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

The Dutch government is working on stricter rules for cash payments to combat money laundering and financial crime. One of the key proposals is a ban on cash payments above €3,000 for transactions involving goods. This measure will be taken into effect on 1 January 2026 and is already affecting consumers, businesses, and buyers of physical precious metals.

In this article, you will learn what this upcoming ban entails, why it is being introduced, and what the expected impact is for customers of The Silver Mountain who want to buy gold with cash or pay cash for gold.

What does this ban on High-Value Cash Payments per January 1st 2026 entail?

The government aims to further combat money laundering involving large cash flows. For this reason, a legislative proposal has been drafted that introduces a legal limit for cash payments when purchasing goods.

This measure affects various sectors, including the precious metals industry, and impacts consumers who rely on cash as a payment method. 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 will the ban apply?

In December 2025, the FIU (Financial Intelligence Unit - Netherlands) announced that the ban on cash payments exceeding €3,000 will come into effect on January 1, 2026.

From that date onwards, buyers and sellers of goods, art dealers, and pawnbrokers are prohibited from accepting or making cash payments of €3,000 or more.

Key points:

• The law is in force on1 January 2026.
• The actual introduction depends on the remaining legislative process.
• After adoption, the government will announce the final effective date.

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

The EU is simultaneously working on uniform rules governing the use of cash. The Dutch ban is therefore not an isolated measure but part of a broader European movement toward stricter anti-money-laundering regulations.

Key points:

• The EU will introduce a Europe-wide cash payment limit of €10,000 in 2027.
• Member states may set lower limits; the Netherlands deliberately opts for €3,000.
• Several EU countries already have similar or even stricter limits.

Who does the ban apply to?

The measure primarily targets transactions involving the purchase or sale of goods. No distinction is made between sectors or product types.

Key points:

• The ban applies to all traders in goods, from jewellers to car dealerships and precious metal dealers.
• There are no exemptions for specific industries or business types.
• Transactions between private individuals are not covered by the ban.

Why is this ban being introduced in the Netherlands?

The government wants to make money laundering and financial crime more difficult. Large cash payments still allow for a high degree of anonymity, enabling illegal funds to be moved without a digital trail.

By introducing a €3,000 limit, using cash for money laundering becomes less attractive.

Combating money laundering

Criminals often use high-value cash transactions to conceal financial flows. A lower limit ensures that large purchases more often take place using traceable payment methods.

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

Currently, traders must conduct extensive due diligence and report unusual transactions for cash payments of €10,000 or more. With the new ban, much of this obligation will disappear.

Thus, risks are reduced while businesses face fewer administrative burdens.

Legal use of cash remains possible

The government emphasises that cash should remain available for normal, legal use. Therefore, a mandatory acceptance requirement for payments up to €3,000 is being considered.

This ensures that cash remains an option 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?

The proposed ban has direct consequences for anyone wanting to buy physical precious metals. Physical gold and silver purchases often involve higher amounts, making the new limit relevant in many situations.

Although the law is not yet in force, it is wise to anticipate these future limitations already.

1. Limitation on cash payments above €3.000

Once 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 spend larger amounts on precious metals will need to adapt their payment methods.

Splitting purchases into smaller transactions may still be possible, but remains monitored and cannot be used to circumvent regulations.

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

For customers of The Silver Mountain (TSM), nothing changes in the short term, but the proposed ban makes it important to look ahead.

TSM closely monitors developments around the new legislation to ensure customers can continue to buy physical precious metals safely and in compliance with all regulations.

Current Situation: cash payments still possible up to €10,000

At present (2025), The Silver Mountain still accepts cash payments up to €10,000 for certain transactions, fully in line with current legal frameworks. The following conditions apply:

• cash payments are only possible by appointment;
• identification is required;
• a 1% administrative fee applies for processing and depositing cash. 

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

After the Cash Ban Above €3,000 takes effect (1 January 2026)

When the ban comes into force (1 january 2026), TSM must also adapt its payment options. This means:

• cash payments above €3,000 will no longer be accepted;
• larger purchases must be paid via bank transfer or other electronic methods;
• order procedures and payment information on the website will be updated accordingly.

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 in the future. Purchases under €3,000 are expected to remain payable in cash, meaning cash purchases of gold will still be possible in a limited form.

We will inform customers in time about concrete changes, ensuring every purchase is carried out safely, transparently, and fully in line with the law.

Buying Gold Anonymously: what changes under 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). 

However, there are still ways to buy with limited personal data. The upcoming ban on cash payments above €3,000 will significantly change these options.

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

This still allows 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;
• counter 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:

• high-value cash purchases of gold will no longer be possible;
• discreet purchases remain possible only under €3,000;
• electronic payments will become the standard for larger investments. 

TSM will continue assisting customers with safe and transparent purchases that comply fully with applicable laws and regulations.

Buying gold with cash is possible as long as the new law is not officially taken in effect.

Why \buy gold now and pay in cash?

The upcoming ban on cash payments above €3,000 leads many investors to wonder whether now is the right time to buy gold with cash. As long as the new law has not yet taken effect, paying in cash (within current limits) remains fully permitted.

This temporarily provides additional flexibility for customers who value privacy, simplicity, and certainty. Reasons not to wait include:

• Maintaining privacy: as long as it is still permitted, you can still buy gold discreetly and pay in cash.
• Payment flexibility: cash payments or cash payouts remain possible for now, but this window is limited.
• Protection against digital disruptions: cash offers security during cyberattacks or electronic payment outages, a risk the government itself acknowledges as increasingly realistic. 

If you have questions about buying gold, feel free to contact us or schedule an informational consultation.

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

The accepted ban on cash payments above €3,000 has clear implications for anyone who wants to buy physical gold. Although the measure is not yet in effect, it is wise to prepare for this limitation.

Buying gold in cash remains possible up to €10,000 till the end of 2025, but this flexibility will soon diminish. For customers of The Silver Mountain, this means that larger purchases will have to be settled electronically starting on January 1st 2026.