European banking services
Single European Payment Area
Guide
The UK is no longer part of the EU but it is still part of the Single European Payment Area (SEPA). SEPA harmonises the way cashless payments are made across Europe.
It allows private individuals and business customers to make non-cash payments in euros - eg by credit or debit card, bank transfer or direct debit - to any beneficiary in the eurozone.
SEPA Credit Transfer (SCT) means there is no longer any difference between domestic and international payments.
SEPA can offer businesses many facilities, such as:
- accepting payment cards from all SEPA countries
- simplified financial processing
- a single bank account to cover all of Europe
- faster settlement - standardised
- improved cash flow
- reduced costs
Banking costs under SEPA
The development of SEPA will mean lower banking costs due to:
- increased efficiency
- open market competition
- lower operational costs
The European Commission provide an overview of SEPA, including benefits, regulation and migration.