Forex

How to Make SEPA EURO Payments From India

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.

What is a SEPA EURO Payment?

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.

How SEPA Transfers Work

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.

Key Benefits of SEPA EURO Payments for Businesses

  • Lower Costs – SEPA payments are cheaper than SWIFT transfers, often with no fees within Europe.
  • Faster Settlements – Standard SEPA transfers clear within 1 business day, SEPA Instant Payments in seconds.
  • Transparency – Fixed fees and predictable processing times make cash flow management easier.
  • Standardisation – One system for all EUR payments, whether domestic or cross border within the SEPA region.

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.

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What are the Types of SEPA Euro Payments?

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.

1. SEPA Credit Transfer (SCT) – One Off EUR Payments

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.

  • Processing time: 1 business day
  • Fees: Low or zero within SEPA
  • Best for: Paying European vendors, making invoice payments or handling cross border business expenses.

2. SEPA Direct Debit (SDD) – Recurring EUR Payments

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.

  • Processing time: 1-2 business days
  • Fees: Low, often cheaper than credit card payments
  • Best for: Subscriptions, utility bills, loan repayments, and membership fees

SEPA Direct Debit is further divided into:

  • Core SDD: Used for transactions with consumers and businesses
  • B2B SDD: Specifically for business-to-business transactions, with stricter authorization rules

3. SEPA Instant Credit Transfer – Real Time EUR Payments

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.

  • Processing time: Less than 10 seconds
  • Fees: Slightly higher than standard SEPA Credit Transfer but lower than SWIFT
  • Best for: Urgent supplier payments, last minute transactions, and improving cash flow efficiency

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.

Why Indian Businesses Should Use SEPA Payments?

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:

1. Paying European Suppliers and Vendors

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:

  • Takes 2-5 business days to process
  • Has high fees due to multiple intermediary banks
  • May have deductions from the payment amount due to bank charges

With SEPA Credit Transfers (SCT), you can:

  • Pay European suppliers within 24 hours
  • Avoid bank fees—SEPA payments are low-cost or free within Europe
  • Improve supplier relationships with predictable, timely payments

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.

How to Use SEPA Payments with Karbon

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:

1. Set Up Your SEPA-Enabled EURO Account with Karbon

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:

  • Sign up with Karbon and complete the quick onboarding process
  • Provide your KYC documents & business details (required for compliance.
  • Get access to your SEPA-enabled EUR account with an IBAN

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.

Sending SEPA Payments via Karbon

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:

  1. Log in to your Karbon Business Account
  2. Select "Send Payment" and choose EUR as the currency
  3. Enter the recipient’s IBAN and payment details
  4. Choose the SEPA payment type (Credit Transfer or Instant)
  5. Confirm the transfer—your payment will be processed within 24 hours (or instantly if using SEPA Instant)

Receiving SEPA Payments with Karbon

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:

  1. Share your Karbon IBAN with European clients
  2. Clients send EUR payments via SEPA Credit Transfer (SCT) or SEPA Instant
  3. Receive funds directly in your EUR account, without deductions from intermediary banks
  4. Transfer funds from your EUR account to Indian Bank account with 0% mark-up.

SEPA vs. SWIFT: Which One is Better for Your Business?

Feature SEPA Payments SWIFT Transfers
Cost Low or zero fees within Europe High fees due to multiple intermediaries
Speed 1 business day (Instant: seconds) 2-5 business days
Currency EUR only Any currency
Use Case Businesses dealing only in EUR Global transactions in multiple currencies
Transparency Fixed fees, predictable costs Fees vary based on intermediary banks

What are the Fees and Processing Times for SEPA Transfers

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 Transfer Fees: How Much Do They Cost?

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 Processing Times: How Fast Are the Transfers?

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):

  • One-time payments: Takes 1–2 business days to process.
  • Recurring payments: Funds are collected automatically on the due date set by the business.

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.

Conclusion

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.

Join Us & Grow Your Business

Let’s explore opportunities, tailor strategies, and chart a course to financial success together.

FAQ: SEPA EURO Payments for Indian Businesses

Who can use SEPA services?

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.

Is there a minimum transaction amount for SEPA payments?

There is no minimum transaction amount for SEPA transfers with Karbon. It’s suitable for businesses of all sizes, from startups to established ones.

Can I set up automated notifications for incoming SEPA payments?

Yes, you can configure email and mobile notifications for all incoming SEPA payments on Karbon’s platform to track received funds in real-time.

Which countries are part of the SEPA zone?

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.

Do I need a European business address to open a European Virtual Bank Account?

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.

Can I hold EUR balance in my Karbon account?

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).

What documents are required to open a SEPA-enabled EUR account with Karbon?

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.

The views expressed in the blogs on this page are solely the opinions of the authors and do not constitute expert advice. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on the website for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk. We disclaim any liability for any loss or damage including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, or any loss or damage whatsoever arising from loss of data or profits arising out of, or in connection with, the use of this website.

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