SEPA Instant Payments

SEPA Instant — is a payments scheme that lets you send and receive euro payments in under 10 seconds 24/7, 365 days a year.

Simple & Secure

You can send and receive payments instantly 24/7 , 365 days a year.

Send and receive € payments across the Single European Payments Area in under 10 seconds.

(SEPA covers all EU member states, Iceland, Liechtenstein,Norway, Switzerland and Monaco also included)

No need to install extra apps, the additional functionality will be available in your online or mobile banking app

Receive immediate confirmation on successful completion of the payment, giving you peace of mind that your payment has been delivered successfully

Get started

Login or Register for Online Banking and use SEPA Instant Payment now.

Get started

Online Banking App

Online Banking is available to Members. Transfer funds, pay a bill, or check your account balances anytime at home or abroad.

Scan / tap the QR code and download our Android App
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Scan / tap the QR code and download our Apple App
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SEPA FAQs

Have a question? Check below to see if it is answered in our Frequently Answered Questions.

What is SEPA Instant?

SEPA Instant allows you to transfer money in seconds to other accounts within the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA). Your payment goes through almost immediately, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including weekends and holidays.

With SEPA Instant, you’ll know right away if your payment was successful.

How SEPA Works
  • Instant Transfers – Money reaches the recipient within seconds.

  • Notifications – You’ll get an instant confirmation if the transfer is successful.

  • Transfer Limits – You can set limits for each transfer, within the overall limits of your account.

Can I use SEPA Instant for any payment?

You can send SEPA Instant payments to any account that supports SEPA Instant within the EU.

Are there limits on how much I can send?

Yes. You can set a limit per transfer, but it must remain within the overall Credit Union limits. To view these limits view the bottom of the following page - Current Account

How fast is a SEPA Instant transfer?

Payments are processed within seconds, 24/7, including weekends and public holidays.

What happens if a payment fails?

You’ll receive an instant notification if your payment is unsuccessful. You can then check your account and try again or contact our team for support.

Is there additional cost for SEPA Instant?

There is no additional cost for SEPA Instant

Can a minor use SEPA Instant payments?

Yes, minors can make instant payments, but a parent or guardian must be present when the transfer is being made and should review the details before it is confirmed.

See more information on SEPA Instant Payments here

Verification of Payee (VoP) – Coming October 2025

From 5 October 2025, all Irish banks and credit unions, including Cairde Credit Union, will introduce Verification of Payee (VoP). This is a new security feature required under the EU Instant Payments Regulation 2024, designed to help reduce fraud and prevent payments going to the wrong account.

What is Verification of Payee (VoP)?

VoP is a check carried out whenever you set up or amend a payee (the person or organisation you want to send money to).

  • You enter the name of the payee and their IBAN.

  • The system checks that the name you’ve entered matches the account holder name registered for that IBAN.

  • You’ll then receive a message telling you if the names match.

This makes sure you are sending money to the right person or business and gives you greater confidence before completing the payment.

Why is it being introduced?

  • Fraud prevention: Criminals often trick people into sending money to the wrong account (known as Authorised Push Payment fraud). VoP reduces this risk.

  • Error reduction: Sometimes members accidentally mistype a payee’s name. VoP highlights mismatches before the payment goes through.

  • Stronger member protection: This change is required across all SEPA (Single Euro Payments Area) institutions by October 2025.

When will I notice this change?

From the 5th of October 2025, you will notice new on-screen messages when:

  • Adding a new payee.

  • Editing an existing payee.

  • Making a once-off payment to someone new.

VoP checks will not run on automated payments such as standing orders or direct debits.

What do I need to do?

  • Always double-check the account details provided by the person or business you are paying.

  • If you see a Close Match or No Match, take extra care. Confirm the name and IBAN before continuing.

  • If in doubt, contact the payee directly before proceeding with the payment.

  • Remember: If you choose to proceed with a payment despite a warning, you are responsible for ensuring the details are correct.

What will I see? - When you set up or edit a payee, one of four outcomes will appear:

Full Match

Full Match

The payee name matches the account holder name. You can proceed as normal.

Close Match

Close Match

The payee name is similar but not exact. You’ll see the registered account name. You’ll be asked to confirm if you wish to continue or update the name.

No Match

No Match

The payee name does not match the account holder name. You’ll receive a warning message. You should double-check the details with the payee before proceeding.

Not Possible

Not Possible

The system could not complete the check (for example, if the recipient’s bank does not support VoP). You can still proceed, but you should confirm the details directly with the payee.

Will VoP delay my payments?

No. The check takes just a few seconds.

Does VoP stop a payment from going through?

No. The payment can still go ahead, but you will be warned if the name does not match.

Do I have to do anything now?

No. This change will happen automatically from 9 October 2025. You don’t need to register or apply.

What if my payee’s bank doesn’t support VoP yet?

You may see a “Not Possible” message. You can still proceed, but should confirm the payee’s details directly.

What happens if money goes to the wrong account?

If a payment is sent to the wrong account because of incorrect details, we will try to recall the funds on your behalf. However, recovery cannot be guaranteed. That’s why it is so important to check payee details carefully.

For more information about VoP, visit the European Payments Council website