SEPA Instant: A Guide for Paysera Business Clients 2026
What is SEPA Instant and why does it change your business?
SEPA Instant (SCT Inst) is a payment scheme that allows funds to be transferred in less than 10 seconds between any two accounts within the SEPA zone. Unlike standard SEPA transfers, which take 1–2 business days, instant payments operate 24/7/365.
Regulatory Context and the Paysera Advantage
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From October 2025: According to EU regulations, all banks in the SEPA zone must be able to receive instant payments.
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From 2027: Banks will also be mandated to ensure the sending of instant payments.
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IMPORTANT: Paysera is a direct participant in the TARGET system. This means your transfers are processed without any intermediary banks, ensuring the highest security standards and direct settlement in central bank money.
Key Differences
| Feature | Standard SEPA | SEPA Instant with Paysera |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | 1–2 business days | Under 10 seconds |
| Availability | Business days only | 24/7/365 (including holidays) |
| Max Amount | Unlimited | 100,000 EUR / per transfer |
| Confirmation | Delayed | Instant |
| Cancellation | Possible | Not possible (funds transferred immediately) |
How to use SEPA Instant in your Paysera account
1. Making a Transfer
Log in to your business account via the app or web browser. In the "Transfers" section, enter the recipient's IBAN. The system will automatically detect if the recipient's bank supports SEPA Instant. If supported, the "Instant" tag will appear.
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Note: If the option is unavailable, the recipient's bank does not yet support instant reception; the transfer will proceed as a standard SEPA payment.
2. Security and Responsibility
⚠️ IMPORTANT: An instant transfer is final and irrevocable. The client assumes full responsibility for the accuracy of the data provided (especially the recipient's IBAN). Always double-check the details before confirming the operation via 2FA (SMS or app).
3. API Integration for Automated Businesses
If your business processes more than 50 payments per day or you wish to automate payroll, use our REST API.
Documentation: developers.paysera.com
Simply set the "instant": true parameter in your request.
FAQ and Pricing
Pricing: For Paysera business accounts in the EEA, incoming transfers are 0 EUR. Outgoing transfer fees depend on your specific service plan.
Limit Exceeded: If you need to transfer more than 100,000 EUR, split the amount into several transfers or choose standard SEPA.
Insufficient Funds: Ensure your balance covers the full amount plus any applicable commission fees before initiating the transfer.