What Is a Tikkie? The Dutch Way to Split Bills
If you've just moved to the Netherlands, you might hear someone say, “I’ll send you a Tikkie.” No, it's not a slang word or a snack—it's a mobile payment app. And once you get the hang of it, you'll probably start using it yourself.
What Is Tikkie?
Tikkie is a free app developed by ABN AMRO that allows you to send and receive payment requests via WhatsApp, SMS, or other messaging platforms. It's used to split bills for dinners, groceries, group trips, or anything else. The app generates a payment link, and when the recipient clicks it, they can pay instantly using iDEAL (a popular Dutch payment method).
Do I Need an ABN AMRO Account?
No! That’s the best part—Tikkie is available to everyone with a Dutch bank account. You don’t need to bank with ABN AMRO to use it. Just download the app and link it to your account.
How Does It Work?
- You enter the amount you want someone to pay you.
- Tikkie generates a payment link.
- You send the link via WhatsApp, email, or text.
- They click the link, pay via iDEAL, and you're done!
Why Is It So Popular?
Tikkie has become part of Dutch daily life. Instead of awkwardly chasing people for money, you simply say, “I’ll Tikkie you.” It’s fast, secure, and avoids needing to carry cash or use multiple apps.
What About International Users?
Tikkie only works with Dutch bank accounts and iDEAL, so if you’re still using a foreign account, it won’t work for you just yet. Once you’ve opened a Dutch account, you can join the Tikkie club.
Good to Know
- There’s no fee to use Tikkie.
- It’s commonly used for both personal and small business payments.
- It doesn’t support recurring payments or tipping (yet).
Want to know more about money in the Netherlands? Read our article on navigating Dutch banking.