The SEPA (Single Euro Payments Area) system lets companies and customers easily send and receive euro payments within Europe. To complement our guide explaining transfers, this article specifically examines SEPA transfers and focuses on processing times to aid French companies in better managing their transactions.

What’s in this article?

• How long does a SEPA transfer take?
  
• How long does a direct debit take?
  
• Instant transfers: Fast but with fees
  
• SEPA transfer not received: What to do
  

How long does a SEPA transfer take?

The processing time for a SEPA transfer depends on several factors, such as the initiation date and the destination of the transfer. Generally, these transactions take up to two days, but the table below details the main types and their expected timeframes.

Transfer processing time within the same bank

Standard SEPA transfer processing times can be incredibly fast for those between accounts at the same French bank, such as BNP Paribas. Under certain conditions, funds can be credited to the recipient’s account almost immediately.

Transfers started before 6:00 p.m. on weekdays are usually processed the same day. After 6:00 p.m. or on weekends, they’ll be handled the next business day.

Processing times for external SEPA transfers

Processing times for SEPA credit transfers between different banks—either within or between France and another SEPA country—are standardized and typically range from one to three business days.

For example, a transfer initiated by a BNP Paribas client to an account opened with Société Générale in France or a bank in Germany follows the same procedures.

International transfer processing times

Transfers within the SEPA zone but outside the euro area—to accounts in the wider European Economic Area, such as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Norway, San Marino, and Switzerland—usually take longer to process. While these transactions can take up to four working days to reach the beneficiary’s account, they remain notably faster than traditional international transfers.

How long does a direct debit take?

The times here apply to single credit transfers (SEPA Credit Transfer, or SCT). For SEPA Direct Debits, setting up payment using the SEPA mandate takes an additional two to three days.

Once the mandate is set up, standard transactions between accounts in the same French bank are instantaneous. For external and international accounts, the transfer occurs on the date specified in the mandate.

Instant transfers: Fast but with fees

To meet the growing need for speedy financial transactions and minimize transfer times, the European Central Bank launched the SEPA Instant Credit Transfer in 2017.

This payment service, which is increasingly adopted by banks, allows funds of up to €100,000 to be transferred almost instantly—typically in less than 10 seconds. It’s also available 24/7, every day of the year.

This availability ensures the beneficiary receives the funds immediately, with minimal transfer delay. However, it often comes with an additional fee, typically around one euro, on top of the usual banking fees.

Managing SEPA transfers is simplified with Stripe Payments’ preconfigured interfaces. With over 100 payment methods available, businesses can efficiently manage transactions while considering processing times.

SEPA transfer not received: What to do

A SEPA transfer could be refused for various reasons. The most common errors arise from the recipient’s bank details. A typo in the IBAN, BIC, or account holder’s name can block the transaction.

Suppose the transfer limit expires and the funds have not reached the beneficiary’s account within three business days. In that case, it is best to contact both your bank and the issuer’s bank to determine the problem and find a solution.

By challenging a transaction, any business can notify its bank of a refused or fraudulent transfer.