Belgium
Top Payment Methods and Gateways in Belgium for Local and Global Businesses
Internet penetration rate
Banked population
Use credit, debit cards for digital transactions
What Is a Payment Gateway and How to Choose One
A payment gateway is a digital system that safely transfers payment data from the customer to the acquiring bank or processor. It secures every online and in-store transaction, whether you accept payments through a website or at the vendor outlet.
The payment landscape in Belgium includes both local and international providers. Whether it is the Belgium payment methods or global processors like Visa and PayPal, it all comes down to the size of the business, industry, and audience.
Here are the key factors to consider when choosing a payment gateway:
Supported Payment Methods
Opt for a gateway that offers various payment modes like credit cards, digital wallets, and bank transactions. That way your users will enjoy flexibility while you achieve a higher conversion. Platforms that mix diverse payment options and local payment methods will be more compatible with the Belgian market.
Integration and Developer Tools
Poor integration may delay your launch for months. The payment gateway API must be well-documented, secure and integrated with popular platforms such as Magento, WooCommerce, Shopify etc. Quick online onboarding is also an advantage.
Pricing Transparency
Some gateways charge setup fees, monthly subscription or transaction-based fees. Specify whether you are paying for recurring payments, international transfers or services like fraud detection. This prevents you from any hidden costs in payment gateway offers.
Security and Compliance
Check the gateway for PCI DSS compliance, encryption security and its adherence to the payment services directive (PSD2). This is crucial to keep payment information safe and reduce chargeback risks.
Customer Experience
Go with a service where fast payment is approved. A sluggish or buggy checkout results in cart abandonment. The best gateway should also be able to offer seamless payment options for all devices.
Business Fit and Support
There are those that are a better fit for startups, others for large enterprises in Belgium. Also it’s worth considering support hours, account managers, and service level agreements.
Value-Added Features
A few gateways provide additional features like crypto payment, subscription management, and analytic dashboards. These extras make it easy to streamline processes and improve payments for your business overall.
Bancontact
Bancontact is the most widely used payment method in Belgium, with over 15 million active cards and more than 150,000 daily transactions. It is linked to nearly every major Belgian bank and is accepted both online and in-store, supporting chip-and-PIN terminals, mobile apps, and QR payments. Bancontact is now operated by the Bancontact Payconiq Company, which also manages the Payconiq app for e-payments.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Requirements | Business registration in Belgium; local bank account |
| Accepted Payment Methods | Debit cards, mobile payments, QR codes |
| Available In | Belgium |
| Supported Currencies | EUR |
| RequirementsBusiness registration in Belgium; local bank account | |
| Accepted Payment MethodsDebit cards, mobile payments, QR codes | |
| Available InBelgium | |
| Supported CurrenciesEUR |
Pros
- Extremely high local adoption rate
- Fast, secure, and user-friendly
- Low chargeback risk
- Recognized and trusted across Belgium
Cons
- Limited to Belgian market
- Not suitable for businesses targeting non-Belgian users
Belfius
As one of the biggest providers in Belgium, Belfius banking and payment solutions in Belgium for individuals and businesses. It has its own payment gateway and mobile app, enabling customers to make online transactions and in-store purchases using QR codes or bank transfers. Belfius is a local bank which backs both SEPA and domestic transactions and boasts smooth integration into Belgian e-commerce checkouts.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Requirements | Belgian business bank account with Belfius |
| Accepted Payment Methods | Bank transfers, mobile payments, Bancontact, Payconiq |
| Available In | Belgium |
| Supported Currencies | EUR |
| RequirementsBelgian business bank account with Belfius | |
| Accepted Payment MethodsBank transfers, mobile payments, Bancontact, Payconiq | |
| Available InBelgium | |
| Supported CurrenciesEUR |
Pros
- Strong local reputation and customer base
- Trusted by many companies in Belgium
- Fast settlement and local-language support
Cons
- Mainly focused on Belgian merchants
- Requires a Belfius account for full functionality
Apple Pay
Apple Pay is a secure payment solution available to users with Apple devices and supported banks in Belgium. It allows contactless card payment using Face ID or Touch ID and is fully integrated with mobile payment terminals and online checkouts. As a method with millions of users, Apple Pay is widely accepted in retail stores and e-commerce platforms across the country.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Requirements | Apple device, supported bank, merchant payment terminal or integrated checkout |
| Accepted Payment Methods | Linked Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Maestro cards |
| Available In | Belgium and most countries where Apple operates |
| Supported Currencies | Primarily local currency where the user is located (e.g. EUR in Belgium) |
| RequirementsApple device, supported bank, merchant payment terminal or integrated checkout | |
| Accepted Payment Methods Linked Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Maestro cards | |
| Available InBelgium and most countries where Apple operates | |
| Supported CurrenciesPrimarily local currency where the user is located (e.g. EUR in Belgium) |
Pros
- Extremely user-friendly and fast
- High level of security through biometric authentication
- Popular among younger, mobile-first consumers
Cons
- Requires Apple device and bank support
- Merchants need NFC-enabled terminals for in-store payments
PayPal
A service that allows easy and smooth online transactions via an e-wallet, PayPal is one of the best-known global payment providers. It can be used in Belgium for digital payments and physical payments. Customers can pay with their linked credit cards, debit cards, or a PayPal balance without sharing sensitive payment info with sellers.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Requirements | Business or personal PayPal account |
| Accepted Payment Methods | Credit cards, debit cards, PayPal balance, bank accounts |
| Available In | Belgium and over 200 countries |
| Supported Currencies | EUR, USD, GBP, and more than 20 others |
| RequirementsBusiness or personal PayPal account | |
| Accepted Payment MethodsCredit cards, debit cards, PayPal balance, bank accounts | |
| Available InBelgium and over 200 countries | |
| Supported CurrenciesEUR, USD, GBP, and more than 20 others |
Pros
- Fast and secure payments
- Strong global reputation
- Multi-currency support
Cons
- Higher fees for merchants compared to local gateways
- Withdrawal delays to Belgian bank accounts
FAQ
What is the payment gateway in Belgium?
A payment gateway in Belgium is a technology that allows companies in Belgium to accept and process online transactions ensuring seamless payment experience for clients. With solutions including Bancontant, PayPal and Visa, businesses get a combination of locally and internationally recognized payment modes that enable easy transactions all over the world.
What is the best payment method in Belgium?
At the top of the list with millions of cards issued and supported by almost every bank in Belgium, is Bancontact which is easily one of the most widely used payment solutions. It is a preferred payment gateway for many clients thanks to its security and contactless options.
Is Sepa a payment gateway?
No, SEPA (Single Euro Payments Area) is not a payment gateway, but a payment scheme facilitating bank transfers standard across the European Union. Nevertheless, virtually all payment gateways that accept major credit cards in Belgium do also support SEPA payments.
Do Belgium use Cash App or PayPal?
PayPal is available and quite popular in Belgium, mainly for cross-border or online shopping. However, Cash App is not available to Belgians.
Which is the best payment gateway?
The top payment gateway depends on the nature of your business. For BN payments (business-to-network), enterprises may go local with Payconiq by Bancontact or enter the international market with Stripe/PayPal. Choosing the best payment provider is paramount for your audience, functionality and cost.
How to pay for things in Belgium?
Belgian customers can pay for their orders with credit and debit cards, contactless payments, bank transfers, and even mobile payment applications such as Payconiq or Apple Pay. Belgium has a well-developed payment landscape that supports different payment solutions online and over the counter.
