iDeal is an instant banking payment method that was created in 2005 in the Netherlands. It is the most popular way to pay online since close to 60% of Dutch residents use the payment. Any amount can be transferred safely through SEPA and transactions take place almost instantly. iDeal bookmakers offer eligibility to claim a welcome bonus and any other promotion, while the fees remain close to zero.
As a payment method designed exclusively for the Dutch market, most betting sites operating in the Netherlands accept it and the deposit procedure is really quick and easy. There is no need to create an account.
Player-to-player transfers, iDeal QR code services and a great application are among its main advantages. Read on and you will be able to get an insight about every aspect of gambling with it, such as:
- An up-to-date (2024) list of iDeal betting sites
- How to use iDeal when betting online
- All its pros and cons
Which Are The Top Bookmakers That Accept iDeal
Below you can check the top-rated bookies that accept transactions with iDeal. Instant deposits and low fees are among its top benefits. Go ahead and choose your favorite bet sites iDeal supports.
Why should you bet on an iDeal bookmaker
Players have lots of good reasons to place their bets on an iDeal bookie. Instant deposits, excellent security features and close to zero fees are among them.
✔ Widely accepted by betting sites: iDeal is a popular online payment method in the Netherlands and almost 60% of all online transactions in the country are done through its platform. So, it is pretty easy to find lots of bookmakers iDeal supports.
✔ Instant deposits: It is always a privilege that every deposit takes place immediately. As a matter of fact, it is important for bettors who prefer betting on live events to proceed with easy and fast deposits.
✔ P2P transfers: Through the iDeal app, any account holder can send an amount to a friend. The service is called C2C (consumer to consumer). The amount that a user sends to another will be instantly available to the latter’s banking account.
✔ No need to create an account: Bettors who opt for iDeal enjoy that they don’t need to create an account. Since betting sites accept deposits through iDeal, players have to choose it as a deposit method and be redirected to their online banking account. The only requirement is to have a bank account in an institution that cooperates with iDeal.
✔ Eligibility to claim a Welcome Bonus: Most of the time, betting sites that accept iDeal allow you to claim a welcome offer. Moreover, generally speaking, you are eligible for all bonuses and promotions when depositing with iDeal.
✔ Low to zero fees: iDeal services or your bank will not charge you any fees when depositing on an iDeal bookie. However, if the betting site you choose charges you an amount before proceeding with a deposit, the payment system will notify you about the chargeable amount.
✔ iDeal app: A free and user-friendly app for mobile and tablet is an important pro. Bettors can deposit when on the road quickly and securely. It is available for iOS (9.0 or higher) or Android (4.0.3. or higher) devices.
Drawbacks of betting with iDeal
Like all payment options, iDeal comes with shortcomings, as well. Withdrawal restrictions and not accepting cryptocurrencies are the most significant ones among them.
❌ Available only at the Dutch market: It is an online payment system designed for Dutch players exclusively. iDeal is connected to the local banking system and bettors can use it only if they have an account with a local bank that cooperates with it.
❌ You can only deposit via a bank account: Most online payment methods can be funded in many ways. The fact that iDeal can be connected only with an online banking account is a big drawback.
❌ Withdrawal restrictions: One of the most significant disadvantages of iDeal betting sites is that gamblers can not withdraw an amount. In this case, they have to search for an alternative method, such as a bank transfer or a wallet, to withdraw funds from their betting accounts.
❌ Not accepting cryptocurrencies: With iDeal users can buy a cryptocurrency since many exchanges accept payments through it. Nevertheless, there is no possibility to use your crypto wallet to fund an iDeal bookmaker.
❌ No plastic card: A plastic card could be an important asset for many bettors when choosing a payment method. iDeal doesn’t provide one and players can use their funds only for online payments.
❌ Not every Dutch bank supports it: Even though it is a popular online payment method still, some local banks don't support it. However, some of the banks that deal with iDeal are: ABN AMRO, ASN Bank, Bunq, Handelsbanken, ING, Knab, Moneyou, Rabobank, RegioBank, SNS Bank, Triodos Bank and Van Lanschot.
Is betting with iDeal legal and safe?
iDeal belongs to iDEAL B.V. and operates under the label iDEAL Payment Scheme. The Dutch government regulates the payment through The Dutch Central Bank. It is 100% legal to place your bets on iDeal bookmakers.
Regarding safety, two-factor authentication ensures the security of your transactions. When you proceed with a transfer, you will be redirected to your online banking account, where you need to enter your details to deposit an amount.
iDeal QR Code service
iDeal QR code is an extra service that the payment provides. Many merchants that accept payments through it have a QR code with the iDeal’s logo in the middle. If a user wants to proceed with payment through the service, he has to scan the QR code with a mobile banking app. If the amount he decides to transfer is correct, he must select iDeal as the payment option and confirm the transaction. Since iDeal is really popular, account holders can find QR codes on invoices, bills, posters, or screens like laptops or shop displays. Currently, though, not many iDeal betting sites provide the QR Code service as a deposit option.
How to deposit on iDeal bookmakers
Depositing on iDeal betting sites is really fast and easy. All you have to do is to follow the upcoming steps:
- 1 Log in to your iDeal bookie
- 2 Press the “Deposit” button
- 3 Select iDeal as your deposit method
- 4 Choose your bank
- 5 Enter the amount you want to deposit
- 6 You will be redirected to your online banking to complete the payment
Done. As soon as you finish the 2-factor authentication, the payment has been completed and the amount is immediately available to your account.
Can I withdraw from iDeal betting sites
If players cannot proceed with a withdrawal, it is a significant drawback for any payment method. Unfortunately, the same applies to iDeal bookmakers, for the time being, since gamblers can not withdraw an amount.
Bettors need to find another way to withdraw their winnings when they have deposited through iDeal. Neteller, Skrill or any other wallet is always an option. The lack of withdrawals is essential and some players may reconsider depositing via iDeal.
Fees and limits
A big asset when you bet with iDeal is paying low or zero fees when you proceed with a deposit. The payment or your bank will not charge you anything for using the service. However, some merchants may charge you an amount.
If your preferred bookie charges fees on your deposit before you confirm your payment, iDeal will inform you about the chargeable amount and then you will choose if you want to proceed with it. Moreover, sending an amount to a friend is once again free of charge.
As for limits, depending on the bookie, the minimum deposit amount is €1. The maximum deposit amount that iDeal allows is €50,000 per transaction, and if a bookmaker accepts a high deposit like this, users can proceed accordingly.
iDeal compared to other payment methods
Although we talk about a reliable payment option and a great choice for domestic bettors, it is also helpful to look at alternative payment options.
iDeal vs Zimpler
Zimpler (formerly known as Pugglepay) is an online banking method established in 2012 in Sweden. You can make instant deposits on top Zimpler betting sites in the Netherlands through various ways like cards, bank transfer or even your phone bill.
On the other hand, we are talking about a method that is not as widely accepted as iDeal in terms of betting. Another drawback of Zimpler is that it doesn't accept any P2P transfers.
iDeal vs eZeeWallet
eZeeWallet is another wallet that many bookies in the Netherlands used to offer as a payment method. It operates in 189 countries and players can deposit with multiple currencies. The UK Financial Services Authority regulates the payment and ensures high levels of security on the transactions. At the same time, gamblers can deposit and withdraw money on eZeeWallet betting sites.
The fact that you can fund your account through multiple methods is also a significant advantage. Regarding fees, possible charges depend on the way that bettors will deposit. Funding an eZeeWallet account with iDeal is free of charge, but Neosurf, for instance, applies fees up to 4%.
Final word on iDeal by Book Spy
iDeal is not a new entry as it operates since 2005 and is popular in the Netherlands. Some of its most significant advantages are that it allows player-to-player transfers, easy and speedy deposits and eligibility for a welcome bonus on most bookies.
On the contrary, iDeal does not allow withdrawals and users can not use cryptocurrency to fund their betting account. Moreover, iDeal bookmakers allow deposits only through an account created in a local bank that collaborates with the payment.
To sum up, iDeal is a payment method that can be considered a top choice in Netherlands betting sites. Fast and safe deposits, low to zero fees and an easy-to-handle app make iDeal an attractive option.
However, not all the local banks are compatible with the payment and the lack of a plastic card is a big drawback. Even though iDeal is a great choice for most players, some considerable features are missing. Thus, I would instead recommend other wallets such as Skrill or PayPal for professional gamblers.
Complete list of iDeal bookmakers
Fast deposits and low fees are some of the leading edges of iDeal gambling sites. So, check below the complete list and choose the one that suits you best.
iDeal can be considered as one of the safest ways for deposits when betting online in the Netherlands. A two-step authentication procedure ensures the safety of your transactions.
Even though you cannot deposit with cryptocurrency through iDeal, you can buy cryptocurrency with it. Many crypto exchanges accept deposits through iDeal.
Currently, only residents of the Netherlands can use the iDeal services. However, regarding international payments, if a merchant outside the Netherlands accepts payments through iDeal, then users can proceed with deposits in independent bookmakers.
A big advantage of the payment is that a user doesn’t need to create an account. The only requirement is to hold a bank account with one of the collaborating banks.
We are talking about a pretty easy procedure. You need to open your mobile app and the QR scanner and then scan the iDeal QR code. When you check that the amount is the one that you want to deposit, you just need to press the choice ‘Complete payment’. There are QR codes that can only be scanned once but also some that you can use multiple times.