What it is
Sofort, also known as Sofortüberweisung, was a German instant bank-transfer payment where the shopper pays directly from their online bank account. It has been integrated into Klarna and is now offered as part of Klarna's Pay by bank. The underlying flow is still a real-time bank transfer confirmed by the customer's bank.
- German instant bank transfer
- Now part of Klarna (Pay by bank)
- Real-time bank-confirmed transfer
Where it is mainly used
Sofort was strongest in Germany, Austria and German-speaking Europe, and also supported in several other European countries through Klarna. It suits online shoppers who prefer paying straight from their bank rather than using a card.
- Germany, Austria and wider Europe via Klarna
- Online retail and services
- Popular with bank-transfer-preferring shoppers
How your customer pays at checkout
The shopper selects Sofort or Klarna Pay by bank, chooses their bank, logs into online banking and authorises the payment. The merchant gets a real-time confirmation and can fulfil quickly. Because the bank confirms the transfer, the payment is typically final.
- Select Sofort or Klarna Pay by bank
- Log in and authorise in online banking
- Merchant gets instant confirmation
How merchants access it
Merchants access Sofort through Klarna or through a PSP that supports Klarna's Pay by bank. You typically enable it inside an existing Klarna or PSP integration rather than connecting to a standalone Sofort endpoint. This also gives you access to Klarna's other payment methods from one platform.
- Enable via Klarna or a supporting PSP
- Often part of a broader Klarna integration
- No separate standalone endpoint needed
Pricing and settlement
Klarna Pay by bank has its own transaction pricing, with no setup or basic monthly fee in the standard model, though fees vary by agreement. Settlement and reconciliation are handled by Klarna. Published pricing figures you see online are for initial screening only. Confirm the provider's official pricing page or obtain a written quote before you go live, because rates depend on your business and volume.
- Transaction-based pricing via Klarna
- Klarna handles payouts and reconciliation
- Confirm exact fees on the official page
Public contact route
Sofort merchant services now sit within Klarna. Use the Klarna Sofort transition pages and the Sofort merchant portal for account questions. General enquiries can go to the published Sofort sender address.
- Klarna Sofort page: https://www.klarna.com/sofort/
- Merchant portal: https://www.sofort.com/payment/users/login
- General enquiries: info@sofort.com
Questions merchants ask
Is Sofort still a separate product?
Sofort has been integrated into Klarna and is offered as Pay by bank. You may still see the Sofort name in Germany and Austria, but onboarding and support now run through Klarna.
Do I need a German bank account?
To receive payouts you generally need a bank account in a supported country; Klarna lists Germany, Austria, Belgium, the Netherlands, Italy, France, Spain, Poland or England among those supported for bank-transfer methods. Confirm with Klarna for your case.
Are Sofort payments guaranteed?
Under Klarna Pay by bank for retail merchants, payments are guaranteed, whereas legacy Sofort left risk with the merchant. Check which model your agreement uses.
What does it cost?
Klarna uses transaction fees with no setup or basic monthly fee in the standard model, but exact rates vary. Published figures are for initial screening only; confirm Klarna's official pricing page or a written quote before you go live.
How fast do I get paid?
The customer transfer is confirmed in real time, and Klarna then schedules payouts to you. The exact payout timing depends on your agreement and region.
Can I refund a Sofort payment?
Yes, refunds are managed through your Sofort or Klarna merchant account. Keep your refund policy clear because the money is returned to the customer's bank account.