Sofort is now part of the Swedish company Klarna Group
Online payments are becoming faster and simpler, sparing customers the hassle of filling out lengthy bank account details or using payment cards. The payment service Sofort offers an even better solution, enabling users to pay directly from their bank accounts within moments. Learn more about its advantages and disadvantages.
What is Sofort?
Sofort is a payment service that allows its users to
make online payments directly from their own bank accounts. To complete these payments, users only need to enter their online banking credentials, from which funds are immediately debited and transferred to the recipient’s account. All data is subject to
the highest security standards, ensuring these payments are not only fast and simple but also secure. This service is available in many EU countries.
History of Sofort
This company was established solely to facilitate
online bank transfers. It was founded
in Munich, Germany, in 2004, but in 2014, the Swedish company
Klarna Group acquired it. In 2017, it was renamed
Sofort Banking to strengthen its position in the international market. However, its headquarters remain in Germany, specifically in Gauting.
Who owns Sofort?
Currently, the Sofort Banking company is still owned by
the Swedish company Klarna Group, which was founded in 2005. It operates globally as one of the leading fintech service providers, offering users a
wide range of payment services, such as “Buy Now, Pay Later.”
What is Klarna?
This is a company that allows customers to
shop with various merchants and pay for goods later in installments. If they pay in three installments, the service is often free of interest and charges. Payments can be made
via its website or mobile app, which is available for both Android and iOS systems. Its user-friendly interface includes the Czech language, making the app clear and easy to use.
How are Klarna and Sofort different?
Sofort is simply a
payment service that enables users to make bank transfers faster and more easily
without entering bank account or payment card details, using only their online banking credentials. Klarna, on the other hand, allows users to
pay for goods later in several installments. Both services are operated by the Swedish company Klarna and are available in many European countries.
How to use Sofort?
The Sofort payment service is available to users without registration. To make a payment, all they need are their
online banking credentials. Using this information, Sofort directly debits the funds from the user’s bank account and immediately
transfers them to the recipient’s account. The user’s login credentials are not stored anywhere, nor are they accessible to anyone else.
Where to use Sofort?
This
payment method can be used with any merchants, service providers, or operators of
online casinos or
gambling services that accept it on their websites.
This service is available in several EU countries and is connected to many banks. Since its use
does not require registration, users only need to select Sofort as the payment option in the payment form and log into their online banking account using their credentials.
Sofort limits
Sofort
does not impose any limits on the number or size of payments made by users. All such limits are subject to settings within their online banking. Clients can
easily adjust these limits in their accounts according to their needs by logging into their online banking, where changes are typically processed within minutes.
How to deposit with Sofort in an online casino?
- Go to the deposit section of your player account
- Select Sofort as the deposit option
- Enter the exact amount you want to transfer
- Choose your country and bank
- Log in to your bank with your credentials
- Confirm the transfer amount using a TAN code
How to withdraw winnings with Sofort?
Unfortunately, it is
not possible to withdraw winnings from online casinos using this service, as it is only a payment method. However, players can easily withdraw their funds using
standard debit or payment cards or via bank transfer. Since Sofort directly accesses the user’s bank account, transferring funds to their bank account is the easiest option for later redepositing funds via Sofort.
Registration bonuses
Most online casinos attract new players with
welcome and registration bonuses, which players receive after completing registration or making a deposit to their newly created account. Some of the most interesting bonuses include
a 100% deposit match, free spins, cashback, or other perks. However, the conditions for claiming these registration bonuses and the methods of claiming them are determined individually by each online casino operator.
Sofort fees
One of the greatest advantages of this payment service is that
users are not charged any fees for transactions, allowing them to use the service without restrictions or loss of funds. However, individual banks
may impose their own fees for certain types of transactions (e.g., payments in foreign currencies), which clients can review in the terms and conditions of their bank.
Advantages of Sofort
- Fast payment processing
- Security and anonymity
- Payments without the need to enter bank details
- No fees
- No registration required
Disadvantages of Sofort
- Sharing online banking credentials with a third party
- Withdrawals are not possible
Sofort app
There is
no dedicated app for this payment service to help users make or manage online payments. However, this is not necessary, as
all completed transactions can be found in their online banking, whether via the bank’s website or its mobile app. Users do not need to install an additional app, create a new profile, share their data, or remember new login credentials.
How to pay with Sofort on mobile?
Although there is no Sofort app,
users can make payments via mobile devices just as easily as on the website. All they need is a
stable internet connection. Payments are processed in the same way: selecting Sofort as the payment method, specifying the exact amount to be transferred, entering online banking credentials, and confirming them.
How to withdraw money from an account?
It is not possible to withdraw funds via Sofort. This payment service is solely a
tool for making online transactions on websites or mobile apps, but it cannot be used for withdrawals. However, since Sofort directly accesses the user’s bank account and does not store funds, users do not need to worry about
managing their balance or being charged fees for holding a balance.
Advantages of paying with Sofort on mobile
- Works the same as paying online via the web
- Fast and simple payment processing through online banking
- Fee-free payments conveniently from a mobile browser
- No need to register with the service provider
Disadvantages
- Sharing online banking credentials with another entity
- Withdrawals or transfers between personal accounts are not possible
Review
Among the biggest advantages of this payment service are
speed, convenience, and security. All transactions are immediately debited from the user’s bank account and almost instantly credited to the recipient’s account. Processing such payments via bank transfer typically takes several days. This makes Sofort an excellent alternative for paying online quickly and easily
without entering sensitive banking details.
Another great advantage is that Sofort
requires no registration, making it accessible to all users with a bank account and online banking. Payments via Sofort are made by
entering the login credentials for online banking into the payment form, and Sofort handles the transaction. The recipient does not see the user’s payment details, ensuring complete confidentiality.
Frequently asked questions
What is Sofort?
Sofort is a payment service that allows users to make online payments with merchants, service providers, or gambling operators quickly, safely, and anonymously, using only online banking credentials.
Is Sofort registration required?
No, this payment service operates completely without registration. It is neither necessary nor possible to create a profile or account with Klarna, which acquired this payment service in 2014 and now operates it. The only requirement for using Sofort is having a bank account with online banking enabled.
How do payments via Sofort work?
If customers select this payment service at checkout, they enter the exact amount to be transferred from their account and fill in their online banking credentials in the payment form. Sofort immediately debits the user’s account and almost instantly transfers the funds to the recipient’s account.
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Source: sofort.com
Kristyna Baranova
Article author – casino and gambling expert
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I have been active in the world of online casinos since 2019, when I started visiting Czech casinos with friends. I fell in love with the environment and worked as a croupier for a while. After some time, I discovered a liking for online platforms and have already stayed with them. I try to comprehensively review all online casinos for you, one hundred percent objectively, so that you always have the gambling field perfectly mapped out before you jump into it. You can also look forward to lots of news, bonuses and tips. You can find all my articles
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