Is SEPA only for euros?

Yes — SEPA covers euro transfers across the participating area. Payments in other currencies generally use SWIFT or other rails. This is informational only.

Why is an international transfer more expensive than a SEPA one?

Cross-border SWIFT payments can pass through intermediary banks and involve conversion, each adding cost, whereas SEPA euro transfers are standardised.

SEPA vs SWIFT — Moving Money In and Out of Europe

SEPA and SWIFT are two ways money moves between business accounts. SEPA handles euro transfers across the European payment area; SWIFT underpins international transfers more broadly, including other currencies.

What SEPA is

The Single Euro Payments Area standardises euro transfers across participating countries, making them work much like a domestic euro payment in cost and speed.

What SWIFT is

SWIFT is a global messaging network banks use to instruct cross-border payments in many currencies; transfers can involve intermediary banks and additional fees.

Why it matters to founders

Receiving in euros within the area is usually cheaper and faster via SEPA, while paying or receiving other currencies internationally often runs over SWIFT, with different costs to plan for.

FAQ

Is SEPA only for euros?: Yes — SEPA covers euro transfers across the participating area. Payments in other currencies generally use SWIFT or other rails. This is informational only.
Why is an international transfer more expensive than a SEPA one?: Cross-border SWIFT payments can pass through intermediary banks and involve conversion, each adding cost, whereas SEPA euro transfers are standardised.

By country

Rankings

Best Countries for Global Payments

Sources

European Payments Council — SEPA schemes (European Payments Council) (accessed 2026-05-27)
Covers: Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA) credit transfer and direct debit schemes for euro payments.
Why it matters: Official reference for SEPA scope and how euro-area bank transfers operate.
Swift — Swift — global payment messaging network (accessed 2026-05-27)
Covers: The Swift network for cross-border interbank payment messaging used outside SEPA.
Why it matters: Official reference for how international (non-SEPA) bank transfers are routed.

Informational only. This page is informational and does not guarantee bank account approval, provider availability, or payment processor eligibility. Availability can depend on residency, ownership, risk profile, industry, compliance checks, and provider policies. See the methodology, disclaimer, and sources.

Last updated: 2026-06-23