A SEPA transfer is a "push" payment: the payer instructs their bank to transfer funds to a beneficiary’s account. Unlike a direct debit ("pulled" by the creditor), it requires no mandate—the payer remains in full control of the transaction.
To execute it, only one piece of information is essential: the beneficiary’s IBAN. Since the end of the "IBAN + BIC" rule, the BIC is no longer required for transfers within the SEPA zone. The payer typically adds a reference (e.g., invoice number) to help the beneficiary match the payment.
Two variants exist:
A SEPA transfer is irrevocable once executed: unlike a direct debit, it cannot be unilaterally "recalled", making it a secure payment method for the beneficiary.
The choice between the two variants depends on the use case:
| Criterion | Standard SCT | SCT Inst (instant) |
|---|---|---|
| Credit time | ≤ 1 business day | A few seconds |
| Availability | Business days | 24/7 |
| Irrevocability | Yes | Yes, immediate |
| Typical use case | Scheduled payments, salaries | Payment on order, urgent cases |
Instant transfers transform the collection experience: the beneficiary sees funds arrive in real time, enabling the release of an order, delivery or service as soon as payment is confirmed. For an SME, this reduces the gap between agreement and collection—improving cash flow.
Note: European banks are required to offer instant transfers under the same fee conditions as standard transfers, making SCT Inst increasingly common.
SEPA transfers are the dominant B2B payment method in France: secure, with no per-transaction fees for the beneficiary, and suitable for large amounts. Their main weakness is reconciliation: when a customer pays by transfer, the received payment must be matched to the correct invoice—otherwise, reminders may be sent in error.
Two solutions reduce this friction:
Orizen relies on this principle: the payment link presents the customer with the SEPA transfer linked to their invoice, and the collection is reconciled without manual entry. The SME gains visibility into what is actually paid and stops chasing already-settled invoices.
Discover the Orizen answer: Orizen payment link, modular and built for French SMEs.
Essai gratuit 14 jours What the Orizen payment link module costsA standard SEPA transfer (SCT) credits the beneficiary within a maximum of one business day and is processed on business days. An instant transfer (SCT Inst) credits the account within seconds, 24/7, including nights and weekends. Both rely on the IBAN and are irrevocable once executed; the instant transfer is simply faster and always available.
No, for a transfer within the SEPA area, the beneficiary’s IBAN alone is sufficient: the rule requiring both IBAN and BIC has been removed. The BIC may still be useful for certain transfers outside the SEPA area, but for euro payments between SEPA accounts, only the IBAN is required.
Once executed, a SEPA transfer is irrevocable: the payer cannot unilaterally “recall” it, unlike a direct debit. If there is an error (wrong IBAN, incorrect amount), you must request a recovery procedure from your bank, whose success depends on the beneficiary’s agreement. Hence the importance of verifying the IBAN before confirming.