Secure and easy international payments – with SEPA and worldwide

Thanks to SEPA (Single Euro Payment Area), you can enjoy the benefits of standardized European payment transactions for your euro payments. Outside the euro area, you benefit from our global network of correspondent banks for your international payments.

SEPA (Single Euro Payment Area)

SEPA is an initiative of the European Payments Council (EPC) to unify and standardize the euro payment system. As a Credit Suisse client, SEPA allows you to pay your bills in Europe reliably and inexpensively. Making a transfer is quick and easy: The amount is credited to the recipient's account on the next bank working day.

The following SEPA standards must be met:

  • Payments in euros between countries participating in SEPA
  • Use of the beneficiary's International Bank Account Number (IBAN)
  • Single XML-based message standard (ISO20022)
  • The beneficiary's financial institution must be a SEPA participant
  • The “share principle” (SHA) applies. This means that the originator and the beneficiary pay their own financial institution.

  • If there is a fee arrangement with the originator (OUR) or beneficiary (BEN)
  • If the currency is not in euros
  • If a corresponding payment instruction is given to Credit Suisse

If a cross-border euro payment does not meet the SEPA standards, it will still be processed. However, in this case, you will not be able to benefit from the favorable SEPA conditions. Comply with the SEPA standards as far as possible for euro payments in order to avoid surcharges.

SEPA is a system for commercial transactions in small amounts and is less suited to those involving millions of euros. We thus generally recommend that you choose the OUR fee option (instead of SHARE) for payments at or above EUR 1,000,000. This means that the payment is not processed via SEPA, but via SWIFT/TARGET2.

Yes, the SEPA Direct Debit scheme is offered on both the collecting and debit side.

The SEPA Direct Debit scheme is available in two versions:

  • SEPA Basic Direct Debit procedure – with right of objection (participating banks)
  • SEPA B2B Direct Debit – without right of objection, only available to businesses (participating banks)

Cross-border payments

Thanks to decades of experience, Credit Suisse is also your knowledgeable partner in cross-border payment transactions outside SEPA. Drawing on our global network of correspondent banks and our excellent technical infrastructure, we execute your transactions securely, quickly, and cost effectively.

Personal consultation

Do you have any questions about SEPA payments or would you like a personal consultation? Our experts at the Electronic Banking Desk will be happy assist you personally.
Monday–Friday 08:00 – 17:00