Bank Frick offers SEPA and SIC Instant Payments, allowing clients to process transactions in real time – 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Funds are credited within seconds and are immediately available.
- SEPA Instant Payments: Real-time Euro payments are available for both sending and receiving
- SIC Instant Payments: Real-time CHF payments are currently available for incoming transactions only
This service is available via both online banking and API, providing the flexibility required to meet diverse client needs. Whether managing time-critical transactions or streamlining payment workflows, Instant Payments deliver a new standard of speed and efficiency.
What are SEPA and SIC Instant Payments?
SEPA Instant Payments (Instant Credit Transfers) represent an evolution of the traditional SEPA transfer, facilitating real-time Euro transactions across the SEPA region.
SIC Instant Payments (Instant Credit Transfers) are real-time payments in Swiss francs (CHF) within the Swiss payment system SIC, enabling credits within seconds between participating financial institutions in Switzerland and Liechtenstein.
In contrast to conventional transfers, which remain subject to banking cycles, cut-off times, and weekend closures, Instant Payments are:
- executed in under 10 seconds
- processed up to a single transaction limit of EUR 100'000 for SEPA Instant Payments
- credited instantly to the beneficiary's account
- processed round the clock, including weekends and bank holidays
Availability is subject to both the originating and receiving banks participating in the Instant Payment scheme*.
At Bank Frick, SEPA and SIC Instant Payments are available through the following channels:
- Sending and receiving directly via online banking (for SIC Instant Payments, only incoming payments are currently available)
- Sending or receiving via the Bank Frick API for automated processes (for SIC Instant Payments, only incoming payments are currently available)
- Receiving via virtual IBANs (VBANs)
Why use Instant Payments?
Instant Payments deliver clear added value in an increasingly digital and time-critical economy.
For businesses, they deliver:
- Immediate liquidity, with no waiting periods
- Accelerated settlement of business processes, particularly for time-sensitive payments
- Improved client experiences, for instance on platforms, crypto exchanges, or digital business models
For end clients, they offer:
- No delays in payment
- Greater control over the timing of payments
- Increased transparency, as transactions are immediately visible in the beneficiary's account
Real-time payments are increasingly becoming the industry standard, particularly in sectors such as trading, e-commerce, payment platforms, and international services.
Real-time is not a trend, it is the new standard. With Instant Payments, we combine speed and availability.
What are the advantages of Instant Payments?
Real-time settlement: Payments are processed within seconds and available for immediate use
24/7 availability: Not affected by banking hours, weekends, or bank holidays
Improved liquidity: Faster access to incoming funds and more efficient capital allocation
Greater planning certainty: No more uncertainty surrounding payment timings or delays
Optimised client experience: A decisive competitive advantage, particularly for digital business models
Automation capabilities (API and VBAN): Seamless integration into existing systems alongside automated reconciliation of inward payments
How can I use Instant Payments?
SEPA Instant Payments are available directly via online banking, and payments can be entered as normal. When executing the payment, an “Instant” option is now available, and the transaction is completed within seconds.
SIC Instant Payments are available as immediately visible incoming payments. Incoming payments are credited within seconds and are instantly reflected in the account balance and transaction lists.
Via API
For clients with an API connection, Bank Frick offers the ability to fully integrate SEPA Instant Payments and incoming SIC Instant Payments into their own systems.
- Utilisation through the adjustment of existing integrations
- Use of the transaction type: SEPA_INSTANT (for sending)
- Optional: Real-time notifications via webhook
As a result, payments can be automated, processed, and utilised in real time.
Further information: Developers Bank Frick
Instant Payments with virtual IBANs (VBANs)
Instant Payments can also be received via virtual IBANs (VBANs). With virtual IBANs, inward payments to specific clients can be reconciled with precision, eliminating the need for separate physical accounts.
Advantages of integrating VBANs with Instant Payments:
- Real-time inward payments settled directly to individual VBANs
- Automated reconciliation of funds to end clients or accounts
- Ideal for platforms, exchanges, and high-growth business models
Requirements:
- Use of Bank Frick VBAN service
- Integration into existing processes or systems (via API)
- Optional: Combination with webhooks for real-time downstream processing
Further Information: Developers Bank Frick
*Verification of Payee (VoP) is currently not available for Instant Payments.
Bank Frick will enable VoP for SEPA Instant Payments following a forthcoming update.
