“It’s about time!” », this banking service is now free for all French people

The year 2025 begins on a note of relief for the millions of French people who regularly use banking services. Instant bank transfers, long synonymous with additional fees, are finally becoming free for everyone. A discreet but impactful revolution for the daily lives of many users. So what exactly has changed? Here's everything you need to know.

A new era for bank transfers

Until recently, making an instant transfer often involved fees hovering around one euro per transaction. A seemingly modest sum, but one that could quickly add up for those used to transferring money frequently. The good news? Since January 9, 2025, banks in the euro zone are obliged to make this service free for all transfers made in euros.

This decision, driven by a revision of European regulations, now requires banks not to charge more for instant transfers than for traditional transfers. If the latter were free via online applications or bank sites, the same now applies to snapshots. A big step towards fairness in the banking sector.

Why now?

The Council of the European Union and the European Parliament approved this regulatory update for a simple reason: to facilitate financial exchanges between citizens and businesses. The objective? Making the European economy more fluid while reducing the inconvenience linked to banking delaysespecially during weekends or public holidays.

Behind this decision lies a desire to modernize the banking sector by making it more competitive with third-party services such as PayPal or Lydia. These platforms, already very popular, have started offering free instant transfers, forcing traditional banks to follow suit.

Wero and the overhaul of banking services

The year 2025 does not only bring free instant transfers. Another significant change is planned with the disappearance of Paylib in March, replaced by Wero. This new tool promises to further simplify exchanges between individuals and businesses. However, its implementation will be gradual, with some banks not integrating it before the end of the year.

This transition highlights the growing importance of technological innovation in the banking sector. Financial institutions, often perceived as rigid, are now striving to meet the expectations of an ever more demanding clientele in terms of speed and simplicity.

What this changes for you

Thanks to these new rules, making an instant transfer has never been so simple or so advantageous. Whether it's paying back a friend, paying an urgent bill or transferring money to a family member, you will now be able to do it without worrying about additional fees.

Concretely, an instant transfer is executed in less than ten secondsno matter the time or day of the week. This service was once a luxury; it is now becoming a standard accessible to all.

Free instant transfers mark an important step in the evolution of banking services in Europe. Because money should not be a barrier to speed, these new measures are part of a desire to make finance more inclusive and equitable. So, are you ready to take advantage of this banking revolution? Share this article so everyone is aware of this major change!