SEPA bank transfer is one of the most widely used methods for buying cryptocurrency in Europe, offering a reliable and straightforward way to move euros from a bank account to a crypto platform. This guide explains what SEPA is, how SEPA Standard and SEPA Instant differ, and walks through the step-by-step process of buying cryptocurrency using SEPA on FastCoins.

What SEPA is and who can use it

SEPA — the Single Euro Payments Area — is a payment integration initiative covering 36 European countries. It standardises euro bank transfers across participating nations, making a transfer from a German bank account to a Portuguese one as simple as a domestic transfer within Germany.

To use SEPA, you need a bank account in one of the 36 SEPA-participating countries. These include all 27 EU member states plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, Monaco, San Marino, Andorra and Vatican City. You also need an IBAN.

SEPA Standard vs SEPA Instant: what is the difference

• SEPA Standard (SCT): settles within one business day; available at virtually all European banks; typically free or low cost

• SEPA Instant (SCT Inst): settles within seconds, 24/7 including weekends and public holidays; both banks must support it

According to European Central Bank data, SEPA Instant accounted for 23% of all retail euro transactions in the euro area in the first half of 2025. The EU has set a regulatory requirement for banks to offer SEPA Instant by 2025, which has accelerated adoption.

Step-by-step: how to buy cryptocurrency with SEPA

Step 1: Select the cryptocurrency and amount

On the FastCoins platform, navigate to the Buy section. Select the cryptocurrency you want to purchase — Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH) or Tether (USDT). Enter the amount in euros you want to spend. The platform will display the applicable rate before you confirm.

Step 2: Choose SEPA as your payment method

Select SEPA Standard or SEPA Instant depending on what your bank supports and how quickly you want funds to arrive. If you are unsure whether your bank supports SEPA Instant, check with your bank directly.

Step 3: Enter your wallet address

Provide the wallet address where you want to receive the purchased cryptocurrency. Double-check the address carefully — crypto transfers cannot be reversed. Also verify the correct network. For example, USDT is available on multiple networks (TRC20, ERC20, BEP20) and each has a different address format.

Step 4: Complete identity verification if required

Identity verification may be required in accordance with EU AML regulations. New users should expect to provide a government-issued ID and proof of address as part of the standard KYC process.

Step 5: Initiate the SEPA transfer from your bank

After confirming your purchase, you will receive a unique IBAN and reference number. Open your bank's app and initiate a SEPA transfer to the provided IBAN. Always include the reference number exactly as displayed — missing or incorrect references are a common cause of delays.

Important: the reference number must be included exactly as shown. Missing or incorrect references are the most common cause of payment delays.

Step 6: Wait for confirmation and receive crypto

For SEPA Standard, your payment typically arrives within one business day. For SEPA Instant, arrival is usually within seconds. Once the platform confirms receipt, the cryptocurrency is sent to your wallet.

Things to know before using SEPA for crypto

• SEPA transfers are denominated in euros only — not GBP or USD

• SEPA Standard is free or near-free at most EU banks; SEPA Instant may carry a small fee at some banks

• SEPA transfers are final once sent — there are no chargebacks, unlike credit card transactions

• Most crypto platforms set minimum and maximum limits for SEPA deposits — check these before initiating a transfer

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use SEPA to sell crypto and receive euros?

Yes. SEPA can also be used for selling cryptocurrency and receiving euros to your bank account. You provide your IBAN for the fiat payout. Check the supported withdrawal methods on the FastCoins sell page.

Is SEPA available for non-EU users?

SEPA is available to anyone with a bank account in one of the 36 SEPA-participating countries, which includes non-EU countries such as Norway, Switzerland, Iceland and the United Kingdom.

What cryptocurrencies can I buy with SEPA?

On FastCoins, you can buy 1000+ digital assets using SEPA, including Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Tether (USDT), Solana (SOL) and more. The full list is available on the Currencies page.

FastCoins supports SEPA Standard and SEPA Instant for buying and selling cryptocurrency across the EU. Visit the buy page and select SEPA as your payment method.

→ Buy cryptocurrency with SEPA on FastCoins — visit the buy page.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice, investment guidance or a recommendation to buy, sell or hold any digital asset. Cryptocurrency involves risk. Always conduct your own research before making financial decisions.