The evolution of iDEAL: From Dutch success to European standard

The payment landscape is undergoing rapid transformation, and iDEAL is at the forefront. Originally a Dutch innovation, iDEAL has been the go-to payment method in the Netherlands for years. Its reliability, speed, and familiarity have made it a favorite among guests and hoteliers alike. One of its key strengths lies in its foundation: iDEAL is based on online direct debit, making it the most convenient payment method. Payments are transferred directly from one bank to another, ensuring both speed and security. However, the landscape is changing.

By 2025, the first version of iDEAL 2.0 will be rolled out, promising a host of new features designed to enhance the payment experience. For hotels, this means adapting to a system that promises greater efficiency and wider acceptance across Europe.

Our Smart Payments tool works seamlessly alongside innovations like iDEAL 2.0. Automating payment processing, eliminating manual tasks, and making your hotel’s payment journey truly future-proof.

Key features and benefits of iDEAL 2.0

iDEAL 2.0 is set to bring new features that will significantly boost your hotel. Here are some of the key features and their potential impacts:

• Faster and Smarter Payments: Guests will soon be able to pay directly from their banking environment without the need for external intermediaries. This will streamline the payment process, making it faster and more secure for both guests and hotels.
• Fewer Credit Card Payments: With iDEAL 2.0 offering a seamless alternative, reliance on credit card payments can decrease.
• International Use: The new infrastructure will facilitate payments from guests with European bank accounts, broadening your market reach and making your hotel more accessible to international visitors.
• Fast Refunds: Processing refunds will become quicker and more straightforward, enhancing guest satisfaction and reducing administrative burdens.

iDEAL 2.0 meets Smarthotel

As iDEAL 2.0 promises faster, more secure payments across Europe, guest expectations continue to rise. A smooth, reliable payment journey is now an essential part of great hospitality and Smarthotel helps make that happen.

But remember: iDEAL is just one payment method. What really matters is that your payment provider and service partner offer these options in the first place. Ultimately, it’s your guests and their habit that decide how they prefer to pay.

iDEAL 2.0 stands out as a safe, low-cost, and seamless option across desktop and mobile. Whether it becomes widely adopted depends on market trends and guest behavior. The European Payments Initiative’s ambition to roll out iDEAL 2.0 across Europe presents an interesting alternative to credit cards, but at the end of the day, a payment method is just that: a method. It’s the guest who choses.

With Smart Payments, you’re ready. No matter which direction the market takes. Send pre-arrival payment links, offer smooth online checkout, and support modern methods like iDEAL 2.0. This reduces manual work, minimizes errors, and delivers a frictionless experience for your guests.

Where iDEAL 2.0 helps lower credit card dependency and fees, Smart Payments ensures you capture those benefits automatically. No chasing guests. No juggling spreadsheets. Just better cash flow, fewer chargebacks, and more time to focus on what truly matters: your guests.

Ready to see how Smart Payments can prepare your hotel for the future of payments? Let’s talk. Schedule a meeting below or press here.