Best iDEAL Online Casinos 2024

By Puneet Yadav 08.05.2023, updated 18.12.2024

Table of Contents

Since the emergence of digital payment solutions, many online operators worldwide have adopted the new trend and introduced cashless payment systems on their platforms, making it easy for players to deposit and cash out their winnings regardless of location. Among such platforms are iDEAL casinos, which we will discuss in depth in this review alongside other related details such as the history of the payment option, its market coverage, pros and cons, and its convenience and safety features. We’ll also provide a step-by-step procedure for making payments in online casinos with iDEAL and its transaction times and fees. But you might be wondering what this banking method is.

Generally, iDEAL is a Dutch online payment system that allows users to make payments to merchants, such as online casinos, directly from their bank accounts. Therefore, iDEAL acts as the middleman between the bank and the merchant (online casino in our case), meaning all you have to do is authorise transactions once you have confirmed all the payment details.

General information about iDEAL

Established in 2005, iDEAL is among various payment products (iDIN, eMandates, and Acceptgiro) owned by Currence, a Dutch Trade Association formed by banks to coordinate payment systems in the Netherlands by ensuring the payment products in the market offer transparent, secure, and efficient transactions. Therefore, iDEAL is a payment method allowing users to make secure online payments, such as online casino deposits and withdrawals, directly between bank accounts. This means that online casinos with iDEAL have a direct link with numerous Dutch bank systems, allowing players with accounts in the involved banks to transact seamlessly.

Since its launch, iDEAL has garnered massive popularity in the Dutch market, with a stellar record of more than 1 billion transactions per year, which translates to 3.5 million daily transactions. Moreover, according to its official webpage, 70% of all online transactions in the Netherlands are performed using iDEAL, making it one of the most popular and used payment methods in the region. Thanks to its massive use in the Dutch e-commerce financial system, iDEAL was acquired by the European Payments Initiative (EPI).

iDEAL payment features

The digital landscape has been rapidly evolving over the years, and iDEAL has proven to be among the frontrunners in embracing technological innovations with the aim of making online transactions simple and efficient. Depending on your iDEAL online casino, you can make payments in various ways: via a QR code, direct checkout, or a payment link. The company also provides unique payment features like iDEAL in3, which allows you to pay in three instalments, and iDEAL Inplannen, which you can use to schedule a payment to be completed on a specific date and time. Let’s take a look at these features below.

iDEAL Checkout

Generally, this option allows you to make a payment instantly, which speeds up the process as all the necessary details are shared with the online casino as soon as you authorise the transaction. This means iDEAL will automatically fill in the requested details, such as bank account, contact number, and email address, saving you the hassle. But how does it work?

First of all, you must have a bank account with one of the participating partners to access the iDEAL feature. After logging in to your bank account (through the browser or mobile app), open your iDEAL profile and save your details. Now, when you visit an online casino that takes iDEAL to play your favourite games for real money, click the iDEAL Checkout button, upon which your stored details will be shared with the online operator upon approval of the transaction, cutting short the payment processing time. Note that you can choose who to share the details with and which information to reveal, all under your iDEAL profile.

iDEAL QR code

To begin with, a QR (Quick Response) code is an enhanced 2D code that holds specific information linked to a particular product. Therefore, you must scan the provided code using a camera phone or scanning app to access the stored information instantly. The iDEAL QR code is easily recognisable as it features the company logo right in the middle.

If you choose to make a payment, such as a casino deposit, through this channel, you’ll be required to scan it using your mobile banking app or a QR scan app, especially for Triodos and bunq B.V. account holders. Afterwards, all the information (amount, beneficiary, description, etc.) linked to the transaction will be displayed on the app, at which point you must confirm all the payment details. You can adjust the amount to be paid if you change your mind before approval, but only if your preferred gambling platform allows it. 

Upon confirmation of the data, complete the payment process by clicking the Pay button and authorise the transaction the typical way, i.e., enter your mobile banking PIN code. Alternatively, you can also make payments using this option through your bank’s mobile web pages if you don’t have an active mobile banking app. After the payment, you’ll be automatically redirected to your iDEAL casino’s webpage.

iDEAL Payment Link

This option uses a slightly different approach from the other alternatives in that the merchant sends you a secure payment link with all the details, making it easy to complete transactions through a few clicks. When you select this option during your payment session, the iDEAL online casino will send you a link through email, SMS, WhatsApp, or other communication channels based on the alternative you choose. Upon receiving it, your only task will be to click on the link (it’ll route you to your bank’s webpage or mobile banking app), confirm the transaction details, and authorise the payment.

iDEAL Inplannen

As previously mentioned, this is a unique feature that allows you to schedule a payment to be completed at a specific date and time. Although not as common as the other options, if you see iDEAL Inplannen in your online casino’s banking methods and select it, you can program your bank to automatically complete the transaction on your behalf on the agreed date. You should note that the online operator determines the latest date to be scheduled, meaning you can only set it within the allowed timeframe.

Once you pick a date, you’ll be redirected to your bank’s page, just like a regular iDEAL transaction. Here, you’ll be required to select the account to which the payment should be scheduled, then follow the on-screen instructions on how to plan the payment to be approved on the agreed date. However, the transaction will only be successful if you have enough funds on the scheduled date. Therefore, the payment will not go through if you have an insufficient balance in your bank account.

iDEAL in3

This is an innovative feature that offers financial flexibility by allowing you to make large payments in real time without directly affecting your bank account, thus combining the convenience and freedom of spread payments. As the name implies, this option allows you to make payments easily, such as online casino deposits, in three instalments without additional costs, significantly boosting your purchase power since you don’t need the total amount upfront. So, how does it work?

Depending on whether your online casino offers this alternative, you’ll be required to select it at the end of the payment process, submitting your request. Afterwards, iDEAL will immediately assess your creditworthiness to determine if you qualify for the bankroll. Once your application is approved, you’ll be required to pay the first instalment of the total amount, and then the company will loan you the rest. 

For perspective, suppose you want to play at a high-roller table with high minimum bet limits and deposit $1200, but you don’t have enough funds to join the game. In this case, you can choose the iDEAL in3 option. If you qualify, you’ll pay the first instalment as agreed (say $400), and then the company will front you the rest of the money ($800 in this case).

Afterwards, you’ll receive a reminder for the next payment plan. Generally, your next instalment is expected to be paid 30 days later, and your final payment is 60 days after the first instalment. One notable perk of this feature is that there are no extra charges like interest or hidden costs, just the total amount spread over three instalments.

iDEAL market coverage

Despite its numerous perks, iDEAL is not a popular payment method internationally, as it was mainly tailored to cater to the Dutch market. Thanks to its partnership with major banks in the region, this payment method has been quite successful in the Netherlands, facilitating secure and real-time transactions between 10+ banks within its network. The iDEAL partner banks include

• ABN AMRO
• ASN Bank
• bunq
• ING Bank
• SNS
• Revolut Bank
• RegioBank
• Rabobank
• Knab
• Triodos Bank
• Yoursafe
• N26
• Van Lanschot Kempen
• Nationale-Nederlanden

Therefore, if you have an account with any of the above-listed banks, you can easily fund your gambling account through this payment method, but only if your online casino accepts iDEAL. With 3.5 million transactions (over 6 million on peak days) per day and the increasing adoption of the payment system by Dutch consumers, iDEAL has solidified its position as the leading online payment method in the Netherlands. According to some sources, a growing number of businesses, such as online casinos in Belgium, accept iDEAL payments.

Due to its limited global footprint, iDEAL was acquired by EPI (European Payments Initiative) in October 2023. This move was intended to help the organisation achieve its primary aim of creating a standard payment solution for the European market. This acquisition means we can expect the payment method to extend to European regions outside the Netherlands, especially gambling-friendly jurisdictions.

How to deposit to online casinos with iDEAL

Thanks to its swift, convenient, and efficient payment options, the iDEAL banking method is well-suited for online gambling. Such features warrant short transaction processing times, meaning your funds will be floated almost instantly into your casino account after the payment is authorised. On top of that, iDEAL is a payment method based on the internet banking environment and mobile banking app, directly connecting major banks in the Netherlands. 

This makes it a safe online casino banking method as it applies similar top-tier security measures such as data encryption and two-factor authentication, ensuring secure online transactions since no sensitive financial details are shared with the online operator. You’ll also not incur transaction fees for deposits, making it an ideal payment option if you have a tight gambling budget and are keen on cutting down on costs.

Thanks to all these incredible features and perks, iDEAL is considered one of the most preferred payment methods in the Dutch gambling industry, particularly by those who prefer swift, cost-effective, and secure transactions. The iDEAL casino deposit procedure is pretty straightforward, just like making a regular online purchase on a webshop. Below is a step-by-step guide on how to deposit in online casinos accepting iDEAL.

Choose an iDEAL casino

Your first step is to find an online casino that takes iDEAL payments online and sign up for a player account. To save you the hassle of vetting gambling platforms, we have provided a list of top iDEAL casinos, including new iDEAL casinos where you can create login details. Upon registration, proceed to the banking/cashier section and click the Deposit tab or button. You’ll be presented with a list of supported banking methods, including iDEAL. Select this option to deposit funds through the iDEAL channel.

Choose a payment option

As previously stated, iDEAL offers various payment alternatives, including direct checkout, a QR code, and a payment link. Therefore, once you select iDEAL as your preferred banking method, your next step is to decide how you wish to deposit based on these options. Afterwards, follow the instructions discussed under each alternative to complete the payment.

You’ll also encounter a standard iDEAL payment option, which is almost similar to the iDEAL Checkout alternative. Therefore, after selecting this payment channel, you’ll be presented with a list of partner banks, at which point you’ll be required to choose your bank from the selection. Afterwards, unlike the checkout option, where the details are automatically filled in, you’ll have to manually enter all the necessary credentials to access the banking interface. 

You’ll then receive a confirmation code from your bank, which you’ll use to authorise the payment. Enter the amount you wish to deposit and the 2FA code to approve the payment. Mobile banking app users will use their banking PIN code to authorise the transaction.

Wait for the funds to reflect

Since it’s a payment method with quick transaction times, your payment will be instantly processed, and the funds will be floated into your player account within no time. It’ll also be at zero cost, but this might vary depending on your gambling platform. Once the funds hit your casino account, you can now visit the real money iDEAL casino’s lobby to launch and enjoy your favourite games. 

Furthermore, the best iDEAL casinos offer generous welcome bonuses, with most requiring a successful deposit before a claim. Since your funds have been credited, you can claim the signup bonus, but you should be wary of the wagering requirements the offer comes with.

How to withdraw from online casinos with iDEAL

Suppose you’re playing your favourite games in an online casino that takes iDEAL, and you win real money during your gambling session. In this case, your next step will be to cash out your winnings to your bank account if you have met the deposit wagering requirements. However, from our prior discussion in the review, withdrawing from an online casino using the iDEAL banking method is impossible. For starters, funds cannot be sent to iDEAL since users are not required to create an account to use the payment system. This means the only link between you and iDEAL is your bank account, making it only viable for casino deposits.

Withdrawal alternatives in iDEAL casinos

Therefore, since payouts can’t be processed through iDEAL, you’ll be required to select alternative banking methods to cash out your real money winnings. Luckily, top iDEAL casinos provide popular alternative payment options such as credit/debit cards (Mastercard, Visa, and Maestro), e-wallets (Paypal, Skrill, Neteller), mobile wallets (Apple Pay and Google Pay), Bank transfers, and cryptocurrencies (Bitcoin, Dogecoin, Tether, Ethereum, Binance Coin, Litecoin, etc.), among others. All you have to do to receive your real money winnings is select one of the provided banking methods in an iDEAL fast withdrawal casino, enter your preferred cashout amount, and follow the issued instructions to complete the transaction.

iDEAL transaction times and fees

One of the notable features of iDEAL as a payment method is its swift transaction times. This means that payments are instantly processed immediately after authorisation. Therefore, all you have to do is simply select iDEAL as your banking method during the deposit procedure, choose from the various options on how you wish to fund your account, and then follow the provided guidelines to complete the transaction. 

Once you’ve authorised the payment, the funds will be transferred instantly to the beneficiary’s account (the online casino, in our case). This transaction settlement adheres to the protocols set in place by the participating banks and iDEAL, which are consistently monitored, ensuring operational efficiency and seamless payment processing.

When it comes to transaction charges, deposits to your gambling account are not subject to processing fees. However, depositing in some gambling platforms might feature nominal transaction charges. This is because the online operator usually pays a fee for each iDEAL transaction. Unlike most banking methods, the iDEAL transaction fee is usually a fixed amount instead of a percentage of the payment amount.

iDEAL casinos pros and cons

Pros

• Quick transactions: iDEAL payments have a swift processing time since the funds are deducted from your bank account and immediately disbursed to your player account after the authorisation of the transaction.
• Safety: All iDEAL payments are processed through the player’s online banking system, meaning the transactions are subject to your bank’s top-level security protocols.
• Cost-effective: Depositing through this payment method is affordable since there are no transaction charges involved, and if any, the cost is negligible.
• Flexibility: iDEAL offers various innovative ways to make payments, including direct checkout, QR codes, payment links, etc., catering to different user preferences.

Cons

• Based on its operational mechanics, iDEAL can only be used as a deposit option in online casinos.
• iDEAL mainly operates in the Netherlands, meaning only players with Dutch bank accounts can access the payment method.

Convenience and safety of iDEAL casinos

Over the years, various European countries have joined forces to create a cashless economy since paying in cash is not viable for online stores and other businesses such as online casinos. Thanks to the digitisation of the financial sector, numerous fintech organisations like Currence emerged and introduced an efficient online payment gateway for users with Dutch bank accounts.

The good thing with iDEAL is that you won’t have to go through a lengthy registration process since you don’t need an iDEAL account to use their services. All you need is to have an account with one of the partnering banks, and you’ll be good to go. Numerous payment gateways only allow you to perform transactions through one option, i.e., To initialise a payment, you’ll have to fill in all the transaction details, including your bank account, contact details, and so on. However, iDEAL has shortened this process by providing various modern payment features.

For instance, the company offers a direct checkout option where all you need is to save your details in your iDEAL profile through your bank. This comes in handy when making a payment, as your stored details will be shared with the online operator upon approval of the transaction, cutting short the payment processing time. Aside from the iDEAL checkout feature, you can also make quick deposits through a QR code or a payment link, which are unique options that allow you to complete payments with just a few clicks. All you need to do is confirm the payment details and authorise the payment.

When it comes to safety, iDEAL is mainly based on the internet mobile banking platform and mobile banking app of major banks in the Netherlands. This means all transactions are processed through the payment systems of participating banks, making it a safe banking method for online casino players as it mainly relies on the top-tier security measures implemented by the banks. For instance, a payment will only be settled after the user authorises it through the provided confirmation code or PIN for mobile banking app users. On top of that, the financial data remains within the participating banks’ network, meaning no sensitive information is shared with your online operator, thus insulating you from online fraud.

Conclusion

Online transactions have grown in popularity over the years, a move that has prompted the emergence of various secure and convenient payment solutions such as iDEAL. But what exactly is it? iDEAL is an online payment system that allows users to make online payments to merchants, such as online casinos, directly from their bank accounts. Therefore, iDEAL provides a payment gateway between your bank and the online operator, meaning you don’t need to create a separate iDEAL account to transact. All you have to do is authorise the payment once you have confirmed all the transaction details, and the bank will settle the payment with the beneficiary’s bank.

In this review, we have highlighted the pros and cons of iDEAL casinos and discussed the payment method in depth by covering key areas such as its market coverage, payment features, transaction times, and processing fees. We have also provided a step-by-step guide on how to deposit in online casinos with iDEAL.