> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.withacclaim.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# SEPA Debit

> Collect EUR payments from bank accounts across the SEPA region using SEPA Direct Debit. Ideal for recurring and cross-border euro payments.

SEPA Debit is a direct debit payment method that allows you to **collect EUR payments from bank accounts across the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA)**.

It is commonly used for **recurring payments**, **subscriptions**, and **cross-border euro transactions** within Europe.

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## How SEPA Debit works

SEPA Debit follows the standard direct debit flow: **authorize**, **initiate**, and **settle**.

1. **Collect authorization**
   The payer provides consent to debit their bank account through a SEPA mandate.

2. **Initiate the debit**
   Once authorized, you initiate a payment against the payer’s bank account.

3. **Settle funds**
   Funds are transferred through the SEPA network over several business days.

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## Requirements

To process a SEPA Debit payment, you typically need:

* IBAN
* Account holder name
* Mandate authorization from the payer

Additional requirements may apply depending on the use case.

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## SEPA region

SEPA Debit supports payments across countries in the SEPA region.

This includes:

* Eurozone countries
* Additional participating countries outside the eurozone

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## Timing and settlement

SEPA Debit payments are not instant and follow standard processing timelines.

* Settlement typically takes **1–2 business days**
* Processing times may vary depending on submission timing and scheme rules
* Funds are not guaranteed until settlement is complete

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## Returns and reversals

SEPA Debit payments can be returned after initiation.

Common return reasons include:

* Insufficient funds
* Invalid account details
* Authorization or mandate issues

Returns may occur **after settlement**, depending on scheme rules and timelines.

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## Authorization and mandates

SEPA Debit requires a **mandate**, which is the payer’s authorization to debit their account.

A mandate includes:

* Payer consent
* Mandate reference
* Creditor information
* Agreement to SEPA rules

Mandates must be stored and referenced for future debits.

Authorization can be collected through a **setup request** or during a payment flow.

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## When to use SEPA Debit

SEPA Debit is best suited for:

* Recurring payments in EUR
* Cross-border payments within Europe
* Subscription or invoice-based billing
* Reducing payment processing costs

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## Comparison to cards

| Feature        | Cards     | SEPA Debit              |
| -------------- | --------- | ----------------------- |
| Payment type   | Push      | Pull                    |
| Currency       | Global    | EUR                     |
| Geography      | Global    | SEPA region             |
| Authorization  | Immediate | Requires mandate        |
| Settlement     | Fast      | 1–2 business days       |
| Failure timing | Immediate | Possible delayed return |

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## Best practices

* Collect and store mandates before initiating payments
* Validate IBANs before submission
* Account for settlement timing and return windows
* Monitor returns and handle them appropriately

***

## Summary

* SEPA Debit allows you to collect EUR payments across the SEPA region
* It requires a mandate and operates on a pull model
* Settlement takes 1–2 business days and may include returns
* It is ideal for recurring and cross-border euro payments