Sofort is a direct bank transfer payment method owned by Klarna
Sofort is a payment method that lets you send money directly from your bank account to a merchant without using a credit card, debit card, or digital wallet. When you choose Sofort at checkout, you are redirected to your bank's login page, where you authenticate and approve the payment. The money moves from your account to the merchant's account through the banking system, usually within one business day.
Sofort was founded in Germany in 2005 and is now owned by Klarna, the Swedish fintech company. It operates primarily in Europe and is most common in Germany, Austria, and the Netherlands, though it is available in other countries. The payment method is sometimes called "Sofortüberweisung" in German-speaking regions, which translates to "instant transfer."
Unlike credit cards, Sofort does not create a line of credit or charge interest. Unlike PayPal or Apple Pay, it does not store your payment information with a third party. You authenticate directly with your bank each time, which is why it is sometimes called a bank redirect payment.
Key Takeaways
- Sofort redirects you to your bank's website to log in and approve the payment, so the merchant never sees your banking credentials.
- Money is deducted from your checking account immediately or within one business day, depending on your bank.
- Sofort is most widely used in Europe and is less common in North America, though some international merchants accept it.
- You have no chargeback protection through Sofort itself, so disputes must be handled through your bank.
- Sofort charges no fees to the customer; merchants pay Klarna a processing fee instead.
How the Sofort payment flow works
When you select Sofort at checkout, the merchant's payment system redirects you to a Sofort-hosted page. You enter your country and bank name. Sofort then redirects you to your actual bank's login portal—not a Sofort page that mimics your bank. You log in with your regular credentials and see a payment confirmation screen showing the merchant's name, the amount, and your account details.
You review the information and click to approve. Your bank processes the transfer. Sofort receives confirmation from your bank and notifies the merchant that payment has been received. The merchant then fulfills your order. The entire process usually takes two to five minutes, though the actual money movement may take up to one business day depending on your bank's processing speed.
Because you log in directly with your bank, Sofort never handles your username, password, or full account number. The merchant also never sees this information. This is the core security feature that distinguishes Sofort from entering card details on a merchant's website.
Where Sofort is accepted and who uses it
Sofort is most widely accepted in Germany, Austria, Belgium, and the Netherlands. It is also available in France, Italy, Spain, and several other European countries. Acceptance in the United States, Canada, and Australia is limited; most North American merchants do not offer it as a payment option.
Merchants that accept Sofort tend to be online retailers, subscription services, and digital goods sellers. You may encounter it on European e-commerce sites, software platforms, or services that cater to European customers. Some international payment processors like Adyen and Stripe include Sofort as a regional payment method for merchants operating in Europe.
Klarna has been integrating Sofort more deeply into its own buy-now-pay-later service, so you may see Sofort offered as a funding method when you use Klarna to split a purchase into installments.
Sofort versus credit cards and other bank transfer methods
Sofort differs from credit cards in several ways. A credit card creates a debt you repay later, often with interest if you carry a balance. Sofort is a direct debit—the money leaves your account immediately. Credit cards offer chargeback protection if a merchant fails to deliver or charges you incorrectly; Sofort disputes must go through your bank's standard dispute process, which is slower and less merchant-friendly.
Sofort is similar to other bank redirect methods like iDEAL (Netherlands), Giropay (Germany), and Bancontact (Belgium). All of them redirect you to your bank to authenticate and approve a transfer. The main difference is geography: iDEAL works only in the Netherlands, Giropay only in Germany, and so on. Sofort was designed to work across multiple countries, though it has been gradually consolidated under Klarna's ownership.
Sofort is different from ACH transfers or wire transfers, which you initiate yourself through your bank's website or app. With Sofort, the merchant's system initiates the transfer on your behalf, and you approve it through your bank's interface.
Security and fraud protection with Sofort
Sofort's main security advantage is that you never give your banking credentials to the merchant. You log in directly with your bank, so the merchant cannot store or misuse your username or password. This reduces the risk of credential theft if the merchant's website is compromised.
However, Sofort does not offer the same fraud protection as credit cards. If you authorize a payment and later discover the merchant did not deliver the goods or services, you cannot file a chargeback with Sofort. Instead, you must contact your bank and request a reversal based on your bank's own dispute policies. This process is typically slower and less certain than a credit card chargeback.
If your bank account is compromised and someone uses Sofort to make unauthorized payments, you should report it to your bank immediately. Your bank's fraud protection policies will apply, not Sofort's. Sofort itself does not hold your money or process refunds—your bank does.
Fees and costs for Sofort payments
Sofort charges no fees to customers. There is no transaction fee, no currency conversion fee, and no subscription cost. When you use Sofort, the payment is free from your perspective.
Merchants pay Klarna a processing fee to accept Sofort, typically ranging from 1 to 3 percent of the transaction value, though the exact rate depends on the merchant's agreement with Klarna. Some merchants may pass this cost on to customers through higher prices, but Sofort itself does not charge you directly.
If you use Sofort to fund a Klarna buy-now-pay-later purchase, you may incur Klarna's interest or fees depending on the payment plan you choose, but those charges come from Klarna, not from Sofort.
What happens if a Sofort payment fails
A Sofort payment can fail for several reasons: insufficient funds in your account, a technical error during the bank redirect, your bank declining the transfer, or a timeout if you take too long to authenticate. When a payment fails, you are usually notified immediately at checkout, and the merchant does not charge you.
If you see a charge on your account after a failed payment notification, contact your bank right away. This is rare but can happen if there is a system error. Your bank can reverse the charge and investigate.
If a payment fails and you want to retry, you can select Sofort again at checkout and attempt the transfer once more. Some merchants allow you to choose a different payment method if Sofort fails repeatedly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Sofort if I do not live in Europe?
Sofort works only with bank accounts held in participating European countries. If your bank is outside Europe, Sofort will not be available at checkout. Some merchants may offer it as an option for international customers, but your bank must be in a supported country for the payment to go through.
Is Sofort safe to use?
Sofort is generally safe because you authenticate directly with your bank, not with the merchant. Your banking credentials are never shared with the merchant or Sofort. However, you have less fraud protection than with a credit card, so disputes take longer to resolve. Only use Sofort with merchants you trust.
How long does a Sofort payment take?
The checkout process takes two to five minutes. The money usually reaches the merchant's account within one business day, though some banks process it faster. The merchant may not fulfill your order until they confirm receipt of the payment.
What do I do if a merchant charged me twice?
Contact your bank immediately and report the duplicate charge. Your bank can investigate and reverse the extra payment. You should also contact the merchant to report the error. Do not attempt to dispute the charge through Sofort—go directly to your bank.
Can I cancel a Sofort payment after I approve it?
Once you approve a Sofort payment at your bank, the transfer is initiated and cannot be cancelled through Sofort. You must contact your bank to request a reversal, which may take several business days. It is best to review the payment details carefully before you approve.