In this article, we’ll explain what SEPA transfers are, why they are one of the best ways to send euro to others within Europe, and exactly how to make a SEPA transfer from your Blackcatcard account.
If you just want the ‘short version’ skip to the sections headed ‘What is a SEPA payment?’, ‘How Long Does a SEPA Transfer take?’, ‘Countries List’ or ‘How Do I Send Euro via a SEPA Transfer using Blackcatcard?’. You can also just scroll down to the FAQ.
What is a SEPA payment?
When you want to make a bank transfer within Europe, SEPA is the way to go. A Euro bank transfer, or SEPA, is not the only kind of ‘European bank transfer’ you can make, but it is certainly one of the least expensive and most popular. SEPA stands for Single Euro Payments Area. SEPA was created in 2008, and was intended to be a simpler, easier and less expensive version of the SWIFT transfer that took advantage of the free trade agreements within much of the current and former ‘eurozone’.
How Long Does a SEPA Transfer take?
That may be the best part. The old SWIFT transfers could take up to 5 days. With Blackcatcard, most SEPA payments are completed in 24 hours, and often less. However, because a payment may be delayed if the receiving bank closes for the day before getting the transfer order, the official guidance is that processing a SEPA transfer can take up to 48 hours.
In fact, Blackcatcard can often complete a SEPA transfer within 3 hours!
Where can I use SEPA – Countries List
You can make Euro transfers using SEPA to or from anywhere in the SEPA area, which at the time of this writing (2022) includes all 27 members states of the EU, as well as the UK, Vatican City, San Marino, Monaco, Andorra, Iceland, Lichtenstein, Switzerland, and Iceland.
Why Use SEPA Transfers?
- Unlike many other kinds of bank transfer, SEPA is fast. The money almost always arrives within 24 hours, which is much faster than using SWIFT or other methods.
- SEPA is inexpensive. Financial organisations are not allowed to charge more for a SEPA payment than they do for a domestic payment.
- There are few restrictions on how much money you can send via SEPA. This can vary a bit from country to country, or between financial organisations, though.
- SEPA is simple. All you need is the recipient’s name and IBAN number. Compared to the old SWIFT system, this is a game changer.
How Do I Send Euro via a SEPA Transfer using Blackcatcard?
Blackcatcard is designed to make transactions easy, and that includes European bank transfers like SEPA payments.
You really only need to know 2 things to send Euro via SEPA – the recipient’s name and their IBAN number.
To make a SEPA payment using BCC, simply click on the "Bank Transfer" button on the main screen and fill in the required fields, as shown here:
Then just tap ‘NEXT, and it is done!
SEPA transfers normally it takes no more than 3 hours, but because we have to work with the recipient’s bank as well, the process can take 1-2 business days.
Your BCC account entitles you to 5 completely free outbound SEPA transfers per calendar month, with no limits as to the amount of each transfer. Each additional outbound SEPA transfer after the first 5 in the same month costs just €0,20, no matter how much you transfer at a time.
FAQ:
In which countries SEPA is available? (SEPA countries list)
All 27 EU member states, the UK, Vatican City, San Marino, Monaco, Andorra, Iceland, Lichtenstein, Switzerland, and Iceland.
How fast is SEPA transfer via Blackcatcard?
Typically, less than 3 hours; but on rare occasions it can take up to 48 hours.
How safe are SEPA transfers?
Incredibly safe – probably the safest Euro money transfers you can make. All financial institutions using SEPA transfers have to comply with the same rigorous safety and information security regulations.
Are the SEPA transfers more profitable than other transfer methods?
If you are used to more expensive options like SWIFT payments, then yes! SEPA is one of the least expensive ways to send euro within Europe, and with BCC, your first 5 each month are completely free!
