How does Tikkie work? Sending a payment request

Tikkie is the most popular payment request app in the Netherlands. With Tikkie, you can easily ask friends, family or colleagues for money. The app was developed by ABN AMRO, but it works with all Dutch banks. --- Need help with digital payments or financial apps? Theory7 is happy to help you with advice on handy payment apps and digital solutions. ---

What is Tikkie?

Tikkie is a free app that lets you send payment requests. Launched in 2016 by ABN AMRO, it has since become the standard way to split costs among people in the Netherlands. Whether it is a shared dinner, groceries or a gift: with Tikkie you sort it out in just a few taps.

Getting started with Tikkie

Setting up Tikkie is quick and easy:

1. Download the Tikkie app (iOS or Android)
2. Open the app and accept the terms
3. Enter your phone number for verification
4. Link your bank account through iDEAL (one-time verification)
5. Done! You can now send and receive Tikkies

Tip: You can also use Tikkie through the website tikkie.me, but the app is much more convenient.

How do you send a Tikkie?

Sending a payment request is very simple:

Step 1: Create a new Tikkie

• Open the Tikkie app
• Tap the big green button (the Tikkie icon)
• Or tap "Nieuw Tikkie (New Tikkie)

Step 2: Enter the amount

• Enter the amount you want to receive
• Optionally add a description (e.g. "Dinner Friday")

Step 3: Share the Tikkie

• Choose how you want to share the Tikkie:
• WhatsApp (most used)
• SMS
• Email
• Copy link
• Select the recipient(s) and send

Step 4: Receive the payment

• The recipient opens the link
• Pays through iDEAL (no app needed)
• You get a notification right away
• The money is in your account within a few minutes

Costs and limits

Important: Tikkie is free for personal use. Business users pay transaction fees.

Tips and tricks

• Group Tikkie: Split costs with several people at once, and everyone pays their share
• Add a description: This way the recipient knows exactly what they are paying for
• QR code: Let people scan your Tikkie instead of sending a link
• Reminders: The app automatically sends reminders to people who have not paid yet
• Payment history: Always see who has already paid and who has not

Security

Tikkie is designed to be secure:

• iDEAL payments: All payments go through the secure iDEAL system
• No bank details visible: You only share a payment link, no account numbers
• Phone verification: Your account is linked to your phone number
• ABN AMRO security: The same security standards as online banking
• Fraud detection: Suspicious activity is blocked automatically

Note: Never pay a Tikkie from someone you do not know. Scammers can send fake Tikkies.

Tikkie vs other payment apps

Tikkie is not the only payment request app in the Netherlands. Below is a comparison with the best-known alternatives:

Most people in the Netherlands use Tikkie because it works with all banks and does not require a separate subscription. Consider alternatives if you already have a specific banking app that supports payment requests.

Using Tikkie for business

Besides personal use, you can also use Tikkie for business through Tikkie Zakelijk (Tikkie Business). This is interesting for:

• Small business owners: send payment requests to customers right after a service
• Events: collect participant contributions without invoices
• Clubs and associations: collect membership fees or activity contributions quickly and easily
• Market vendors: accept payments without a card terminal

Business Tikkie charges a small transaction fee per payment. For larger businesses with their own online store, iDEAL integrations through a payment service provider (PSP) are often cheaper.

Maximum amounts for business

Business Tikkies have higher limits than personal ones. You can request up to EUR 10,000 per payment request. This makes Tikkie Zakelijk suitable for larger invoices without needing a full invoicing system.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Do I need to be an ABN AMRO customer to use Tikkie?

No, Tikkie works with all Dutch banks. You do not need an ABN AMRO account to send or pay Tikkies.

How quickly is the money in my account?

The money is usually in your account within a few minutes. In some cases it can take up to one business day, depending on your bank.

Can I cancel a Tikkie?

Yes, you can delete an open Tikkie in the app. People can then no longer pay through that link. Payments that have already been made cannot be reversed through the app.