Sofort, established in 2005 in Gauting, Germany, pioneered the concept of instant online banking payments. Originally known as Payment Network, the company rebranded to Sofortüberweisung in 2006, reflecting its emphasis on immediate bank transfers.
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Sofort started in 2005 in Gauting, near Munich, as Payment Network AG, whose product Sofortüberweisung became one of Germany’s main instant bank-transfer methods: you paid a merchant straight from your online banking, with no wallet in between. Klarna agreed to buy the company in December 2013 and completed the deal in 2014, running the two brands side by side for a decade. On 18 July 2024 Klarna announced it was integrating Sofortüberweisung into its own checkout, and the former sofort.com and sofort.de sites now redirect to a Klarna page headed “Sofortüberweisung ist jetzt Klarna”. Payment processors have removed Sofort as a separate method (PayPal in April 2024, Stripe in March 2025). What survives is the bank-transfer payment itself, now labelled “Pay now with Klarna” — and, in Germany, “Sofort bezahlen mit Klarna”.
Sofort Casinos operates by integrating Sofort, an online banking transfer method, as a payment option for users. The process involves the following steps:
Users choose Sofort as their preferred payment method when making deposits at an online casino. This option is usually available in the casino’s cashier or payment section.
After selecting Sofort, users are redirected to the Sofort platform. Here, they input their online banking credentials and authenticate the transaction.
Users authorise the payment within their online banking environment, confirming the transaction’s details and ensuring a secure process.
Sofort processes the transaction in real-time, enabling swift deposits to the user’s casino account. This real-time feature is particularly advantageous for users looking to start playing promptly.
Once the transaction is successfully processed, users receive confirmation, and the deposited funds are instantly available in their casino account.
Sofort was deposit-only. Winnings are paid back by standard bank transfer to the account you deposited from, or via another method the casino offers — there was never a Sofort withdrawal option to select.
By incorporating Sofort into the online casino’s payment options, users benefit from the efficiency and security of direct online banking transactions, making it a convenient choice for those seeking a seamless and trusted payment method.
Sofort was a German product, strongest in Germany, Austria and Switzerland, with coverage in Belgium, the Netherlands and Spain according to the last processor records before the merger. It was never a mainstream UK deposit method. Since 2024 the same bank-transfer option is offered under the Klarna name, and whether a casino in your country shows it depends on Klarna approving that operator — Klarna treats licensed gambling as a restricted category. In practice you will find it mainly at German-facing casinos.
Because the product now belongs to Klarna, support goes through Klarna rather than a Sofort help desk.
Sofort (Sofortüberweisung) no longer exists as a separate payment button: since July 2024 Klarna has folded it into its own checkout, and the former sofort.com site redirects to Klarna. If a casino cashier still shows a Sofort logo, the payment itself runs through Klarna, and you will be asked for your personal details as well as your bank login. The bank-transfer leg works as it always did:
Key advantage: Unlike Skrill or Neteller, there is no wallet to top up and no separate balance: the money goes straight from your bank to the casino. The one change since the merger is that Klarna’s checkout now asks for your name, date of birth, address and contact details alongside the bank login.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Deposit speed | Instant |
| Withdrawals | Not directly available (use bank transfer or alternative) |
| Fees | Free at most casinos |
| Minimum deposit | Typically EUR 10-20 |
| Available countries | Germany, Austria and Switzerland chiefly; Belgium, the Netherlands and Spain per the last published processor list |
| Registration required | No separate wallet, but Klarna’s checkout collects your personal details alongside the bank login |
Withdrawal limitation: Sofort is deposit-only. For withdrawals, you will need an alternative method such as bank transfer, Skrill, or Neteller.
Sofort provides transparency for responsible gambling:
For support, contact BeGambleAware or GamCare.
Payment methods akin to Sofort, which permits direct bank transfers for online transactions, encompass:
Przelewy24 is the bank-transfer option most Polish players will recognise. If you play from Poland, our guide to online casinos accepting Polish players covers PLN support, payment options and the rules that apply there.
When contemplating a payment method, it is imperative to verify its availability in your region and ensure compatibility with the specific online platform or service you are using.
There was never a separate Sofort app: the payment ran in your mobile browser, redirecting you to your bank’s login page and back. Today the same bank-transfer payment sits inside the Klarna checkout and the Klarna app, which is where any notifications now come from. On a phone the flow is the same as on desktop — pick your bank, log in, approve with your banking app or TAN, and the deposit is confirmed instantly.
Utilising Sofort to access casino bonuses offers a practical and secure approach to fund your online casino ventures. Let’s delve into the specific details:
Sofort enables prompt and direct transfers from your bank account to your casino balance, providing a straightforward and accessible payment method for bonus claims.
Sofort’s rapid transaction processing ensures almost instant deposits to your casino account, proving particularly beneficial for bonuses with time-sensitive requirements.
Sofort implements robust security standards, bolstering the protection of your financial information during transactions—critical in the context of online casino activities.
Verify with the casino whether Sofort deposits qualify you for specific bonuses. Each casino may have unique requirements or exclude certain payment methods from bonus offers.
Check for potential fees associated with Sofort transactions to accurately assess the overall cost-effectiveness of using Sofort for casino deposits.
Be prepared for potential identity verification processes when employing Sofort for casino transactions, as casinos often implement Know Your Customer (KYC) protocols for security.
While Sofort suits deposits, understanding the available withdrawal options is crucial. Some casinos may restrict Sofort for withdrawals, necessitating alternative methods.
A comprehensive review of Sofort’s terms and conditions, along with those of the online casino, ensures a seamless experience when claiming bonuses and conducting transactions.
Always look at the specific policies of the online casino you’re using, as they may have unique terms regarding payment methods and bonuses. Sofort’s blend of speed, security, and accessibility makes it a practical choice. However, verifying its compatibility with your chosen casino and its bonus structures is paramount for a smooth and enjoyable gaming experience.
For nearly two decades Sofort was the standard instant bank-transfer method in German-speaking Europe. Every payment was confirmed with your bank’s own TAN or banking-app approval, so the transfer was protected by your bank’s security rather than a separate Sofort login — and that is still how the Klarna version works.
If you are looking for Sofort at a casino today, look for Klarna in the cashier instead — the bank-transfer payment is the same, only the name on the button has changed.
Find answers to the most common questions about Sofort casinos below.
Sofort ensures payment security through state-of-the-art encryption technologies. Transactions are protected with SSL (Secure Socket Layer) encryption, and Sofort does not store sensitive banking information. Additionally, Sofort employs two-factor authentication for added security.
Sofort primarily supports countries within the European Union. Users in countries like Germany, Austria, the Netherlands, and others within the EU region can typically benefit from Sofort's services.
While Sofort is designed for transactions within the European Union, some international transactions may be possible. It's advisable to check with Sofort directly and the specific online service to determine the feasibility and any associated considerations for international use.
Sofort payments are widely accepted across various online services, including e-commerce platforms, travel agencies, and digital goods providers. Many industries utilise Sofort for its secure and convenient direct bank transfer feature.
Sofort transactions are processed swiftly. The exact speed can depend on factors such as the bank's processing time and the time of day. In many cases, users experience near-instantaneous processing, making Sofort a quick and efficient payment method.
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