We decided to start SmartCasinoGuide in 2015 to provide accurate information about casinos to gamblers. We believe that gambling is a leisure activity and should be relaxing and stress-free. To help our punters have an enjoyable experience, we provide all the information they need about Sofort casinos 2024; this includes available games, reputation and security. We’re currently busy with a project to explain different payment methods for online casinos.
In this guide, we investigate the Sofort payment method in depth. We discuss who can use Sofort, how it works and how to find a Sofort casino. We also examine the advantages and disadvantages of using this payment method. Additionally, we include the fees and time frames you can expect when using Sofort and explain the deposit steps using this method.
Sofort isn’t an e-wallet but a payment processing service that allows you to make purchases without sharing too much personal information with the merchant. Making a payment using a third-party processing service like Sofort provides gamblers with an extra layer of safety and security. Extra security means you can play online without stress. Sofort means ‘immediately’, so let’s examine whether the method lives up to its name.
Sofort was initially formed in Germany in 2005 to take advantage of the growing number of internet transactions by providing users with a fast, secure payment method for online payments. The company’s original focus was on the German and Austrian markets. They’ve since expanded to include many other European markets. In English-speaking countries, Sofort is known as Pay Now.
The success of Sofort led to Swedish company Klarna acquiring them in 2014 for $150 million and forming the Klarna group. The deal meant that Klarna and Sofort now had a combined 10% share of the European market. If you’re using Sofort for the first time, don’t be alarmed if you find yourself on a Klarna-branded site. Since 2017, Sofort has changed the design of their site, integrating it into the Klarna product line.
Sofort is a payment processing method developed in Germany. The company now falls under the Klarna group and is available in many other countries in Western and Central Europe. You can find a list of casinos sites that accept Sofort on SmartCasinoGuide. Typically, European casinos offer Sofort as a payment method. Sofort is known as Pay Now in English-speaking countries. These are the benefits of Sofort: Sofort has some disadvantages: Sofort casinos have several alternatives. A few examples of alternatives are: Sofort is safe to use on casino sites. The Sofort site is secure, and none of your banking information is stored or shared. The online gambling site never sees your banking details. Not all online casinos accept Sofort. Typically, casinos that cater to Western and Central European players have Sofort as a payment method. Sofort is expanding its reach to include more customers and casinos. In theory, Sofort deposits are instant, but sometimes they can take up to 15 minutes. A wire transfer from your bank account takes up to three full days. You can use Sofort in mobile casinos if your online banking is supported on a mobile browser or if you use a desktop computer to make the transfer. Sofort doesn’t charge you to use the service. They charge the casino 2% plus €0.25, so the casino may pass this cost to you. Check with the online gambling site whether they charge you any fees to use Sofort as a deposit method.
Sofort now has access to the security of Klarna and is the instant payment arm of the Klarna group. Klarna allows users to pay deposits in instalments, meaning that it’s unsuitable for bettors in gambling jurisdictions, like the UK. UKGC-licenced casinos can’t accept payments that could be seen as gambling on credit.
Sofort takes security and anonymity seriously; they don’t store your banking details or transmit them to the merchant. They do need your name and the reason for payment, but all other details remain anonymous, including your PIN and TAN. (The TAN, or transaction authentication number, is used to verify the online banking user and combat fraud).
You can search for casinos that accept Sofort on the internet or simply look for casino online Sofort on our SmartCasinoGuide above. Sofort (Pay Now) has operated under the Klarna banner since 2017, so a search for Klarna casinos should also reveal casinos that use Sofort as a banking method. Don’t forget to read the casino reviews and complaints before deciding whether it’s a good fit for you. Our guide provides you with information on different casinos’ security, trustworthiness, and games available.
As Sofort is still generally regarded as a regional payment method, a Sofort banking casino usually caters to German, Austrian, Swiss and Belgian gamblers. Although some may see this as a disadvantage, it’s sometimes preferable to use a payment processing service tailored to a country or region’s specific needs and banking practices.
Casinos change and update bonuses regularly, so it’s often better to check for an online casino Sofort bonus on the websites before choosing a Sofort gambling site. You can also check our reviews of Sofort casinos and compare the bonuses they usually offer. A few of the bonuses you can expect to find at a Sofort online casino include:
Always familiarise yourself with a site’s Terms and Conditions before accepting a bonus. Remember that a bonus isn’t free, and the casino needs a return on the investment. Look for things like a minimum wagering requirement, time limits and which games qualify for a particular bonus. The casino may offer complimentary spins only for certain games. Reading the terms of the bonus offer helps prevent any misunderstandings later.
The Sofort payment method was first developed in Germany and made available to customers from all German banks. Since then, it expanded to Austria, Switzerland and, after being acquired by the Klarna group in 2014, has continued expanding.
Sofort is now available in all of these countries:
Additionally, there’s support for merchants to receive payments via Sofort (through a third party) in the US, Scandinavian countries and many others. The Klarna group, including Sofort, is using strategic partnerships to expand their reach globally. Sofort is also known as Pay Now in English-speaking countries. If you wish to use Sofort as a payment method, it’s best to check with your bank first to ensure they allow this payment processing method.
Sofort is a trusted payment provider, so generally, the money reflects immediately on your account. However, check on the casino website before making an assumption. Some transactions may even be delayed up to 15 minutes. The money from your bank account takes up to three days to reach the casino, so some providers may wait until it reflects on their bank account before crediting you.
Sofort doesn’t charge users any fees for online casino Sofort banking. Still, your bank or the casino may charge fees for a Sofort deposit. Sofort charges the casino 2% plus €0.25 per transaction. Check the website to determine whether the casino passes the charges to you. Also, check with your bank to find out if they impose extra charges for using Sofort.
Sofort has several advantages which have made it the favoured payment method in Germany and a popular banking method in other countries:
All payment methods have some disadvantages. Knowing the negatives will help you decide whether Sofort is a suitable method for your needs.
First, you need to be registered at one of the casinos Sofort has a deal with. When you want to make a Sofort deposit, select it as your preferred method at the cashier. The casino site will then direct you to the Klarna/Sofort page where you fill in their form, including your name, bank (with an online profile), reference, PIN and TAN. The Sofort website then directs you to your online banking page to confirm the transaction. Sofort also sends you an email with the transaction details as confirmation.
Sofort remains the favoured online payment method for German bank account users, and it’s effective. Some other payment methods have advantages over Sofort that make them worth considering. Some providers allow currency conversions, meaning that you can pay PayPal casinos in USD, even if your banking is in euros. You could also consider Zimpler casinos or iDeal casinos as alternatives.