SEPA Country Checker Tool
✓ No data stored · Works offline · Instant validation
Checking SEPA participation…
Germany
DE · European Union
SEPA Participation
Full Member
Since 2008
Transfer Time
1 Business Day
Instant Available
Key Information:
Comparison with Other SEPA Countries:
SEPA Transfer Available
You can send euros to this country using standard SEPA transfer. Most banks process within 1 business day.
Switzerland
CH · Not EU
SEPA Participation
Limited Member
Since 2014
Transfer Time
2-3 Business Days
Limited Instant
Important Notes:
Switzerland participates in SEPA but uses Swiss Francs (CHF) as primary currency. Euro transfers work but may have restrictions.
Limited SEPA Compatibility
Euro transfers work but may incur higher fees (€10-€25) and take longer (2-3 days). Consider using Wise or Revolut for better rates.
United States
US · Not in SEPA
SEPA Participation
Not a Member
Not applicable
Alternative Method
SWIFT Transfer
3-5 Business Days
What to Use Instead:
The United States does not participate in SEPA. For euro transfers to/from the US, use SWIFT international transfers.
SEPA Not Available
This country does not participate in SEPA. Use SWIFT for international transfers (€25-€50 fee, 3-5 business days) or services like Wise for better rates.
Check a Country
Select a country from the dropdown, click a flag above, or enter an IBAN/BIC code to check SEPA participation.
Try one of these:
- Click “Germany” 🇩🇪 above for full SEPA example
- Click “Switzerland” 🇨🇠for partial SEPA example
- Click “United States” 🇺🇸 for non-SEPA example
- Enter “DE89 3704 0044” for IBAN validation
How SEPA Country Checking Works
SEPA (Single Euro Payments Area) includes 36 countries that can send euros to each other as if they were domestic transfers. Membership comes in different levels: full participation, partial participation, and non-participation.
SEPA Status = Country Code Check + Euro Adoption + Clearing System Access
Practical examples:
- Germany (DE): EU member + Eurozone + Full SEPA = Full participation
- Switzerland (CH): Non-EU + Non-Euro + SEPA agreement = Partial participation
- United States (US): Non-European + Different currency + No agreement = Not in SEPA
Why country checking matters:
Trying to send a SEPA transfer to a non-SEPA country causes immediate rejection. Checking first takes seconds and prevents failed transfers.
SEPA Country Participation List
| Country | Code | Status | Currency | Transfer Time | Typical Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Germany | DE | Full SEPA | Euro (€) | 1 business day | €0-€5 |
| France | FR | Full SEPA | Euro (€) | 1 business day | €0-€5 |
| Spain | ES | Full SEPA | Euro (€) | 1 business day | €0-€5 |
| Italy | IT | Full SEPA | Euro (€) | 1 business day | €0-€5 |
| Netherlands | NL | Full SEPA | Euro (€) | 1 business day | €0-€5 |
| Switzerland | CH | Partial SEPA | Swiss Franc (CHF) | 2-3 business days | €10-€25 |
| United Kingdom | GB | Partial SEPA | Pound Sterling (£) | 1-2 business days | €5-€20 |
| Poland | PL | Partial SEPA | Polish Złoty (PLN) | 2 business days | €5-€15 |
Important Note:
Partial SEPA countries may have higher fees, longer processing times, or currency conversion requirements.
Common SEPA Country Scenarios
| Input | Detected Country | SEPA Status | What It Means |
|---|---|---|---|
| DE89 3704 0044 0532 0130 00 | Germany | Full SEPA | Send euros, 1 day, €0-€5 fee |
| CH93 0076 2011 6238 5295 7 | Switzerland | Partial SEPA | Euros work, 2-3 days, €10-€25 fee |
| GB29 NWBK 6016 1331 9268 19 | United Kingdom | Partial SEPA | Euros work post-Brexit, 1-2 days |
| US64 1234 5678 9012 3456 78 | United States | Not in SEPA | SEPA will fail immediately |
If Country Isn’t in SEPA:
1. Use SWIFT international transfers
2. Consider Wise or similar services
3. Ask recipient for European account
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the UK still in SEPA after Brexit?
Yes, for euro transfers. The UK left the EU but remained in SEPA for euro payments. Sterling transfers use the UK’s domestic Faster Payments system.
Can I send euros to Poland via SEPA?
Yes, Poland participates in SEPA for euro transfers. However, the recipient’s bank might convert euros to zÅ‚oty automatically.
Why is Switzerland in SEPA but not the EU?
Switzerland negotiated separate bilateral agreements with the EU, including SEPA participation for easier trade.
Can I use SEPA for euro transfers to Canada?
No. Canada is not in SEPA. Use SWIFT transfers or services like Wise for euro transfers to Canada.