Electronic payment is mandatory in Belgium: what it means for the adult industry

In Belgium, every business that sells goods or services to consumers has had to offer at least one electronic payment method alongside cash since 1 July 2022. For the bakery around the corner, that means a payment terminal or a QR code at the till. For independent professionals and businesses in the adult industry it is often harder, because banks and terminal providers still regularly turn the sector away. Germany may introduce a similar rule from 2027. You can read more in our article on Germany's digital payment obligation.

This article gives general information about the Belgian rule. It is not legal advice. To find out whether the rule applies to your situation, ask the FPS Economy or a professional or advocacy organisation.

What the rule says

At least one electronic payment method. A business must give consumers the option to pay electronically. You choose the method yourself, and you do not have to invest in several systems.
Cash stays. Electronic payment comes on top of cash, it does not replace it. In principle, you must keep accepting cash.
No surcharge and no minimum amount. You may not charge extra to people who pay electronically. Accepting cards only above a certain amount is allowed only if you offer another electronic option for smaller amounts.
Checks. The Economic Inspection of the FPS Economy enforces the rule. In the first year, a business breaking it for the first time and in good faith only received a warning. Since 2023 the inspection also checks on its own initiative, and a business that does not comply risks a fine.

Who does it apply to?

The rule applies to businesses. Febelfin describes this as "any natural or legal person that pursues an economic purpose on a lasting basis". That includes shops and hospitality, but also independent professionals and liberal professions. Also worth knowing:

the rule is about payments by consumers, not payments between businesses;
it covers situations where your client and you are physically together;
according to Unizo, the obligation does not apply where no staff are present, such as a fully automatic vending machine.

If you work under an employment contract, ask your employer how clients pay. If you are self-employed or run a business, it is wise to look at the question for yourself and to ask when in doubt.

What counts as electronic payment?

According to Febelfin and Unizo, these count, among others:

a payment terminal for bank cards, including contactless;
paying with a smartphone app;
a bank transfer: according to Unizo, offering the option to pay by transfer is enough.

Meal, eco and gift vouchers, gift cards and cryptocurrencies do not count as the alternative.

Payment apps are changing in 2026 too: Payconiq is being retired and replaced by Wero and Bancontact. According to BNP Paribas Fortis, merchants' existing QR codes keep working. Your client scans the GloryPay QR code with their own banking app. There is no direct link with the Wero app yet.

Bank transfers, QR codes and the payee name check

Since 9 October 2025, banks check during a transfer whether the name the payer enters matches the holder of the IBAN. The payer then sees a green, orange or red message. According to Test Aankoop, the Belgian consumer association, the check is not carried out when the payer scans a QR code to pay, because the details are filled in automatically. If discretion matters to you, check which name belongs to your account and how your client pays.

Why the adult industry often cannot get a terminal

Many banks and payment providers exclude the adult industry in their terms, even when the activity is legal and registered. The reason is internal risk rules around anti-money laundering (KYC/AML) and reputation. No account means no terminal and no payment app. In our article on opening a bank account as a sex worker you can read how often accounts are refused or blocked and what rights you have.

The problem is also on the table in parliament. Bills in the Belgian Chamber would require banks to give written reasons when they refuse or close an account. These are proposals, not yet law.

Making digital payment practical

Choose one method that fits your work. For example, a terminal for card payments on site, or a QR code your client scans to make a transfer straight away.
Keep your records in order. Electronic payments leave a trail with date, amount and reference. That helps with your tax return and shows a bank or payment provider where your income comes from.
Think about discretion. Check which name or reference your client sees when paying.
Start in good time. An application with a payment provider includes a check of your identity and your activity, which takes a few business days.
Keep accepting cash. Cash remains legal tender.

What GloryPay does

GloryPay was built for professionals and businesses in the adult industry. You get an account with a Belgian IBAN, usable across Europe, with SEPA payments by QR code and payment terminals. When paying by QR code or terminal, your client only sees a neutral reference. With a regular bank transfer, your business name or artist name appears as the account holder, not your personal name. Opening an account is free, with no monthly or yearly fees. Terms for payment terminals are in the member area, after free registration.

Register for free

Sources: Febelfin, FAQ on the obligation to offer a digital payment option, 2022 (in Dutch); Unizo, "Ben ik verplicht om elektronische betalingen te aanvaarden?", updated 22/07/2026 (in Dutch); Forum for the Future on the FPS Economy's checks, 26/06/2023 (in Dutch); BNP Paribas Fortis, "Wero replaces Payconiq in 2026", 20/01/2026 (in Dutch); Test Aankoop on the IBAN check, 10/10/2025 (in Dutch); Belgian Chamber, bill DOC 56 1349/001, 04/02/2026; Council of State, opinion on bill DOC 56 0388, 22/01/2025. Status: 15/10/2026. This article is not legal advice.