Ban on cash payments above €3,000: what does this mean for you?

The Dutch government has introduced a ban on cash payments exceeding €3,000. This measure is intended to combat money laundering and financial crime and has direct consequences for consumers, businesses and buyers of physical precious metals.

In this article, you will read about what this ban entails, why it is being implemented, and the consequences for customers of The Silver Mountain who wish to buy gold with cash or make cash payments for gold.

What does the cash payment ban as of 1 January 2026 entail?

The ban on cash payments above €3,000 was introduced to combat money laundering and large illicit cash flows. Cash payments offer a relatively high level of anonymity and make transactions harder to trace. By setting a legal limit, large purchases are more frequently conducted via traceable payment methods.

This measure affects multiple sectors, including the precious metals industry, and impacts consumers who use cash as a means of payment. The ban forms part of the Anti-Money Laundering Action Plan Act (Wet plan van aanpak witwassen) and affects everyone who prefers paying with cash.

Effective Date: when does the ban apply?

The ban on cash payments above €3,000 entered into force on 1 January 2026. Since that date, traders in goods are no longer permitted to accept or make cash payments of €3,000 or more.

The effective date was established by Royal Decree and applies nationwide to sectors including jewellers, art dealers, pawnshops and precious metals companies.

Key points:

• The law has been in force since 1 January 2026.

European Context: how does the Netherlands align with EU rules?

The Netherlands is not alone in introducing stricter rules. Across the European Union, stronger anti-money laundering regulations are being implemented. In 2027, a Europe-wide cash payment limit of €10,000 will be introduced.

Key points:

• The EU will introduce a Europe-wide cash payment limit of €10,000 in 2027.
• Member states may set a lower national limit. The Netherlands has chosen €3,000.
• Many EU countries already apply similar or even stricter limits.

Who does the ban apply to?

The ban applies to transactions involving the purchase or sale of goods, regardless of sector or product type.

Key points:

• The ban applies to jewellers, car dealers and precious metals traders..
• No sector-specific exemptions apply.
• Transactions between private individuals are not covered by the ban.

Why was this ban introduced?

The government aims to make money laundering and financial crime more difficult. Large cash payments make it easier to conceal money flows and move illicit funds without a digital trail.

Combatting money laundering

By lowering the cash payment threshold to €3,000, large purchases are more often conducted using traceable payment methods. This aligns the Netherlands with neighbouring countries and reduces opportunities for criminals to exploit regulatory differences.

This brings the Netherlands more in line with neighbouring countries, preventing criminals from diverting activities here.

European alignment

The EU is also tightening regulations. A Europe-wide limit of €10,000 for cash payments will take effect in 2027.

Member states may impose stricter limits; the Netherlands chooses €3,000 because this aligns better with national risk assessments and the policies of other EU countries.

Reducing administrative burdens

In addition, part of the extensive reporting and investigation obligations previously associated with large cash transactions has been reduced, lowering administrative burdens for businesses.

Legal use of cash remains possible

The Dutch government emphasises that cash should remain available for normal, legitimate use. For this reason, a mandatory cash acceptance obligation applies up to €3,000.

This ensures that cash payments remain possible for everyday purchases while limiting misuse.

Buying gold and silver with cash will remain possible, but the maximum price is lowered to 3000 euros.

What does the €3,000 Cash Payment Ban mean for buying gold and silver?

Cash purchases of gold or silver above €3,000 are no longer permitted. Larger investments must be paid entirely via bank transfer or other electronic payment methods.

1. Limitation on cash payments above €3.000

Since the ban applies, purchases of gold or silver above €3,000 can no longer be paid for in cash. Larger investments must be paid via bank transfer or other electronic payment methods.

For customers who currently prefer cash for privacy or convenience, this will change the way larger purchases can be made.

2. Buying gold with cash remains possible below the threshold

For amounts below €3,000, little is expected to change. Buying gold with cash will remain permitted, although sector-specific or security guidelines may impose additional conditions.

The government is also working on a mandatory acceptance requirement up to €3,000, ensuring that cash remains available for everyday purchases.

3. Practical impact for investors

Investors who regularly invest larger amounts in precious metals must adjust their payment methods. Splitting purchases into smaller amounts is legally permitted, provided this is not used to circumvent regulations.

What does this mean for you as a customer of The Silver Mountain?

Since 1 January 2026, several things have changed for customers of The Silver Mountain. The Silver Mountain closely follows all applicable regulations and ensures that customers can continue to buy physical precious metals safely, transparently and fully in compliance with the law.

Situation up to and including 31 December 2025

Up to and including 31 December 2025, The Silver Mountain accepted cash payments up to €10,000 for certain transactions. The following conditions applied:

• cash payments by appointment only;
• identification was required;
• a 1 percent administrative fee applied for handling and depositing cash;

This still allows customers who value privacy or convenience to pay for gold in cash within existing limits.

Situation from 1 January 2026

Since 1 January 2026:

• Cash payments are no longer accepted
• All purchases must be completed exclusively via bank transfer or other electronic payment methods
• The ordering procedures and payment information have been updated accordingly.

*As of 1 January 2026, The Silver Mountain no longer accepts cash payments. The additional administrative and security requirements no longer outweigh the added value for customers.

What does this mean for customers buying Physical Gold?

Customers who currently make regular high-value cash payments will need to switch to electronic payment methods . 

Buying Gold Anonymously: what changes after the €3,000 ban?

Many investors value privacy when buying physical gold. Fully anonymous gold purchases are already not possible in the Netherlands due to anti-money-laundering laws (Wwft). 

Since the introduction of the €3,000 cash limit, these options have been significantly restricted.

Till 31 December 2025: limited privacy through counter purchases

At present, it is possible to buy gold without having your name on the invoice through telephone-based counter sales. Currently:

• identification upon collection was mandatory;
• cash payments were possible up to €10,000 (by appointment, with a 1% cash fee);
• your data was not kept fully anonymous but is processed in a limited manner. 

This allowed customers who value privacy to make relatively discreet purchases, within the legal framework.

After the ban on Cash Payments Above €3,000 in 2026

Once the ban is in effect:

• cash payments above €3,000 will no longer be permitted;
• Sales with cash remain possible only under €3,000;
• larger purchases must always be paid electronically;
• privacy-friendly options become limited to smaller purchases. 

This removes the possibility to settle part of a larger purchase discreetly using cash.

What does this mean for Privacy-Focused Customers?

Customers who value privacy should note:

• Cash purchases of gold are no longer be possible;
• discreet purchases remain possible only under €3,000;
• electronic payments has become the standard for larger investments. 

TSM will no longer accept cash payments as of January 1, 2026. The additional administrative and security requirements do not justify the limited added value for our customers.

Buying gold with cash was possible at The Silver Mountain until December 31, 2025. .

Conclusion: what the €3,000 Cash Payment Ban means for you

The ban on cash payments above €3,000 has significant consequences for anyone buying or selling physical gold or silver in the Netherlands. While cash payments at The Silver Mountain were still possible up to €10,000 until the end of 2025, all purchases since 1 January 2026 must be settled electronically.

The Silver Mountain continues to guide customers within the applicable legal framework to ensure that every transaction is safe, transparent and compliant.