Paying cash for gold in the Netherlands: the €3,000 limit explained

If you buy gold in the Netherlands, one important thing changed in 2026: you can no longer pay large amounts in cash. Here is what the rule means and how to pay safely instead.

What changed?

Since 1 January 2026, cash payments of €3,000 or more are banned when goods are bought or sold. The ban is part of the Dutch Anti-Money Laundering and Anti-Terrorist Financing Act (Wwft). A cash payment of up to €2,999.99 is still allowed. Anything above that must be paid digitally, for example by bank transfer or online payment.

Who does it apply to?

The ban applies to businesses that sell or buy goods, such as jewellers, gold dealers, car dealers and pawnshops. Private individuals selling to each other are not covered.

Can I split the amount?

No. Splitting one purchase into several smaller cash payments or several invoices is also covered by the ban. The Dutch Tax Administration even gives the example of gold bought by two people on separate invoices.

Why this rule?

Cash is hard to trace, which makes it attractive for money laundering. Precious metals are valuable and easy to carry. The limit makes sure large purchases go through a bank, so they can be checked. From 10 July 2027 a European limit of €10,000 will also apply, but the Netherlands keeps its stricter €3,000 limit.

How do you pay at Eve Gold?

At Eve Gold you always pay in advance online, with a secure payment such as iDEAL. You never need to carry large amounts of cash, and you receive an invoice for every purchase. That is safer for you and for us.

Source: Belastingdienst (Dutch Tax Administration), 'Verbod op contante betalingen van € 3.000 of meer' (accessed October 2026).