How to Accept International Payments: SEPA, A2A, and Bank Transfers

International trade is no longer reserved only for large corporations. More and more online stores, SaaS businesses, consulting firms, and service providers are working with customers across different countries and accepting international payments on a daily basis.

With the development of Open Banking, SEPA infrastructure, and the new generation of A2A payments, businesses now have more opportunities than ever to manage cross-border payments efficiently.

The question is no longer whether you can accept international payments, but which model is best suited to your business needs in 2026.

Traditional International Transfers and the Hidden Costs for Businesses

For many years, standard bank transfers were the primary method for international payments.

While reliable, this model is often associated with additional costs and administrative processes that can affect the overall cost of every transaction.

Especially when handling higher payment volumes, businesses should carefully analyze the complete cost structure.

What Increases International Transfer Fees?

International transfer fees can be made up of various elements, including:

• bank commissions
• currency conversion charges
• intermediary banks
• administrative fees
• processing fees

When operating across multiple markets, these costs can have a significant impact on overall profitability.

This is why more companies are looking for more efficient international payment models.

How Long Does a Standard Bank Transfer Take?

Processing times depend on:

• the country
• the payment infrastructure used
• the participating banks
• the currency

Across Europe, many payments are now processed significantly faster thanks to SEPA infrastructure and instant payment schemes.

This is precisely what has laid the foundation for the next evolution in international payments.

The Evolution of the Eurozone: What Is a Standard SEPA Transfer?

SEPA (Single Euro Payments Area) is a European payment infrastructure that enables euro payments between participating countries through a standardized framework.

The SEPA transfer has become one of the primary tools for international payments in Europe thanks to:

• standardized rules
• high security
• extensive banking coverage
• simplified euro payment processing

For businesses, this means a more predictable payment process when working with customers and partners across different European countries.

When companies compare different international payment models, SEPA transfers are often among the first options considered due to their widespread adoption.

The SEPA Instant Payments Revolution: Money in Seconds

The next stage in the evolution of European payments is SEPA Instant Payments.

While a traditional SEPA transfer may require some processing time, SEPA Instant allows funds to be transferred almost immediately.

The main benefits of SEPA Instant Payments include:

• significantly faster access to funds
• improved liquidity
• faster customer service
• more efficient cash flow management

This is one of the reasons why more businesses are seeking solutions built on instant payment infrastructure.

The Rise of A2A Technology: What Is an A2A Payment?

One of the most significant trends in the payments industry is the growth of A2A payments. But what exactly is the A2A payment meaning?

A2A (Account-to-Account) refers to a payment made directly from a customer's bank account to a merchant's bank account.

Without:

• entering card details
• card schemes
• additional intermediaries

This model is made possible by Open Banking and PSD2 regulation.

A2A payments are growing rapidly across Europe because they combine:

• security
• convenience
• speed
• lower costs for businesses

Why Are Businesses Choosing A2A and Direct Payments Over Cards?

More and more companies are including A2A and direct payments as part of their payment strategy. The reasons are both financial and operational.

The main advantages include:

• fewer intermediaries
• lower processing costs
• enhanced security
• direct connection to the customer's bank account
• improved customer experience

For businesses, this means the ability to optimize payment acceptance costs while offering a modern and convenient payment method.

It is no coincidence that A2A payments are among the fastest-growing segments of the European payments market.

How IRIS Pay Optimizes Your International Payments in 2026

In 2026, businesses have access to far more international payment options than the traditional bank transfer alone.

SEPA transfers, SEPA Instant, and A2A payments each offer different advantages depending on business needs, but the overall direction is clear: greater speed, greater convenience, and more efficient payment processes.

IRIS Pay leverages Open Banking and A2A infrastructure to provide a modern solution for international payments.

Through connectivity with banks in:

• Bulgaria
• Romania
• Greece
• Croatia
• Cyprus
• Italy

and partnerships with:

• Revolut
• Paysera
• Ebury

IRIS Pay enables businesses to accept international payments in a more efficient and convenient way.

For companies operating beyond their domestic market, this means greater control over payments, higher efficiency, and access to Europe's modern financial infrastructure.