SEPA is an initiative of the European Union that enables fast, reliable, and cheap Euro (EUR) bank transfers between banks in the SEPA zone. The aim is to make cross-border Euro transfers within this area equivalent to domestic transfers within one's own country.
SEPA encompasses not only the EU countries but also other non-EU countries that are part of the Eurozone and some additional territories, allowing for seamless Euro transactions across the region. Services under SEPA include credit transfers, direct debit payments, and real-time payments, all standardized to ensure consistency and efficiency. Financial institutions within the SEPA zone are required to follow the rules and standards set by the European Payments Council (EPC), facilitating the ease of doing business and fostering economic cooperation within Europe. SEPA is crucial for businesses and individuals alike, as it simplifies bank transfers, reduces costs, and accelerates transaction speeds.
