Selling gold for cash: what is allowed and what is not
The short answer: since 1 January 2026 a trader in the Netherlands may not pay or accept 3,000 euros or more in cash. In Belgium a buyer may not pay for gold and other precious metals in cash at all. What that means for your sale, as of October 2026.
The Netherlands: no cash payments of 3,000 euros or more
Since 1 January 2026, traders in goods may not make or accept cash payments of 3,000 euros or more. The rule is laid down in the Dutch Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing (Prevention) Act (Wwft) and applies to all traders, including jewellers, pawnshops and gold buyers. It applies when selling and when buying, also when the other party is a private individual.
A payment of 2,999.99 euros may therefore still be made in cash, one of 3,000 euros may not. Splitting does not help: payments that belong together count together. Two private individuals selling something to each other fall outside the ban.
Belgium: no cash for gold
In Belgium a trader and a consumer may generally settle up to 3,000 euros in cash (Article 67 of the anti-money laundering act of 18 September 2017). For goods containing precious metals a stricter rule applies: since 31 March 2024, payment may not be made in cash when the buyer is not a consumer. A buyer purchasing your gold, silver or platinum in Belgium therefore pays by bank transfer.
Previously a buyer could pay a private individual up to 500 euros in cash. That exception has been removed.
How XGOUD pays out
- In our Dutch branches we pay up to and including 500 euros in cash, at the counter. Anything above that goes by bank and is usually in your account within 24 hours.
- In Belgium payment for precious metals goes by bank, as the law requires.
- On a home visit we always pay by bank, which is safer for you and for our valuer.
- Always you receive a purchase receipt showing the date, weight, fineness, rate and the amount paid.
Is someone offering you cash for a large lot of gold? Then he is breaking the law, and that says something about how he handles the rest of the deal. A bank payment leaves a trail and protects you too.
What changes in 2027
From 10 July 2027, a limit of 10,000 euros on cash payments to traders applies throughout the European Union, under the European anti-money laundering regulation. Countries with a lower limit, such as the Netherlands and Belgium, keep that lower limit. For your sale to us, nothing changes as a result.
This is not legal advice. The text reflects the rules as they apply in October 2026. If in doubt, check with the Dutch Tax Administration, the Belgian FPS Economy or an adviser.
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Questions about selling gold for cash: what is allowed and what is not
May a gold buyer pay out more than 3,000 euros in cash?
Not in the Netherlands. Since 1 January 2026 traders in goods may not make or accept cash payments of 3,000 euros or more, not even when buying from a private individual. Splitting into smaller payments is not allowed either.
Can I get cash for my gold in Belgium?
No. Since 31 March 2024 a buyer in Belgium may not pay cash for goods containing precious metals. You receive the amount by bank transfer.
How quickly is the money in my account?
At XGOUD a bank payment is usually in your account within 24 hours. In our Dutch branches we pay amounts up to and including 500 euros in cash, at the counter.
Is your question not listed? Ask it below, call 085 060 3009 or go to contact.
Still something unclear?
Ask it here. You will receive a personal reply by email, usually within one working day – no automated message and no phone call you did not ask for.
- An answer from a valuer, not from a template
- We keep your question so that you need not repeat anything
- No sales pitch afterwards
Sources
Where you can verify what you have just read.
- LBMAThe London gold and silver price our daily rate is built on
- WaarborgHollandThe Dutch assay office that verifies fineness and strikes hallmarks
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A valuation is free and without obligation, at a location near you.