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    Can a company refuse a bank account from another EU country?

    Using a foreign EU IBAN for bills, salary or benefits.

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    Short answer

    No. Your Europe explains that if you want to use SEPA credit transfers or direct debits to pay bills, buy online, pay taxes or receive refunds or benefits, your account may not be refused because it is located in another EU country. This applies when the company or authority accepts such payments from domestic accounts. If it still happens, you can complain to the competent authority in the country of the company.

    Practical: communication, money, services

    Why

    1. Your Europe calls this IBAN discrimination and says it is not allowed.
    2. The rule covers SEPA credit transfers and direct debits.
    3. Complaints go to the authority in the counterpart's country.

    Details

    The European Commission also collects reports of IBAN discrimination to monitor how the rule works across the EU.

    Tip

    If a Finnish company refuses your foreign EU IBAN, point to the EU SEPA rules and ask them to recheck.

    What may differ

    The rule covers accounts in EU countries. Accounts in other SEPA countries may be treated differently.

    Common misconception

    You need a Finnish bank account to pay Finnish bills.

    What actually happens

    Any EU IBAN must be accepted where domestic accounts are accepted for SEPA payments.

    People also ask

    • What does a Finnish IBAN look like?
    • Can foreigners open a bank account in Finland?
    • Can you get a direct debit refunded?

    Sources

    This answer is for reference only. Payment rules and fees change, so check the official sources or your bank before you pay.

    Practical: communication, money, services
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