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If you work with European clients or suppliers, you must have experienced the pain of high SWIFT charges and long processing times. SEPA EURO payments solve this problem by providing a faster and cheaper way to send and receive euros.
However, Indian businesses can’t access SEPA directly through local banks. That’s where Karbon comes in. We provide a seamless way for Indian businesses to send and receive SEPA Euro payments without the usual headaches so you can operate like a local in the European market.
SEPA (Single Euro Payments Area) is a European payment system that allows fast, standardised and low cost euro transactions across 36 countries. It was designed to make cross-border payments as simple and seamless as domestic payments within Europe.
If you are an Indian business working with European clients or suppliers, using SEPA allows you to send and receive EUR payments without high SWIFT fees or long processing times.
SEPA transfers only require an IBAN (International Bank Account Number) and in some cases a BIC (Bank Identifier Code) to process payments. Unlike SWIFT, which routes money through multiple intermediary banks, SEPA payments are done directly between the sender and recipient banks.
For Indian businesses, the challenge is that most local banks don’t have direct SEPA access. But with Karbon, you can send and receive SEPA EUR payments easily – giving you a cost effective and efficient way to operate in the European market.
There are different types of SEPA payments for different business needs. Each is suitable for a different use case like one off payments, recurring payments or instant settlement.
The SEPA Credit Transfer (SCT) is the most common type of SEPA payment. It’s used for one-off transfers in euros within the SEPA region. Businesses use SCT to pay suppliers, service providers or freelancers in Europe.
The SEPA Direct Debit (SDD) system is perfect for businesses that need to collect recurring payments from European customers or clients. With SDD, payments are pulled from the payer's account on a scheduled basis.
SEPA Direct Debit is further divided into:
If speed is key, SEPA Instant Credit Transfer allows businesses to send and receive euro payments in seconds—24/7, including weekends and holidays. This is useful for urgent transactions where waiting even a day isn’t an option.
For Indian businesses, traditional banks do not offer SEPA payments. But Karbon provides a seamless way to send and receive SEPA EUR payments, making fast and cost-effective transactions for your European business dealings.
Traditionally, most Indian businesses rely on SWIFT transfers, which are slow, expensive, and have hidden intermediary bank charges. SEPA (Single Euro Payments Area) is a faster and cheaper alternative, but Indian businesses face challenges in accessing it.
Here’s how SEPA EUR payments can simplify international transactions for Indian businesses:
If your business imports goods or services from Europe, you likely pay suppliers in euros (EUR). Traditionally, this would be a SWIFT wire transfer, which:
With SEPA Credit Transfers (SCT), you can:
SEPA eliminates the need for intermediary banks when transferring euros, so your suppliers get the full payment without unexpected deductions. But Indian businesses need an EUR account with SEPA access, which most local Indian banks don’t provide.
Indian businesses typically face roadblocks when trying to access SEPA EUR payments because local banks do not support direct SEPA transactions. Instead, they route EUR payments through SWIFT, leading to higher costs and longer processing times.
With Karbon, you can bypass these limitations and access SEPA payments just like a European business—without needing a local EU bank account. Here’s how:
To start using SEPA Euro payments, you need an account that supports SEPA transactions. Karbon provides Indian businesses with a SEPA-enabled EUR account, allowing you to send and receive EUR payments easily.
How to get started:
Why do you need an IBAN?
An International Bank Account Number (IBAN) is required for all SEPA transactions. With Karbon, your business gets an EU-compliant IBAN, allowing seamless euro payments.
Once your SEPA-enabled EUR account is set up, you can pay European suppliers, service providers, or partners effortlessly.
Steps to send a SEPA payment:
If your business receives payments from European clients, marketplaces, or customers, SEPA makes the process faster and more cost-effective than SWIFT.
Steps to receive SEPA EUR payments:
When comparing SEPA EUR payments to traditional SWIFT transfers, businesses will notice two key advantages: lower fees and faster processing times. SEPA was designed to make EUR transactions across Europe as simple and cost-effective as domestic bank transfers.
SEPA Credit Transfers (SCT): Typically free or very low-cost (between €0–€5 per transaction). Some banks may charge a small fee, but it’s fixed and transparent—unlike SWIFT, which involves hidden intermediary charges.
SEPA Instant Credit Transfers: Usually the same cost as a regular SEPA transfer (some banks may charge a small premium, typically less than €1).
SEPA Direct Debit (SDD): Costs range from €0.10–€0.50 per transaction, making it cheaper than credit card processing fees for businesses collecting recurring payments.
SEPA transactions are designed to be fast and predictable, with strict regulations ensuring timely payments.
SEPA Credit Transfers (SCT): Processed within 1 business day (if submitted before the bank’s cut-off time).
SEPA Direct Debit (SDD):
SEPA Instant Payments: Settled in less than 10 seconds, 24/7—including weekends and holidays.
With Karbon’s SEPA-enabled EUR account, Indian businesses can reduce costs, speed up transactions, and operate in Europe like a local business—without needing a physical EU address.
For Indian businesses looking to expand in Europe, access to SEPA EUR payments can provide a host of benefits. Unlike traditional SWIFT transfers which come with high fees and unpredictable delays, SEPA has transparent pricing and next day (or instant) settlements.
By having a SEPA enabled EUR account with Karbon, you eliminate unnecessary banking friction.
If you have European suppliers, clients or remote teams, having SEPA might just be a necessity.
So get started today—Sign up with Karbon now and make SEPA transactions a hassle for your business.
Any business or individual can take advantage of SEPA services, as long as they are eligible to open a European virtual bank account. Meaning, the transactions should be legal and comply with FEMA and RBI guidelines.
There is no minimum transaction amount for SEPA transfers with Karbon. It’s suitable for businesses of all sizes, from startups to established ones.
Yes, you can configure email and mobile notifications for all incoming SEPA payments on Karbon’s platform to track received funds in real-time.
SEPA zone includes all 27 EU member states plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland, Monaco, San Marino, Vatican City, Andorra and the United Kingdom. Payments to these 36 countries can be processed through the SEPA network.
No, Indian businesses can use SEPA payments through Karbon without requiring a physical presence or registration in Europe. It’s ideal for businesses expanding into European markets.
Yes, Karbon allows you to hold EUR balance in your account so you can hold funds and make payments when exchange rates are favorable or when you want to make multiple payments (for up to 30 days).
To open an account, you’ll need to provide standard business KYC documents including business registration certificates, PAN details, address proof and identification documents for authorized signatories. Some requirements may vary based on your business structure.