Cashless
From this year onwards, you can pay cashless at Alcatraz using digital Chains. The Chains replace the previous coins. During the pre-sale, each Chain costs €3.40. The pre-sale runs until 11.59 pm on Wednesday 5 August. From Thursday 6 August, you can still purchase Chains, but they will cost €3.60 each.
You can already purchase Chains using a voucher, at the special price of €3.40 each. You can then have the voucher added to your wristband or card at the festival.
- How do I top up my Chains?
- Can I get my unused money back?
- What is cashless?
- Does ‘cashless’ mean no cash at the festival?
- Why this cashless system? Why can’t I pay with my debit or credit card or a payment app at the food and drink stalls?
- Is cashless secure?
- Where do I collect my wristband?
- Where can I redeem my vouchers?
- Can this year’s Chains still be used for the next edition?
- What can I pay for with my wristband?
- Is my wristband waterproof?
- What if I lose my wristband?
- Do I need to top up my wristband via my phone?
- Can I register during the festival?
- How much should I top up?
- What if my balance runs out?
- Can I check my balance?
- Problems before or after the festival?
- Problems during the festival?
- Can I use last year’s Cashless Card during this year’s event?
- What personal data is stored on the chip in my wristband?
- Can I get a refund for my unused funds?
- How do I request a refund?
- When can I request a refund?
- Are there any costs involved?
- What if I miss the refund deadline?
- Why is my refund lower than expected?
- Final tips
- Do you have any questions?
How do I top up my Chains?
You have two options:
- Online (recommended): Scan the QR code on your wristband with your smartphone. Select your amount and top up your Chains.
- On site Go to a top-up point and pay by card, cash or voucher.
Want to know how many Chains you have left? You can check this at a Cashless machine.
After each payment, the bar staff will show you the remaining number of Chains on your wristband or Cashless card.
Can I get my unused money back?
Yes.
After the festival, you can request a refund online. There is no charge for this.
How do I request a refund?
- Go to the cashless page on our website: http://www.alcatraz.be/refund. This page will only be available after the festival.
- Enter the 6-digit code from your wristband
- Enter your bank details
What is cashless?
Cashless is the only payment method at Alcatraz. Your wristband acts as your wallet, allowing you to pay quickly and easily throughout the festival site.
- No cash. No coins. No hassle.
Does ‘cashless’ mean no cash at the festival?
No, not at all – you can buy Chains in various ways:
At the top-up counters. You can pay at the counters using any bank card, as well as popular payment apps or cash.
Via the QR code on your wristband tag: scan the QR code with your smartphone camera (not your banking app!), follow the instructions and purchase your Chains.
Why this cashless system? Why can’t I pay with my debit or credit card or a payment app at the food and drink stalls?
We use a closed-loop cashless system because it’s the most reliable. In a crowded festival site, payment terminals and mobile networks can sometimes fail. With our cashless system, you won’t be affected by that. This means you can pay more smoothly and get back to enjoying the festival faster.
Is cashless secure?
Yes. Your wristband is secured with encrypted technology, so you can use it safely throughout the festival.
It’s important to remember your wristband’s 6-digit code (Pro tip: take a photo of it!): if you lose your wristband, we can refund your money, block your old wristband and give you a new one.
Where do I collect my wristband?
You’ll receive your wristband when your ticket is scanned at the entrance.
Where can I redeem my vouchers?
You can redeem your voucher at the special counter on the site or at the campsite. You cannot add them to your wristband in advance.
Can this year’s Chains still be used for the next edition?
No. Chains are specific to each edition. The 2026 Chains are not valid in 2027, and those from 2027 cannot be used in 2028. If you have any Chains left over after the festival, you can request a refund. No service charges will be applied for a refund.
What can I pay for with my wristband?
Everything. Bars, food trucks and other services on the festival site.
- Your wristband is the only accepted method of payment.
Exception: merchandise, metalmarket and certain items at the campsite.
Is my wristband waterproof?
Yes. Rain, beer showers or chaos in the mosh pit: no problem.
What if I lose my wristband?
Treat it as if it were your wallet.
- Go to the Information Point as soon as possible. The Information Point is located at the ticket office on the site.
- A new wristband can be issued
- Important:
- Lost wristbands cannot be reimbursed immediately
- If you have the 6-digit code from your wristband, we may be able to retrieve your credit. (Pro tip: take a photo of it!)
Do I need to top up my wristband via my phone?
No, but we strongly recommend it.
Benefits:
- Faster top-ups
- Get your remaining balance back after the festival
Can I register during the festival?
Yes.
You can register using the unique 6-digit code on your wristband.
How much should I top up?
That’s up to you, but we recommend topping up enough for your entire stay to avoid queues.
- There is a maximum limit of €500.
What if my balance runs out?
No credit = no payment.
- Top up again online or at a top-up point
Can I check my balance?
Yes:
- At any bar or terminal
- At the Information Point (next to the ticket offices on site)
Problems before or after the festival?
Before and after the festival, you can submit any questions and/or comments via cashless@alcatraz.be
Problems during the festival?
Members of our Cashless team are always on hand to help:
Our staff will be happy to help you at the top-up points. The manned stands have an information point where staff will answer your questions. The Cashless Helpdesk is located right next to the ticket office on the festival grounds.
Can I use last year’s Cashless Card during this year’s event?
No, that’s not possible. Cashless Cards are linked to a specific event and can only be used during the event for which they were created.
What personal data is stored on the chip in my wristband?
No personal data is stored on the tag in your wristband, and it is not linked to your personal details. This also applies when Chains are uploaded offline, for example at the manned stands and top-up points on the festival site.
Can I get a refund for my unused funds?
Yes.
After the festival, you can request a refund online. There is no charge for this. Refunds are available from Thursday 13 August 2026 up to and including 1 September 2026.
How do I request a refund?
- Go to the refund page on our website http://www.alcatraz.be/refund
- Enter the code on your wristband. This is a 6-digit code, for example “RXHNDY”
- Enter your bank details. You will then receive your refund.
When can I request a refund?
The refund period usually begins on the Thursday after the festival and runs until 1 September 2026. Make sure you don’t miss it.
Are there any costs involved?
There is a one-off set-up fee of €1.75 to cover processing costs. We do not charge any fees for refunds. It’s free.
What if I miss the refund deadline?
Unfortunately, refunds are no longer possible after the deadline.
Why is my refund lower than expected?
Any bonus credits (promotional, gift or crew coins) are not refunded.
Final tips
- Take a photo of the 6-digit code in case you lose your wristband
- Keep your wristband after the festival
- Don’t miss the refund period
Do you have any questions?
Visit the Info Point during the festival or check this page again for updates.
