What are SEPA and SWIFT transfers for EUR?

For transferring EUR currency, there are two different transfer methods available depending of the location of your bank.

SEPA transfers are available at banks located in the Eurozone and a few other countries.

Banks located outside of this zone will offer International Bank Transfers (SWIFT).

SEPA payment

SEPA (or the Single Euro Payments Area) is the new format for cross-border euro (EUR) bank transfers.

SEPA aims to make cross-border EUR transfers within this area equivalent to a domestic transfer within your own country.

SEPA is made up of the Eurozone, countries within the EU and a few other countries which also support EUR bank transfers.

Per EU Regulations, transfers between bank accounts in two different SEPA countries shouldn’t cost any more than a regular, local transfer.

SWIFT payment

The Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication - SWIFT - is a network that allows banks to communicate financial information securely.

SWIFT payments are offered by most banks for international money transfers, and involve a series of banks which work together to make sure your money arrives at your account.

If you transfer EUR from a financial institution outside of Germany, they may require the use of an intermediary or correspondent bank to route the payment through before reaching your account. These are called cross-border payments.

Bank transfers can take time to complete, particularly when it comes to cross-border payments. Clients are increasingly accustomed to a payments experience that feels instant, but making a payment to another country can be much more complex and time-consuming.

Processing bank transfers involves a number of steps, particularly for cross-border payments. These are sent via the correspondent banking network and typically pass between several different banks along the way. After being initiated, a wire transfer is sent by the debtor agent to an intermediary bank before moving on to the creditor agent. Once these steps are complete, the recipient will receive their funds.

There are a number of reasons why a cross-border payment may be delayed or held up. First, not all account balances can be updated outside of the operating hours of local settlement systems. Delays can also arise if compliance checks need to be carried out, especially when a payment passes through different countries and jurisdictions.

Difference between domestic and international bank transfer

Banks make a domestic transfer to send funds to financial institutions residing in the same country or financial zone. When sending funds to financial institutions in a foreign country or financial zone, banks have to make an international bank transfer. The differences between these two bank transfers affect the number of fees banks charge and the duration it takes to complete the transfer.

How long does it usually take for my funds to arrive?

*Please consult with the sending institution about the costs to process your payment as this may vary by financial institution. IBKR does not charge fees for the deposit of funds.

Note: IBKR credits funds real-time upon receipt under normal circumstances. Please note that we do not have influence on the speed of transfer. You may consult with the sending institution regarding their processing times. Payments that are subject to additional review may take longer to credit.