Online payments in Belgium 2024–2025: usage trends and strategic insights

In 2024, Belgian e-commerce generated €17.7 billion in revenue, up 11.4% from 2023¹. With continued digitalisation and rapid adoption of new payment methods, 2025 is set to be even more dynamic.

Yet, this growth masks a critical challenge: 48% of Belgian consumers have abandoned an online purchase due to a checkout process that was either too complex or didn’t feel secure².

In such a competitive market, mastering payment innovation is no longer optional — it’s a strategic lever to drive customer loyalty and conversion.

Consumer habits and their impact on belgian e-commerce

Belgian shoppers rely heavily on peer recommendations, online reviews and price comparison tools when making purchases. Social media and influencers have a moderate influence, with stronger traction among younger generations.

Top-performing product categories in Belgium’s online market include apparel, electronics and cultural goods (books, music, games), with many online shoppers prioritising these segments.

Top payment methods in Belgium

Seamless, secure, and fast checkout experiences are non-negotiables for Belgian consumers — with a strong preference for local payment methods tied to banking infrastructure.

#1 - Bancontact

Bancontact remains Belgium’s most-used online payment method³:

73% of consumers say it’s their preferred way to pay online.
70% use it regularly for e-commerce.
Typically accessed via a physical card or banking app, with or without QR codes.

#2 - Debit & Credit Cards (Visa, Mastercard, Maestro)

Widely used for international purchases or digital services:

41% of Belgian consumers prefer debit cards.
39% opt for credit cards (Visa ou Mastercard).
Increasingly used via digital wallets to enhance security.

#3 - Digital Wallets (PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay)

39% of online shoppers prefer PayPal; 33% use it frequently.
Apple Pay and Google Pay are gaining popularity, especially among urban youth and iPhone users.
Favoured for their mobile-native experience and ease of use.

Honorable mentions: QR code payments & bank apps (Payconiq by Bancontact)

42% of Belgians have already used a QR code payment, often via Payconiq
47% of those aged 16–24 feel comfortable using this method
Popular for speed and native integration into Belgian banking apps

Still used (but fading): cash & bank transfers⁴

Cash is virtually absent from e-commerce usage
Bank transfers are still used in B2B or for occasional services (invoices, etc.) but remain marginal in B2C
82% of Belgians prefer digital payments

Emerging trends and future outlook

Growth of mobile payments: Usage continues to rise, especially among younger generations
Contactless preference: Over 77% of Belgians feel comfortable with contactless card payments
Decline of cash usage: The trend continues in favour of digital options

Wero replaces Payconiq by Bancontact: a strategic shift in mobile payments

Since 2024, Wero, the new mobile payment solution developed by the European Payments Initiative (EPI), has started to gradually replace Payconiq by Bancontact in Belgium. This shift represents a major step towards harmonising European digital payments.

Wero is designed to work both online and at point-of-sale, aiming to unify mobile payment standards across several European countries, while maintaining smooth integration with Belgian banking apps.

For Belgian consumers, this means a seamless transition: key Payconiq features are retained, alongside a more modern interface and new features to come (such as P2P payments at the European level).

For merchants, Wero presents an opportunity to attract users already familiar with local mobile payment methods, while preparing for a broader, cross-border customer base.

This change is one of the key trends to watch in 2025, and a strategic innovation to adopt in order to stay competitive in a fast-moving digital landscape.

Conclusion

The Belgian online payment landscape is still dominated by local solutions, with Bancontact leading, followed closely by bank cards and digital wallets like PayPal.

The rise of mobile payments, especially via QR codes and bank apps, reflects a strong adoption dynamic among younger consumers.

For merchants, offering a diversified and locally adapted payment mix is now essential to maximise conversions and meet the expectations of a digital-first but trust- and security-conscious market.