Sofort is a real-time instant online payment method ideal for the seamless and safe purchase of physical goods or services on the Internet. Sofort GmbH, headquartered in Germany (Munich), was initially established in 2005 as Payment Network.
In 2014, the company was acquired by Klarna, one of the leading Europ’s banks from Sweden. After the acquisitions had been finalized, a large Klarna Group was born. In 2017 this method was rebranded, getting a recognizable Klarna visual identity (specific pink logo). “Sofort Überweisung” changed the name into “Sofort,” with different local variations, as “Sofort” originally means “immediately,” or more suitable, “Pay now.”
Sofort is a direct online payment system allowing you to pay using your online banking credentials. Not only is this method fast, as you are using a familiar online banking environment, but it is also secure. It is available in 14 countries: Germany, Austria, Denmark, Switzerland, Sweden, Belgium, Norway, Finland, the Netherlands, Spain, Italy, the UK, the US, Australia.
Sofort, a banking method
The service is straightforward. To finish your online transaction, log-in using your online banking details to confirm and complete the transaction. Just choose the country and enter the name of the bank that will process the payment. The funds are directly debited from your bank account in real-time.
Sofort Explained
You are not obliged to make any additional registration to use the service, as it connects your bank account to the merchant directly, acting as a mediator. You only need an online bank account and banking info (PIN and TAN).
Sofort is, therefore, a reliable, seamless transaction method that doesn’t require credit or debit cards and can even be a beneficial alternative if a card transaction is declined or blocked for some reason.
As a widely spread and accepted online payment method, Sofort has also been gladly listed among popular payment methods in banking sections of many renowned online casino operators.
How to Deposit via Sofort?
This method is also known as Klarna, Sofort by Klarna, or Pay now (in English). So, first, when you lend on the banking page of your online casino, pay attention not to miss any of these names, as they are all pointing to the same payment method. Once you’ve found it, select your country and the bank. You will be redirected to a login page of your familiar online banking platform. Log-in using your banking credentials to deposit necessary funds and verify the transaction. This information will be sent to your bank in an encrypted form.
As a security measure, the bank will ask you to provide a single-use security code, TAN ( transaction authentication number). Furthermore, the bank may text you an OTP (one-time-passwords). Enter these confirmation codes, and you’re good to go. The funds in your gambling account will be at your disposal within moments.
How to Withdraw with Sofort?
The casinos that offer this method as a depositing method generally allow this instant transfer as a withdrawal option too. The procedure is as quick and straightforward as depositing. Head to the banking page, find Sofort, select it as your withdrawal method, and follow the instructions. You will once more have to pick your country of residence and the bank, log-in, and enter the sum to withdraw.
However, cashing out with Sofort may not be so “Sofort” (immediate). In fact, Sofort can be quite limited when it comes to withdrawals. Not all Sofort casinos will allow you a pullout of funds from your gambling account. If this is the case, find an alternative solution, such as a credit or debit card, or some other eWallet.
Transfer Times, Fees, and Security
Sofort deposits are instantaneous, processed in real-time. Once you’ve approved the transaction, the money will appear in your gambling account in a matter of seconds. However, withdrawals will last longer. Usually, it takes 2 to 3 business days to process.
The service doesn’t charge you anything for depositing money from your online bank account. The same should also apply for withdrawals but double-check this with the live casino and your bank to avoid unpleasant surprises.
Sofort is one of the safest online payment systems as it utilizes the original safety procedures from the actual banks it connects to. As mentioned previously, when making a transaction, the bank uses specific one-time confirmation codes (TAN), and OTPs send via SMS to further ensure both the identity and safety of these transfers.
The log-in procedure is done within a secure Sofort environment and not on the online casino’s website. Therefore, Sofort keeps all sensitive data (PIN, personal info, banking info) strictly confidential and not disclosed to any third party involved. Sofort doesn’t store any of these sensitive data. Any data transfer occurs exclusively via connections secured with up to AES 256 bits.
