you manage everything centrally and never lose track.

In the Netherlands, Wero iDEAL has been the most popular payment method for online transactions for years, especially for consumers who want to pay safely and quickly through their own banking environment. For entrepreneurs, Wero iDEAL is a must-have because customers expect it in webshops and payment requests. Additionally, business payment instruments like payment cards (Mastercard or debit cards), SEPA transfers, and direct debits are indispensable. For international trade, SWIFT transfers and credit card payments are essential. Qonto combines all these payment methods into one smart business account, so you're not dependent on multiple providers and all your payments — national and international — run smoothly.

Yes, Qonto allows customers to pay via the iDEAL payment method. This is ideal for entrepreneurs active in the Netherlands who want to offer their customers a familiar payment experience. You can easily send a payment method link, for example via email, WhatsApp, or SMS. Your customer then chooses Wero iDEAL as the payment method and completes the transaction within seconds in their banking app. This increases the likelihood that invoices are paid faster and reduces the risk of overdue payments. Combined with Qonto's other payment methods, such as payment cards and transfers, you have a complete package to always offer your customers a suitable option.

Qonto offers various online payment solutions that make it easier for entrepreneurs to receive and make payments. Think of virtual payment cards that you can create instantly for online subscriptions, software licenses, or marketing expenses. Additionally, you can send payment links via Qonto, a user-friendly online payment method that allows customers to settle their invoice with one click via Wero iDEAL or card payment.

This is especially useful for freelancers and small businesses who want to get paid quickly and securely, without complicated integrations or separate payment providers. By centralizing all online payment solutions in your Qonto account, you maintain control, oversight, and security — and save time on your administration.

Yes, with Qonto you can easily integrate your business account and payment instruments with external platforms. Think of using your Qonto cards as a payment method at marketplaces like Amazon or Shopify. Whether you are a B.V., freelancer, or partnership.

This means you can easily pay for international purchases or advertising budgets. For administration and oversight, integrations with accounting software are possible, allowing all your transactions to be automatically synchronized and categorized. This applies to all your payment methods: from card payments to direct debits and online payments. Entrepreneurs working with platforms like Amazon benefit from oversight and efficiency without having to manage different payment solutions manually.

Today, there are many different payment solutions for entrepreneurs, depending on how and where you receive payments. Online shops often use online payment solutions like Wero iDEAL, credit cards, or digital wallets, while physical stores more often choose pin payments and contactless transactions. Additionally, mobile payment solutions like paying via smartphone or QR codes are gaining popularity.

The right payment solution depends on your target audience and channel. For example, Dutch customers often prefer Wero iDEAL for online purchases, while international customers are more likely to pay with credit cards or other digital payment methods. By combining multiple payment methods, you offer customers flexibility and increase the chance of successful transactions.

A payment solution is a system or technology that allows businesses to receive and process payments. This can include online checkouts, credit cards, payment terminals, payment cards, or integrated software that brings various payment methods together on one platform.

Modern online payment solutions often offer more than just accepting payments. They combine transaction processing with reporting, security, and integrations with accounting software. For entrepreneurs, this means they can centrally manage payments, whether it's webshop transactions, subscriptions, or mobile payments on the go.

The “best” online payment system varies per business and depends on factors such as target audience, transaction costs, international ambitions, and integrations. Good online payment solutions support multiple payment methods, such as Wero iDEAL, virtual credit cards, and digital wallets, and offer real-time insight into payments.

For Dutch entrepreneurs, it is often important that a payment solution supports local payment methods but is also scalable for international growth. When choosing a system, consider ease of use, security, transparent costs, and connections with your business account or administration. This ensures that your payment process remains efficient as your business grows.

In the Netherlands, there is currently no fixed legal limit for cash business payments between companies, but there are stricter controls around money laundering rules and administration. Entrepreneurs must correctly register every payment method in their accounting, including cash transactions. Additionally, more and more companies are working with digital payment solutions to increase transparency and security.

Many entrepreneurs are therefore switching to online payment solutions or mobile payment solutions, as these automatically create a payment receipt and overview. This makes it easier to manage your business payments and reduces the chance of errors or disputes afterward.

Business payments are all transactions you make from your company, such as payments to suppliers, salaries, subscriptions, or online purchases. Each transaction is processed via a specific payment method, for example, a bank transfer, business payment card, or digital checkout.

Modern payment solutions help entrepreneurs manage these payments centrally. Think of combining payment cards, transfers, and online payment methods in one environment. Especially for growing companies, integrated online payment solutions ensure that you gain better insight into expenses and cash flow.

Business payment traffic refers to all incoming and outgoing cash flows within a company. This includes invoice payments, subscription costs, recurring transactions, and international payments. Companies often use different payment methods for this, depending on their activities and customers.

With digital payment solutions, business payment traffic is increasingly automated. Online payment solutions and mobile payment solutions make it possible to track payments in real-time, set limits, and directly link transactions to your administration. This saves you time and keeps you in control of your financial processes.

iDeal will remain one of the most used payment methods in the Netherlands for the time being but will change its name to Wero. Work is underway on new European payment solutions that make cross-border payments easier. Initiatives such as instant payments and European digital payment methods may play a role in the future alongside or as an extension of existing systems.

For entrepreneurs, this mainly means that flexibility becomes important. By choosing online payment solutions that support multiple payment methods, you remain prepared for changes in payment traffic. This way, you can easily add new payment methods as they become more widely available, without having to replace your entire payment system.

No, you cannot pay suppliers via iDEAL with Qonto.

But honestly? In practice, you don't really need iDEAL for that.

With Qonto, you can easily pay suppliers via instant SEPA transfer or with (virtual) payment cards. Especially virtual payment cards are a much more flexible solution: you create them in seconds, link them to a specific budget or supplier, and pay securely online without using your main card.

Additionally, with Qonto, you can receive payments from customers via payment methods like payment links. This way, you combine the best of both worlds: flexible payments and getting paid faster.