Mon, 08 Nov 2021 10:17:28 GMT Thu, 09 Apr 2026 12:00:00 GMT https://www.dnb.nl/en/ ‘Resilience isn’t abstract: it’s practical, tangible – and sometimes it fits right in your pocket,’ said Bas ter Weel in his opening address at DNB’s Retail Payments Research Conference 2026 on ‘Future-proof payments: innovative, resilient and inclusive’, on 9 April 2026. Thu, 09 Apr 2026 12:00:00 GMT https://www.dnb.nl/en/general-news/speech-2026/resilient-payments-cash-card-connected/ Payments should be secure and accessible for everyone, now and in the future. This requires extra effort in these times of geopolitical tensions and technological innovations. More choice is also essential, so that consumers, retailers and payment service providers have sufficient options for... Mon, 09 Mar 2026 12:00:00 GMT https://www.dnb.nl/en/general-news/background-2026/how-do-we-keep-the-payment-system-secure-and-future-proof-for-everyone/ De Nederlandsche Bank (DNB) aims to broaden the range of options in the payments landscape. Consumers, retailers and payment service providers should have sufficient options available to execute payments. Mon, 09 Mar 2026 12:00:00 GMT https://www.dnb.nl/en/general-news/press-release-2026/more-choice-essential-for-stronger-payment-systems/ The number of counterfeit euro banknotes in the Netherlands is declining. A total of 17,900 counterfeit euro banknotes were withdrawn from circulation in the Netherlands in 2025, a 26% drop compared with 24,100 counterfeit notes in 2024. The €50 note was counterfeited most often. Fri, 27 Feb 2026 12:00:00 GMT https://www.dnb.nl/en/general-news/news-2026/decline-in-counterfeit-euro-banknotes-in-the-netherlands-continues/ Dutch bank customers from the Silent Generation and the Baby Boom Generation assign even greater importance to a socially committed and sustainable bank than Millennial and Gen Z customers Wed, 10 Dec 2025 12:00:00 GMT https://www.dnb.nl/en/general-news/background-2025/older-bank-customers-have-greener-and-more-social-attitude-than-younger-generations/ In the first half of 2020 just over 15,700 counterfeit euro banknotes were withdrawn from circulation in the Netherlands. This was 23% less than in the first half of 2019. The decrease was most marked in the second quarter of 2020 (-47%) and can be attributed to the economic lockdown in the... Mon, 20 Oct 2025 09:20:23 GMT https://www.dnb.nl/en/general-news/press-releases-2015-2020/euro-banknote-counterfeiting-fell-during-covid-19-crisis/ De Nederlandsche Bank (DNB) calls on stakeholders in the payment chain to make agreements to ensure that cash remains readily accessible and available in the Netherlands in the next five years. DNB announced this today after outgoing Minister of Finance Wopke Hoekstra had presented... Mon, 20 Oct 2025 09:20:11 GMT https://www.dnb.nl/en/general-news/press-releases-2021/dnb-calls-for-new-agreements-about-cash/ Our payment system relies heavily on non-European service providers, leaving us vulnerable. And that is why we are now seeking European solutions to address this problem. In her latest payment blog, Inge van Dijk discusses the workings of our payment system. Fri, 10 Oct 2025 12:00:00 GMT https://www.dnb.nl/en/general-news/blog-2025/working-under-the-bonnet-of-our-payment-system/ New figures from DNB show that the Dutch used their debit or credit cards to pay for €198 billion worth of products and services in 2024. This represents a 15% increase from 2022. Although point-of-sale card payments still far outnumber them, online card payments in particular are on the rise. Fri, 04 Jul 2025 12:00:00 GMT https://www.dnb.nl/en/general-news/statistical-news/2025/card-payments-further-up-especially-online/ Dutch people are still strongly attached to cash as a payment option. This is according to a survey commissioned by De Nederlandsche Bank. An overwhelming majority of respondents (92%) say that being able to pay with cash is socially important. Thu, 19 Jun 2025 12:00:00 GMT https://www.dnb.nl/en/general-news/news-2025/the-dutch-support-cash-regardless-of-whether-they-use-it/ Consumers and retailers should be prepared for emergency situations in which the payment system is down for 72 hours. That could be the case if payment terminals are not working, ATMs are down or online banking cannot be used. Tue, 20 May 2025 16:00:56 GMT https://www.dnb.nl/en/general-news/press-release-2025/nfps-advice-prepare-for-a-three-day-disruption-of-electronic-payments/ Unknown does not necessarily mean unloved. DNB research shows that a majority of Dutch people would consider using the digital euro, should this digital counterpart to cash become available in the future. Tue, 15 Apr 2025 10:24:15 GMT https://www.dnb.nl/en/general-news/news-2025/majority-of-dutch-people-willing-to-use-digital-euro/ ‘The modernization of payment systems has cross-border implications and presents both significant opportunities and notable risks. As we embrace these innovations, we must remain vigilant and proactive in managing the associated risks to ensure the stability and resilience of our financial systems.’ Thu, 06 Feb 2025 12:00:00 GMT https://www.dnb.nl/en/general-news/speech-2025/cross-border-implications-of-the-modernization-of-payment-systems/ Digital payments are on the rise in the euro area, but cash was still the payment instrument used most often at points of sale (POS) in 2024. More than half (52%) of all POS transactions were paid in cash in 2024. Tue, 21 Jan 2025 12:00:00 GMT https://www.dnb.nl/en/general-news/news-2025/cash-remains-a-key-payment-method-in-europe-but-its-share-continues-to-decline/ Like eating, drinking and sleeping, spending money is simply part of life. But that doesn’t necessarily make it fun. Indeed, most people dislike spending money, according to research by De Nederlandsche Bank (DNB). Mon, 29 Jul 2024 16:16:17 GMT https://www.dnb.nl/en/general-news/news-2024/spending-money-hurts-but-less-if-you-re-a-teenager-paying-cash/ Consumers from vulnerable groups such as senior citizens, disabled people and those with low digital skills experience a decline in the accessibility and availability of payment services. This seems to be related to the fact that banks increasingly digitalise their services and close branches. Fri, 03 May 2024 15:06:22 GMT https://www.dnb.nl/en/general-news/news-2021/accessibility-of-payment-services-for-vulnerable-groups-deteriorating/ Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, De Nederlandsche Bank (DNB) has processed far fewer banknotes than usual. The intake of banknotes has in fact decreased so much that, for the first time ever, DNB is issuing more banknotes than it is receiving. Fri, 03 May 2024 15:06:21 GMT https://www.dnb.nl/en/general-news/news-2021/sharp-fall-in-banknote-circulation-due-to-covid-19-pandemic/ More than three quarters of the Dutch population expect they will still make cash payments five years from now, but 42% think they will do so less often than today. This was revealed by a survey on the use and perception of cash among some 1,000 Dutch citizens, held in February 2021 Fri, 03 May 2024 15:05:57 GMT https://www.dnb.nl/en/general-news/news-2021/confidence-in-cash-remains-high-even-with-decreasing-use/ More than 7 out of 10 point-of-sale payments were contactless in the Netherlands in 2023. More and more contactless payments are made using a smartphone or smartwatch rather than with a debit card. The traditional method of inserting a debit card is becoming less common. Mon, 15 Apr 2024 12:00:00 GMT https://www.dnb.nl/en/general-news/news-2024/mobile-payments-on-the-rise/ ‘Why do we need a central bank digital currency? To keep up with society. To pursue strategic autonomy. And to maintain access to public money in a digital world.’ Fri, 05 Apr 2024 12:00:00 GMT https://www.dnb.nl/en/general-news/speech-2024/public-money-keeping-up-with-the-times/ The total number of retailers and service providers in the Netherlands that do not accept cash remained unchanged from last year. Trends are shifting in some sectors, however. Cash is no longer accepted at 25% of car parks, up from 16% a year ago. Mon, 18 Mar 2024 07:49:35 GMT https://www.dnb.nl/en/general-news/news-2024/no-more-decline-in-cash-acceptance-at-most-dutch-points-of-sale-except-for-car-parks-cinemas-and-pharmacies/ Among Dutch married and cohabiting couples, women mainly pay the household expenses, such as groceries, while men pay the larger expenses, such as mortgage payments and taxes. But the trend is shifting: among younger generations, this division of tasks is significantly less clear-cut. Fri, 08 Mar 2024 12:00:00 GMT https://www.dnb.nl/en/general-news/news-2024/who-pays-for-what-traditional-division-of-tasks-is-fading-among-younger-generations/ A total of 17,400 counterfeit euro banknotes were withdrawn from circulation in the Netherlands in 2023, which is the lowest number on record and a reduction by more than half (54%) of the 2022 level. Mon, 29 Jan 2024 12:00:00 GMT https://www.dnb.nl/en/general-news/press-release-2024/number-of-counterfeit-banknotes-down-sharply-in-the-netherlands/ People with disabilities or low digital literacy or who have difficulty making ends meet particularly value cash. Of all Dutch people, 28% say they cannot do without cash and 7% say they only pay with cash at points of sale, but these percentages are higher for the aforementioned focus groups. Tue, 27 Jun 2023 12:00:00 GMT https://www.dnb.nl/en/general-news/news-2023/cash-plays-an-important-role-for-different-groups-in-dutch-society/ Finance Minister Sigrid Kaag wants banks to continue to provide adequate, basic cash facilities, as she wrote today in a letter to Parliament. In her letter, she also stresses that cash withdrawals and deposits must remain affordable for both consumers and retailers. Wed, 31 May 2023 12:00:00 GMT https://www.dnb.nl/en/general-news/press-release-2023/minister-takes-initiative-to-preserve-cash/ Dutch households' trust in financial institutions has remained stable over the past year, despite the recent problems faced by banks in the United States and Switzerland. During that period, households did think slightly more often about the possibility of Dutch banks failing. Tue, 02 May 2023 12:00:00 GMT https://www.dnb.nl/en/general-news/news-2023/public-trust-in-financial-institutions-remains-stable-despite-turmoil-in-financial-markets/ Dutch consumers and businesses made around 6.1 billion payments using a debit or credit card in 2022, representing a combined amount of €182 billion, new figures from DNB on payment transactions show. Mon, 01 May 2023 12:00:00 GMT https://www.dnb.nl/en/general-news/statistical-news/2023/card-payments-up-in-2022/ More than 90% of Dutch people think it is important to be able to pay with cash. They find the €20 banknote the most beautiful, and more than two-thirds of respondents said they had never held a banknote in their hands that they doubted was genuine. Tue, 25 Apr 2023 12:00:00 GMT https://www.dnb.nl/en/general-news/news-2023/dutch-people-are-attached-to-their-cash/ In 2022, Dutch people used their mobile phone or wearable device for contactless payment at points of sale as often as they paid in cash. The share of these new means of payment rose to 21%, while the use of banknotes and coins stabilised at 20% of total payments. Thu, 06 Apr 2023 12:00:00 GMT https://www.dnb.nl/en/general-news/news-2023/paying-with-mobile-as-popular-as-cash-at-checkout/ What is the state of cash acceptance in shops and by other retailers in the Netherlands? DNB monitors developments annually. Thu, 16 Feb 2023 12:00:00 GMT https://www.dnb.nl/en/general-news/news-2023/some-retail-sectors-refuse-cash-payments-too-often/ More counterfeit euro banknotes were withdrawn from circulation in the Netherlands in 2022 than in the previous year. A total of 38,200 were found, 47% more than in 2021. This increase is mainly due to a limited number of fraud cases involving counterfeit euro banknotes of very low quality. Mon, 30 Jan 2023 14:39:05 GMT https://www.dnb.nl/en/general-news/press-release-2023/increase-in-counterfeit-euro-banknotes-of-very-low-quality/ Some 2.6 million Dutch people aged 18 and above struggle with their digital payments and other banking affairs. This has emerged from a study conducted by De Nederlandsche Bank (DNB). Mon, 30 Jan 2023 12:00:00 GMT https://www.dnb.nl/en/general-news/news-2023/digital-banking-is-a-struggle-for-many/ 2.6 million Dutch adults do not manage all their banking affairs on their own. This has emerged from a study conducted by DNB. Although many of them would like to be more self-reliant, they need assistance for a variety of reasons. Mon, 30 Jan 2023 12:00:00 GMT https://www.dnb.nl/en/general-news/news-2023/millions-of-dutch-struggle-to-get-to-grips-with-digital-payments/ You can temporarily exchange Croatian banknotes for euros at DNB. The reason is the introduction of the euro in Croatia. The exchange rate: 7.53450 kuna = 1 euro. Thu, 22 Dec 2022 12:00:00 GMT https://www.dnb.nl/en/general-news/news-2022/exchanging-croatian-banknotes-at-dnb/ In most euro area countries, cash is used less and less in point-of-sale (POS) payments, whereas debit and credit cards are used more and more frequently. Nevertheless, cash remains the most important means of payment for six in ten people in the euro area. Tue, 20 Dec 2022 12:00:00 GMT https://www.dnb.nl/en/general-news/news-2022/use-of-cash-lower-in-euro-area-countries/ The digital euro has been in the news more and more lately. And rightly so, as digital payments are on the rise. But what is the digital euro, and why is it being developed? Inge van Dijk, DNB's director of Payments, explains. Wed, 23 Nov 2022 12:00:00 GMT https://www.dnb.nl/en/general-news/blogs/blog-inge-van-dijk-preparing-the-euro-for-a-digital-future/ DNB experts Vera Lubbersen and Peter Wierts took a close look at all the developments in crypto assets. An interview on the pros and cons, how cryptos fit in our money system, and what new regulations will mean for crypto providers. Tue, 08 Nov 2022 13:18:15 GMT https://www.dnb.nl/en/general-news/news-2022/we-do-not-see-cryptos-as-money/ It is of the utmost importance that rules are swiftly agreed upon internationally to regulate the use of crypto-assets such as Bitcoin, Ethereum and Tether. Mon, 07 Nov 2022 15:01:54 GMT https://www.dnb.nl/en/general-news/press-release-2022/proper-regulation-indispensable-for-risky-cryptos/ Dutch people increasingly prefer paying contactless, using either debit cards or devices such as mobile phones, smartwatches and wearables. The use of cash slightly declined during 2021, with one in five payments being made in cash. Tue, 12 Apr 2022 12:00:00 GMT https://www.dnb.nl/en/general-news/news-2022/increasing-preference-for-contactless-payments/ In these times of increasing digitalisation, the new Payments Strategy of De Nederlandsche Bank (DNB) focuses on safeguarding trust. Tue, 29 Mar 2022 12:00:00 GMT https://www.dnb.nl/en/general-news/press-release-2022/trust-at-the-heart-of-the-dnb-payments-strategy/ A total of 26,100 counterfeit euro banknotes were withdrawn from circulation in the Netherlands in 2021, roughly the same number as in 2020. Worldwide, a total of 347,000 counterfeit euro banknotes were detected, a decrease of 25% compared to 2020. Fri, 28 Jan 2022 12:00:00 GMT https://www.dnb.nl/en/general-news/press-release-2022/number-of-counterfeit-euro-banknotes-remains-stable/ The total carbon footprint of the bitcoin network increased by about 25% in 2020, while the number of transactions fell by 6%. This amounts to a climate impact of about 402 kg of CO2 per bitcoin transaction in 2020, Thu, 13 Jan 2022 12:00:00 GMT https://www.dnb.nl/en/general-news/news-2022/better-insight-into-bitcoin-s-climate-impact/ Consumers are increasingly paying electronically for in-store purchases. In 3% of stores they have no alternative because the retailer pursues a card-only policy. 27% of retailers use promotional materials to encourage consumers to pay electronically. Thu, 25 Nov 2021 08:00:00 GMT https://www.dnb.nl/en/general-news/news-2021/dnb-calls-for-unambiguous-communication-about-cash-acceptance/ A wide range of factors contribute to confidence in the payment system, the most important of which is being able to pay safely. High public confidence in the payment system held up well during these turbulent times. Thu, 21 Oct 2021 08:00:00 GMT https://www.dnb.nl/en/general-news/news-2021/safe-payments-are-fundamental-to-sustaining-trust-and-confidence-in-the-payment-system/ About half of the Dutch population would be willing to open a current account for digital euros at the central bank, according to DNB research among a representative group of citizens. Thu, 22 Apr 2021 08:00:00 GMT https://www.dnb.nl/en/general-news/news-2021/digital-euro-appeals-to-half-of-the-dutch-population/ Consumers in the Netherlands used debit cards, smartphones or wearables to pay for 79% of their purchases in shops, restaurants and similar establishments in 2020, which is a sharp rise compared to 2019. Tue, 13 Apr 2021 08:00:00 GMT https://www.dnb.nl/en/general-news/news-2021/pandemic-boosted-debit-card-use-in-2020-for-the-first-time-consumers-made-more-debit-card-payments-than-cash-payments-in-all-sectors/ Instant payments are already in widespread use in the Netherlands. But the instant execution of a euro payment to a customer of a foreign bank is not yet possible in many cases. Find out more. Wed, 31 Mar 2021 12:00:00 GMT https://www.dnb.nl/en/general-news/news-2021/introduction-of-instant-payments-across-the-euro-area/ The number of counterfeit euro banknotes in the Netherlands declined in 2020. A total of 25,500 counterfeit euro banknotes were withdrawn from circulation. That is some 34% less than in 2019. Fri, 22 Jan 2021 12:00:00 GMT https://www.dnb.nl/en/general-news/press-releases-2021/press-release-fewer-counterfeit-euro-banknotes/ Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many Dutch consumers have switched to card- or smartphone-based contactless payment at points of sale. Tue, 22 Dec 2020 12:00:00 GMT https://www.dnb.nl/en/general-news/news-2020/contactless-payments-on-the-rise-during-the-covid-19-pandemic/ A new DNB study concludes that cash still plays an essential role in society. However, the necessary infrastructure is under pressure, which can have negative consequences for the accessibility and acceptance of cash as a means of payment. DNB has therefore commissioned a medium-term study... Thu, 17 Dec 2020 12:00:00 GMT https://www.dnb.nl/en/general-news/news-2020/dnb-study-cash-must-remain-accessible-and-available/ In the Netherlands, most retailers still give their customers a choice in how they pay for their purchases. Research commissioned by DNB indicates that almost all retailers accept both cash (96%) and debit card payments (92%). Thu, 03 Dec 2020 12:00:00 GMT https://www.dnb.nl/en/general-news/news-2020/who-decides-the-way-we-pay-retailer-or-customer/ In the Netherlands, the initial weeks of the lockdown saw payment transactions plummet in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, in terms of both numbers and value. Consumer payments have meanwhile rebounded in both terms. Supported by measures which Dutch banks have taken, contactless payments... Thu, 30 Jul 2020 12:00:00 GMT https://www.dnb.nl/en/general-news/news-2020/contactless-payments-gaining-further-ground-during-the-covid-19-crisis/ On 21 April 2020, the law was passed under which crypto service providers are subject to the integrity supervision of De Nederlandsche Bank. The new legislation is expected to enter into force on 18 May 2020. DNB calls on crypto service providers to apply for registration before that date... Mon, 04 May 2020 12:00:00 GMT https://www.dnb.nl/en/general-news/news-2020/dnb-calls-on-crypto-service-providers-to-apply-for-registration-before-18-may/ How much time do you need to recognise a counterfeit banknote and which of the senses are the most effective? DNB research shows that the combination of looking and feeling works best. People can easily distinguish between genuine and counterfeit banknotes even within the space... Thu, 16 Apr 2020 12:00:00 GMT https://www.dnb.nl/en/general-news/news-2020/a-counterfeit-banknote-can-be-recognised-in-a-second/ Introducing unique aliases for all payment account numbers in the Netherlands would entail costs that outstrip the benefits. While it would make switching to a different bank easier, its social costs would widely outstrip its benefits. This emerges from a DNB study commissioned by Wopke Hoekstra... Thu, 02 Apr 2020 12:00:00 GMT https://www.dnb.nl/en/general-news/news-2020/costs-of-introducing-payment-account-alias-would-exceed-benefits/ Consumers were able to pay in cash at 97% of all retailers as at mid-2019. This emerged from a DNB-commissioned study into cash acceptance by retailers and their reasons for accepting or refusing cash. Cash is still the most widely accepted means of payment. However, some retailers say they may... Mon, 09 Mar 2020 12:00:00 GMT https://www.dnb.nl/en/general-news/news-2020/dutch-retailers-continue-to-accept-cash/ The loans, savings and payments market is changing and becoming increasingly more challenging with the advent of new parties and the dawn of the data age. In this highly dynamic environment, institutions must give first priority to the security, governance, optimum use and quality of... Wed, 22 Jan 2020 12:00:00 GMT https://www.dnb.nl/en/general-news/news-2020/data-age-calls-for-increased-attention-from-the-banking-sector-and-dnb/