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    What are instant payments in Finland?

    Faster bank transfers under EU rules.

    Answered at: Checked at:

    Short answer

    Instant payments are euro bank transfers that are available in the payee's account within ten seconds. Finance Finland explains that under EU rules all banks must be able to send instant payments from autumn 2025. The Bank of Finland reported that use grew clearly in 2025, but in the second half of the year only 5.3% of the value of all transfers was sent as instant payments.

    Practical: communication, money, services

    Why

    1. Finance Finland says all banks must send instant payments within ten seconds from autumn 2025.
    2. The Bank of Finland reported strong growth in instant payments in 2025.
    3. Instant payments made up 5.3% of transfer value in the second half of 2025.

    Details

    Because money moves in seconds, an instant payment to a scammer is hard to stop. Check the payee carefully before you confirm.

    Tip

    Use an instant payment when speed matters, for example when buying second-hand goods from a seller you have met.

    What may differ

    Banks may set their own limits and prices for instant payments.

    Common misconception

    Bank transfers in Finland always take until the next working day.

    What actually happens

    Instant payments arrive within ten seconds, also at night and at weekends.

    People also ask

    • Do banks check the payee name before a transfer?
    • What is a safe account scam?
    • Can foreigners open a bank account in Finland?

    Sources

    This answer is for reference only. Banks set their own terms, so check the details with the bank before you act.

    Practical: communication, money, services
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