Retail Payments in the Netherlands: Facts and Theory

Summary Over the last decade, the Netherlands observed a rapid shift from cash and paper-based payment instruments toward electronic payment instruments. Banks are well aware that transaction pricing can speed up the shift to low-cost electronic payments. But payment pricing is a complex matter, due to strong network externalities. Recent theory on two-sided markets has led to a better understanding of the payment industry, in terms of optimal payment pricing and payment network competition. Under two-sidedness, it is shown that payment pricing is not just a question of choosing the right price level but rather of choosing the right price structure.The author would like to thank Lex Hoogduin, Rein Kieviet, Carlo Winder and two anonymous referees for critical comments and valuable remarks. Obviously, the usual disclaimer applies. Views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect official positions of De Nederlandsche Bank or the European System of Central Banks.