Going from US to NL was like moving to a banking utopia: Transfer money? Just log in via browser or on your phone, put in their bank account number and the amo

Going from US to NL was like moving to a banking utopia: Transfer money? Just log in via browser or on your phone, put in their bank account number and the amount, done! Cost: €0. Happens instantly with same bank, next business day with another bank (or faster). No possibility of bouncing anything. Two-factor authentication has been around for a while, and is required for sending money. Either via a PIN challenge-response device or an SMS. People can't charge you money without your consent, or forge checks. Recurring transactions can be set up easily, so the rent goes out every month... Some service providers can also send an invoice to your financial inbox (online banking) where you can view / pay them. No signatures. You use your pin-code for transactions with your card, or online banking. International wiring can also be done online, easily. One negative (maybe) is that credit cards are taken almost nowhere, since the normal payment system is so good. Dutch people don't spend money they don't have (since they can't), which might be a pro, but can be annoying for visiting tourists.