Dutch bank ING is retiring its physical ING-scanner as the iDEAL payment system permanently transitions to Wero on October 1, 2026.
The transition away from physical security hardware marks a significant shift in European digital payments. The bank attributes the change directly to the technical requirements of the upcoming payment infrastructure.
Why the ING-Scanner is Being Retired for Wero Payments
The physical scanner has long served as an authentication tool for ING customers managing their finances online. However, that hardware is reaching the end of its operational viability for transactions. That can only be done with the ING-App.
The underlying technology required to process Wero transactions cannot be integrated into the aging firmware of the ING-scanner. Because this hardware cannot support the new protocol, customers will lose the ability to authorize these specific online transactions via the physical device once the deadline hits.
The October 1, 2026 Deadline and Customer Impact
For now, customers can continue using their familiar methods. An ING spokesperson clarified that as long as clients still see the iDEAL logo and pay through the legacy system, their experience remains unchanged. That temporary grace period expires definitively on October 1, 2026, when iDEAL phases out completely in favor of Wero.
The mandatory shift has drawn sharp criticism from consumers who cannot or will not use mobile applications. Avrotros reported complaints from users whose devices run on outdated Android versions that do not support the current ING app. For these individuals, losing the scanner means they face the unexpected expense of purchasing a new smartphone just to access their bank accounts. Other customers voiced broader frustration over digital exclusivity, telling the outlet they feel trapped by the policy change.
We are nicely up a tree. I hope this abuse is addressed. Anonymous consumer, Avrotros
For clients who refuse or are unable to install the mobile application, ING notes that alternative payment methods will depend entirely on what individual webshops support. Customers may need to rely on bank transfers, invoices, or credit cards where available, as online Wero transactions will remain entirely restricted to the app ecosystem.
How Other Dutch Banks Are Handling the iDEAL to Wero Transition
Financial institutions in the Netherlands are taking divergent paths regarding physical authentication tools as Wero rolls out. While ING is phasing out its hardware for transactions entirely, competitor approaches vary significantly across the sector.
Rabobank customers will retain their current functionality. According to a Rabobank spokesperson speaking with NOS, clients can continue using the Rabo Scanner for payments even after the transition from iDEAL to Wero.
Meanwhile, ABN Amro is retiring its physical hardware device, known as the E.dentifier. However, unlike ING, ABN Amro is introducing a replacement hardware option called a USB Security Key. This alternative ensures that customers who decline to use a smartphone app retain a physical mechanism to handle internet banking and authorize Wero payments.
At ING, customers must choose a single path. Bank representatives confirmed that clients are limited to one active authentication method. Those who choose to adopt the ING mobile app must surrender their scanner, as running both methods simultaneously is not supported.