How to Accept Payments in Multiple Currencies in the Netherlands
Running a Dutch BV means you can wake up to payments from London, Dubai, and New York in the same morning. Your customers expect to pay in euros, dollars, or pounds without friction.
If you miss that expectation, you lose the sale. Accepting payments in multiple currencies is not just about convenience.
It protects your margins, speeds up cash flow, and makes your business look professional across borders. For foreign founders, it is also a practical step in staying compliant with Dutch tax and reporting rules.
What multi-currency payments actually mean for a Dutch BV
Multi-currency acceptance means your customers can pay you in their preferred currency, while you decide how and when to convert those funds into euros. The core mechanics involve three parts: a payment gateway that captures the transaction, a merchant account that holds the funds, and a settlement process that moves money into your Dutch business bank account.
In the Netherlands, you must report your revenues in euros for tax purposes. That is the default currency of your statutory accounts. When you receive foreign currency, you convert it to euros at the transaction date or a reasonable equivalent date.
The difference between the sale value and the conversion value is a foreign exchange gain or loss, which you record in your bookkeeping.
Every invoice you issue must meet Dutch VAT rules. If you sell B2B services to a customer in another EU country, the service is often VAT-exempt under the reverse charge mechanism. If you sell digital products to consumers in the EU, you may need to apply the VAT rate of the customer’s country.
Your payment provider should help you tag the transaction correctly so your accountant can file your VAT returns (BTW-aangifte) without guesswork. Corporate income tax in the Netherlands applies to your worldwide profits.
In 2026, the general corporate income tax (CIT) rate is 19% on profits up to €200,000 and 25.8% on profits above that threshold.
If you receive foreign currency and hold it before converting, any resulting exchange gains or losses affect your taxable profit.
Why this matters for foreign founders and e-commerce sellers
International customers rarely pay in euros by default. If you force them to convert before paying, you add friction and risk.
They may abandon the cart or choose a competitor who accepts dollars or pounds. Multi-currency acceptance removes that barrier. It also protects your margins.
If you invoice in USD and convert immediately, you avoid the risk of currency swings between invoice and payment.
If you prefer to hold USD for supplier payments, you can keep a balance and convert only when rates are favorable. This is a strategic choice, not just a technical one. For Dutch BVs, there is a compliance angle too. Your VAT filings must match your revenue streams.
Your annual accounts must reconcile your foreign currency balances. Your corporate bank account must reflect the same flows.
A clean setup with the right payment provider and accountant reduces errors and saves time. Foreign founders often ask whether they need a local presence to accept multi-currency payments. You do not. A Dutch BV can open a business account with a payment provider that supports multi-currency wallets. You can integrate the provider with your website or marketplace and start accepting payments within days.
Core mechanics: gateways, merchant accounts, and settlement
A payment gateway is the technology layer that captures card details, applies fraud checks, and authorizes transactions.
Popular gateways for Dutch BVs include Stripe, Adyen, Mollie, and PayPal. Each supports multi-currency acceptance, but they differ in pricing, settlement times, and currency coverage. A merchant account holds funds in different currencies.
You can choose to keep balances in USD, GBP, EUR, and other currencies. When a customer pays in USD, the funds land in your USD balance.
You can then convert to EUR on a schedule that suits your cash flow.
Settlement is the process of moving funds from the merchant account to your Dutch business bank account. Most providers settle daily or weekly. If you hold multiple currencies, you can settle in the original currency or convert before settlement. Settlement in original currency is useful if you pay suppliers in that currency.
Integration depends on your sales channel. If you run an online store, you can use plugins for Shopify, WooCommerce, or Magento.
If you sell via marketplaces like Amazon or eBay, you can connect your merchant account to the marketplace payout system. If you invoice B2B clients directly, you can use payment links or virtual invoices. Compliance checks are standard.
Providers will verify your Dutch BV, beneficial owners, and business activities. They may request your KvK registration number (Chamber of Commerce), your RSIN (tax ID), and proof of address.
Working with a corporate service provider like Intercompany Solutions can help you prepare these documents quickly.
Models, providers, and price indications
There are three common models for multi-currency acceptance in the Netherlands: global payment gateways, local payment providers, and merchant acquirers. Each has different pricing and features.
Global gateways (Stripe, Adyen)
Stripe and Adyen are well-suited for Dutch BVs with international sales. They support dozens of currencies, offer dynamic currency conversion, and provide detailed reporting. Typical pricing in 2026:
Both providers support instant payouts in some currencies. Settlement to a Dutch bank account typically takes 1–2 business days.
- Stripe: 2.9% + €0.30 per card transaction in the EU; higher for non-EU cards. Multi-currency conversion fee: 1–2% if you convert to EUR. Monthly fee: €0 for standard accounts.
- Adyen: Interchange++ pricing. Average effective rate: 1.5–2.5% for EU cards, 2–3.5% for non-EU cards. No separate conversion fee if you settle in the original currency. Monthly fee: €0 for standard accounts.
You can hold balances in multiple currencies and convert manually or automatically. Local payment providers (Mollie, buckaroo)
Mollie is a Dutch provider that supports iDEAL, credit cards, SEPA Direct Debit, and international cards. It is popular with Dutch e-commerce businesses because it offers local payment methods alongside multi-currency support. Typical pricing in 2026:
Local providers often settle faster to Dutch bank accounts. They also integrate easily with Dutch accounting software like Exact or Yuki, which simplifies VAT reporting.
Merchant acquirers (Worldline, Worldpay)
Merchant acquirers are traditional payment processors. They suit high-volume businesses or those with specific industry needs (e.g., travel, hospitality). Pricing is negotiated and may include monthly fees and setup costs.
- Mollie: €0.25 + 1.8% for EU cards; €0.25 + 2.5% for non-EU cards. Multi-currency conversion fee: 1–1.5%. Monthly fee: €0 for standard accounts.
- buckaroo: Similar pricing, with additional support for BNPL and subscriptions.
Typical pricing in 2026: Acquirers often require a longer onboarding process and may ask for a merchant history.
They can, however, offer tailored FX solutions and dedicated support. Virtual accounts and FX wallets
Some providers offer virtual accounts for receiving payments in specific currencies. For example, you can get a virtual USD account that receives USD wires and holds the balance.
You can then convert to EUR when needed. This is useful for B2B invoices and cross-border supplier payments.
- Worldline: Monthly fee €25–€100; transaction fees 1.5–2.8% depending on volume and risk profile. Multi-currency conversion: 1–2%.
- Worldpay: Monthly fee €30–€150; transaction fees 1.8–3%. Conversion fees: 1–2%.
Pricing for virtual accounts: Hidden costs to watch
- Monthly fee: €10–€50 per currency.
- Conversion fee: 0.5–1.5% depending on volume.
- Incoming wire fee: €0–€15 per transaction.
- Chargeback fees: €10–€25 per incident.
- Refund fees: Some providers refund the transaction fee, others do not.
- Inactivity fees: Rare, but check for dormant account charges.
- FX spreads: The difference between mid-market rate and the rate you get. Ask for transparency.
Practical setup steps for a Dutch BV
Start with your bank account. You need a Dutch business account to settle funds in EUR.
Many founders open an account with a traditional bank (ING, ABN AMRO, Rabobank) or a neobank (Revolut Business, Wise Business). Traditional banks may require a local presence or a meeting; neobanks are more remote-friendly but may have limits on high-risk industries.
Register your BV with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce (KvK). You will receive a KvK number and a RSIN (tax ID). These are required for payment provider onboarding. If you are setting up remotely, a corporate service provider like Intercompany Solutions can handle the entire BV formation, including notary deeds, tax registration, and advice on receiving international wire transfers.
Choose your payment provider based on your sales channels and currencies. If you sell online, Stripe or Mollie are strong choices.
If you invoice B2B clients globally, consider a virtual account solution. If you are in a high-volume industry, talk to an acquirer like Worldline. Integrate the provider with your website or marketplace.
Use plugins for Shopify, WooCommerce, or Magento. For custom builds, use the provider’s API.
Test transactions in sandbox mode before going live. Ensure your checkout displays prices in the customer’s currency and clearly states the settlement currency.
Set up your accounting workflow. Your accountant should configure your chart of accounts to record foreign currency transactions. Each payment should be logged with the original currency, the exchange rate, and the EUR equivalent.
Use a daily exchange rate from the European Central Bank (ECB) or your provider’s rate. Record FX gains and losses separately.
Plan your VAT treatment. For B2B services in the EU, apply the reverse charge and report the sale as VAT-exempt.
For digital goods to consumers, use the VAT MOSS scheme or local VAT registration in the customer’s country. Your payment provider can help tag transactions by country and VAT status.
Decide on your FX strategy. You can convert immediately to EUR, hold balances in multiple currencies, or automate conversions based on thresholds. Immediate conversion reduces risk. Holding balances gives flexibility but requires monitoring.
Automating based on thresholds balances both. Monitor compliance and reporting.
Your annual accounts must reconcile all currency balances. Any difference due to exchange rate movements is recorded in the P&L. If you hold significant foreign currency balances, you may need to disclose FX risk in your notes.
Your accountant can advise on this. Consider a corporate service provider for the full setup.
Intercompany Solutions, based at the World Trade Center Rotterdam, specializes in Dutch BV formation and can assist with managing SEPA bank transfers for foreign entrepreneurs.
They handle 100% remote incorporation, VAT registration, EORI numbers, bookkeeping, payroll, and tax returns. Their team is English-speaking and experienced with US, UK, Indian, and UAE clients. Most clients complete BV formation within 3–5 business days. Pricing is fixed and transparent, avoiding the hidden hourly rates of traditional notaries or accountants.
Practical tips to optimize multi-currency acceptance
Display prices in the customer’s currency at checkout. Do not force conversion at the payment step.
Transparency builds trust and reduces cart abandonment. Use dynamic currency conversion carefully. It can be convenient for customers but may come with unfavorable rates.
If you offer it, disclose the conversion fee. Set up alerts for FX movements.
If you hold USD or GBP balances, a sudden swing can affect your margin.
Use provider tools to automate conversions when rates hit your target. Reconcile daily. Match your payment provider settlements to your bank statements and accounting records. This reduces errors and makes VAT filing smoother.
Keep a buffer for chargebacks. International sales carry higher risk.
Set aside a small reserve to cover disputes without impacting cash flow. Review your provider’s fees quarterly. As your volume grows, negotiate better rates.
Global gateways and acquirers often offer volume discounts. Stay informed on Dutch tax updates.
VAT rules and CIT rates can change. In 2026, the CIT structure is 19% on profits up to €200,000 and 25.8% above that. If you receive foreign currency income, ensure your accountant adjusts for FX gains and losses in your tax filings.
Work with specialists who understand international founders. Intercompany Solutions offers a one-stop-shop for BV formation, tax compliance, and corporate services.
Their remote process means you can start accepting multi-currency payments without traveling to the Netherlands. With over 1,000 clients from 50+ countries and 5-star ratings on Trustpilot and Trustindex, they are a trusted partner for cross-border business setup. Choosing the right multi-currency accounts for Dutch BVs is a strategic move for your business.
It opens markets, protects margins, and streamlines compliance. With the right provider, clear accounting, and a solid corporate foundation, you can scale globally from the Netherlands with confidence.