Cashless is becoming law: what the bill means for your event

Cashless payment is the standard at festivals and events. It’s fast, secure, and eliminates cash at the bar. But what happens to the money left on a card or wristband after the event? A new bill aims to settle this once and for all. The good news: fair cashless is perfectly achievable. We are already doing it.

The harsh truth

Visitors pay in advance. After the event, there is often a balance remaining. And that is where things go wrong.

In 2024, Test-Achats compared the terms and conditions of 13 festivals. At 8 of them, something was not in line with legal regulations. Visitors paid up to 13.50 euros to activate their card or wristband. Those who wanted their remaining balance back paid up to 3.75 euros per refund. Sometimes, refunds were only possible above a minimum amount, or not at all.

The FPS Economy published guidelines in 2024, but they are not binding. In 2025, the Economic Inspection still identified numerous shortcomings. That is why a bill is now on the table.

What the bill regulates

On September 14, 2026, bill DOC 56 1738/001 was submitted to the Chamber. It adds a separate chapter on cashless systems to the Code of Economic Law, making the FPS Economy guidelines binding. Five rules are central.

Clear information, on time‍

At least one week before the event and throughout the entire event, the costs, deadlines, and refund procedure must be available on the website. This information must also be visible on-site, for example at top-up points. This also applies if cashless is not mandatory.‍

No activation fees

‍If cashless is mandatory, you may not charge the visitor anything to activate their card or wristband.

Equal benefits for everyone‍

A bonus or discount exclusively for those who top up via an app or website is prohibited. Those who top up at the cash register must receive the same.

Right to a refund‍

Visitors have 30 days after the event to request their remaining balance. The organizer then has 30 days to process the refund.

Maximum fee of 1 euro‍

A refund costs the visitor a maximum of 1 euro, and never more than the actual cost to the organizer. The amount is indexed annually.

What this means for your event

The proposal is not yet law. But if you are setting the terms for 2027 now, it is best to take it into account immediately. Five questions for your next edition:

• Are your cashless terms on your website at least a week before the event, and are they clearly displayed on-site?
• Do you charge activation costs or a wallet fee? If cashless is mandatory, these should be dropped.
• Do you offer a bonus for online top-ups? If so, offer it at the box office too, or scrap it entirely.
• Can visitors request a refund of their balance for at least 30 days after the event, with no minimum amount?
• Does a refund cost the visitor no more than 1 euro? Zero is even better.

Enter Beyond Ordering: fair cashless, starting today

We are ideologically opposed to refund fees. The visitor's money belongs to the visitor. Here is how our platform handles it:

Right to a refund

‍Visitors scan the QR code on their card or wristband and request their remaining balance using only their name and IBAN. Refunds can also be processed at the on-site box office.

Maximum fee of 1 euro

‍If the event charges no refund fee, we charge no processing or transaction fees. In that case, refunds cost the visitor nothing.

No activation fees

‍A wallet fee can be set freely, including at zero. Whatever you set goes 100% to the organizer. We will advise you on what fits the new regulations.

Equal benefits

‍Top-ups can be made via QR code with Bancontact Pay or your banking app, via the wallet page, in advance via ticketing, and at the box office. No one needs a smartphone.

30-day windows

‍Every refund is timestamped. You can prove in black and white that you are issuing refunds within the required timeframe.

Clear information

‍The wallet page displays balance and history without needing an app. It is a logical place for your cashless terms. No fine print. Just control, insight, and peace of mind for you and your visitors.

Where does the proposal stand?

The proposal comes from members of the Les Engagés party and still needs to pass through the committee and the plenary Chamber. The text may therefore still change. One point deserves attention: the 30-day period is stated as "a maximum of thirty days," while the explanatory memorandum clearly intends 30 days for the visitor. What already applies today: you must inform visitors correctly in advance, and misleading or unfair practices are prohibited.

Running an event is complex. Your payment system shouldn't be. Even when the rules change. Want to know what your cashless setup will look like for 2027? We would be happy to go over it with you. Schedule a meeting.