> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://swapin.gitbook.io/swapin-help/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://swapin.gitbook.io/swapin-help/about-swapin/sepa-bank-accounts.md).
# SEPA Bank Accounts
As a payment service provider, Swapin presently facilitates payments to SEPA bank accounts. This article will explore SEPA, its functionality, the distinction between instant and standard SEPA payments, and examine a selection of neobanks providing online application services for SEPA bank accounts.
## What is SEPA?
SEPA, the Single Euro Payments Area, is an initiative that aims to simplify and harmonize bank transfers denominated in euros across Europe. It was created to facilitate cross-border payments within the Eurozone and a few non-Eurozone countries. SEPA enables individuals and businesses to make electronic payments in euros across 36 European countries using a single set of payment instruments and standards.
## SEPA Countries List
The following countries are part of the SEPA:
* Andorra
* Austria
* Belgium
* Bulgaria
* Croatia
* Cyprus
* Czech Republic
* Denmark
* Estonia
* Finland
* France
* Germany
* Greece
* Hungary
* Iceland
* Ireland
* Italy
* Latvia
* Liechtenstein
* Lithuania
* Luxembourg
* Malta
* Monaco
* Netherlands
* Norway
* Poland
* Portugal
* Romania
* San Marino
* Slovakia
* Slovenia
* Spain
* Sweden
* Switzerland
* United Kingdom
* Vatican City
Visit [the European Central Bank page](https://www.ecb.europa.eu/paym/integration/retail/sepa/html/index.en.html) to see the interactive map of SEPA countries.
## Do I need a SEPA bank account to use Swapin products?
Indeed, at present, Swapin exclusively facilitates crypto-to-fiat payments to SEPA bank accounts.
## What are instant and ordinary SEPA payments?
SEPA payments can be broadly categorized into two types: instant SEPA payments and ordinary SEPA payments.
### Instant SEPA
These are transactions processed in real-time, facilitating nearly immediate fund transfers, typically within minutes, around the clock. They offer expedited processing compared to standard SEPA payments, making them ideal for time-critical transactions.
Approximately 95% of Swapin transactions are directed to instant SEPA bank accounts and are typically processed in 5 minutes or less.
### Standard SEPA
These are conventional SEPA transfers that adhere to standard processing timelines, typically taking one to two business days. They are commonly utilized for non-urgent transactions and are not subject to specific time constraints. Delays may occur due to national bank holidays and weekends affecting processing times for ordinary SEPA bank transfers.
If you transfer cryptocurrency to a standard SEPA bank account, it will typically be delivered on the following business day.
## How can I check if my SEPA account supports instant payments?
You can check any IBAN for Instant SEPA support (SCT-inst) on [this page](https://www.iban.com/iban-checker). Enter your IBAN in the form. If it supports instant SEPA, you will see a green checkmark on the SCT-Inst section.
## I don't have a SEPA bank account, how can I get one?
If you reside in an EEA country and have a bank account opened within your country of residence, chances are you already possess a SEPA bank account. However, if you live outside the SEPA region, you may still be able to open a SEPA bank account through select neobanks.
Some examples include - [Wise](https://wise.com/), [N26](https://n26.com/en-eu), [Monese](https://monese.com/), [Revolut](https://www.revolut.com/en-EE/), [Bunq](https://www.bunq.com/), [Starling Bank](https://www.starlingbank.com/) and others.
It's important to note that each bank has its own policies regarding account opening. While Swapin can suggest these banking providers as potential options, we cannot guarantee your eligibility to use their services or engage in crypto-related transactions. Please conduct thorough research to find a solution that best suits your needs.
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