Instant Transfers in Ukraine: How the Service Works and What Limits Banks Have Set.

According to inkorr.com: In Ukraine, banks are actively implementing new instant transfer services that allow money to be transmitted in just a few seconds, at any time of the day. This service is quickly gaining popularity among the population and businesses due to its convenience and speed. The head of the Global Bank project office, Natalia Rudukha, shared the features of this service.

“The head of the Global Bank project office, Natalia Rudukha, said.”

Limits and Duration of Instant Transfers

Instant transfers became possible thanks to the new electronic payment system of the National Bank of Ukraine (SEP-4.1), which was launched in late 2024. It guarantees the crediting of funds to the recipient's account in just 2–5 seconds. This service allows transferring up to 100 thousand hryvnias per transaction, and daily and monthly limits depend on the terms of the specific bank. The cost of the service is determined by the banks' tariffs without additional fees.

Principles of the Banking Service

• Transfers are made using IBAN numbers both within one bank and between different banks.
• Payments cannot be canceled, so it is important to carefully check the details.
• Banks may check transactions, especially those resembling “sliced” large transactions.
• The purpose of the payment must be clear, for example: “payment for contract №…” or “loan repayment”.

Rudukha emphasized: “Even instant payments can be stopped if the bank suspects risks related to money laundering or financing terrorism”.

In such cases, a verification of transactions is conducted to comply with the requirements of the Law of Ukraine on Counteracting the Legalization of Income.

Advantages of Instant Transfers

• Funds are credited in real time.
• Convenience: payments can be initiated through a mobile app, and details can be conveyed via QR codes or Deeplink.

How to Activate the Service?

1. Check if your bank supports instant transfers (this information can usually be found in the app or internet banking).
2. Find the “Instant Payment” option in the “Transfers” or “Payments” sections.
3. For individuals, the function is often activated automatically. For businesses, it must be activated manually in the payment instructions.

Banks also recommend contacting customer support for more detailed information.

Let us remind you that new SEPA payment rules come into effect on October 5, further improving conditions for euro transactions and simplifying international transfers.