iDEAL gets a successor: Wero

iDEAL is the most widely used online payment method in the Netherlands. This is not surprising: it is a Dutch invention and for many entrepreneurs the standard for years. From 2026 there will be a successor: Wero.
But what exactly is Wero? And what does it mean for you as an entrepreneur and for your webshop? Below we explain it in a clear and practical way.

What is Wero?

Wero is the new European payment system that will step by step replace iDEAL. It was developed by the European Payments Initiative (EPI), a collaboration between European banks and Payment Service Providers.

Like iDEAL, Wero is secure, reliable and easy to use. The biggest advantage lies in the fact that Wero is more widely applicable. Whereas iDEAL only works in the Netherlands, Wero is intended as a single joint payment solution for the whole of Europe.
What are the advantages of Wero? With iDEAL you can only pay within the Netherlands. Wero makes it possible to easily make and receive payments in other European countries, just as easy as you are used to with iDEAL.

Wero’s benefits in a nutshell:

• Wero works the same way you are used to iDEAL.
• You also pay easily at European stores and online shops through your own bank.
• Additional payment options, such as recurring payments for subscriptions and payment on delivery.
• Send payment requests to users in Europe with greater ease.

In addition, Wero is introducing purchase protection for consumers. This increases confidence in online purchases. For entrepreneurs, this does mean that proper administration becomes more important, because payments can be disputed in some cases.

What does the transition from iDEAL to Wero look like?

The switch to Wero will happen gradually. From 2026, banks will start combining the iDEAL and Wero logos. In this way, both consumers and businesses become familiar with the new name step by step.

After that, iDEAL will be technically converted to Wero. No later than 2027, Wero will be the new standard and new features, such as subscription management, will become active. As a user, you don’t have to do anything for this yourself.

Do you use iDEAL for your webshop?

Do you have a webshop or receive business payments via iDEAL? Then little will change in the short term. You continue to receive payments as usual. The only visible difference is the logo iDEAL | Wero, this will Webtify at new Webshop Business subscriptions and Webshop Business Plus subscriptions also automatically adjust where necessary.

However, an important advantage does arise. Customers from other European countries will soon also be able to pay easily at your webshop. This ensures a smooth payment experience, both within the Netherlands and abroad.

Another big advantage is the speed of payments. The money is in your account within seconds, 24/7. There is no more batch processing or waiting time. This makes it easier for Dutch SMEs to step into the European market.

Are there risks for entrepreneurs?

Wero will be introduced gradually and you, as an entrepreneur, do not have to do anything for it. However, Wero will introduce chargebacks, similar to credit cards. This is an important difference compared to iDEAL, where payments are final.

At Wero, customers can dispute a payment from 10 euros up to 120 days after the transaction. In some cases, this period can be extended. As a business owner, you then get 30 days to respond. If the objection is approved, the amount must be refunded within seven days.

This means preparing your customer service and administration accordingly. Good documentation is essential. Think of order confirmations, shipping details and recorded customer communications. Especially in industries with many returns, chargebacks can become an additional cost.

Frequently asked questions about Wero.

Why is iDEAL changing to Wero?
iDEAL only works in the Netherlands. Wero was developed as a single payment solution for all of Europe, with the same convenience through your own bank.

Do I have to do anything to use Wero?
No. The transition is automatic through the banks. They guide this step by step.