Sending money in euro within SEPA (SEPA credit transfers) and cross-border transfers

Definition and cost

Sending money in euro within SEPA (SEPA credit transfers) and cross-border transfers

Definition and cost

What is a SEPA credit transfer?

A SEPA credit transfer is a transfer with the following features:

  • The transfer takes place within the SEPA
  • The amount of the transfer is denominated in euros
  • The order is filled in correctly and fully
    i.e.:
    • The payee's International Bank Account Number (IBAN) is correct
    • The payee's name is filled in
    • The principal’s IBAN is correct and the name and address of the principal are filled in properly

*The SEPA (Single Euro Payments Area) consists of the European Union (EU), Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, San Marino, Switzerland, United Kingdom (including Gibraltar) and Monaco.

The European Union (EU) comprises Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Estonia, Finland (including the Aland Islands), France (including Martinique, Guadeloupe, French Guyana and Réunion), Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Austria, Poland, Portugal (including the Azores and Madeira), Romania, Slovenia, Slovakia, Spain (including the Canary Islands, Ceuta and Melilla), Sweden.

What is a cross-border transfer?

A cross-border transfer is an international credit transfer with at least one of the following features

  • It is made to or from a country outside the SEPA
  • It is in a currency other than the euro

When drawn up, an international bank cheque (whether in a foreign currency or in euros) is always treated as a cross-border transfer.

What are the benefits?

A credit transfer is a straightforward and convenient means of payment that is widely known and accepted.

  • Efficient and quick
  • Safe
  • Can be made through various channels depending on your needs 

KBC Brussels works with an extensive network of correspondent banks in other countries to make payments and to make sure they go through local payment systems and reach the payees. Transfers can be made in many different currencies. Ask at your KBC Brussels branch for the currencies available.

How much do credit transfers cost?

An overview of the standard rates and charges (in euros and including 21% VAT) is provided below.*

Incoming transfers

Standard rates and charges for sending money in euro and in other currencies

SEPA credit transfer (electronic) Free of charge
Cross-border transfer

Payment commission = 0.121%
(with a minimum charge of 9.68 euros and a maximum of 145.20 euros)

Exceptions:

  • Transfers of up to 25 euros are free of charge
  • Transfers within Belgium in a currency other than the euro are free of charge (the principal’s banker is allowed to deduct charges, however)
  • Transfers in Swedish krona or Romanian lei received from an EU Member State are free of charge

Additional charges

Enquiries relating to cross-border transfers (including cancellations, searches and copies) 30.25 euros**

Outgoing transfers

Standard rates and charges for sending money in euro and in other currencies

SEPA credit transfer Free of charge 
Cross-border transfer and  drawing up international bank cheque
Payment commission = 0.121% 
(with a minimum charge of 9.68 euros and a maximum of 145.20 euros)

Additional charges

Intervention charges for transfers in euros not eligible for straight-through processing (STP) made to a SEPA country
  • Adding IBAN and/or BIC: 12.10 euros
  • All other reasons: 0.121% (with a minimum charge of 9.68 euros and a maximum of 145.20 euros)

Exception: transfers of up to 25 euros are exempt from intervention charges.

Expedited handling fee for urgent transfer, compensated value date, non-standard value date
6.05 euros
Enquiries relating to SEPA credit transfer 30.25 euros
Enquiries relating to cross-border transfer and  international bank cheque 30.25 euros**
Processing of paper-based SEPA credit transfer  2.00 euros
(additional charge, possibly included in account subscription fee)
Processing of paper-based Cross-border transfer and drawing up  international bank cheque Handling fee of 6.05 euros / transfer
Fax confirmation of cross-border transfer  12.10 euros / confirmed transfer order 
Surcharge for electing to pay all charges (OUR option) for a cross-border transfer
Correspondent’s charges: ask at your KBC Brussels branch for an indication of these charges.
Surcharge for US dollar payments (irrespective of country of destination)
Extra fees charged by the foreign banks involved in processing the payment. Please contact your KBC Brussels branch for an indication of these rates and charges.
Sending international bank cheque to payee
Communication charge: 7.87 euros (+ 6.05 euros, if registered delivery)
Sending international bank cheque to a KBC Brussels branch
Communication charge: 10.29 euros

* If the paying account is denominated in a currency other than the euro, we also make these charges in that currency.
** plus any costs charged to us by the other banks.