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Sofort or Sofort Überweisung is a German online payment method. With its headquarters in Munich, Germany, the company first launched in 2005 and has been gaining popularity ever since. Originally it started operating under the name Payment Network. And it actually includes a whole number of different products and services. Sofort is only one of them and the name actually translates to ‘instantly’ from the German language. So basically Sofort allows users to make instant transfers from their online bank accounts. With a variety of different vendors and online shops including this casino payment method on their sites, this has become a very comfortable means of purchasing goods online. The service is also available for other countries outside of Germany. Users in Austria, Switzerland, the Netherlands, UK, France, Belgium, Czech Republic, Italy, Poland, Spain, Hungary and Slovakia may also enjoy its benefits.
Their official website is also available in the respective languages of each of those countries. Sofort boasts of being extra secure, in fact, more so than for example eWallets. That is because of the fact that you don’t have to register and you don’t need to create yet another account to keep funds on. In addition, the company uses all the latest encryption technologies. This makes sure that all your transactions are secure and safe. In addition, the main focus of Sofort online banking is the expedition with which the provider processes transactions. Here, it’s all about ease and speed, so users can count on, for example, receiving goods a lot quicker than if they were to pay with a different method. That is because the receiving party gets instant confirmation that you’ve sent the money.
Using the service
Once again, with Sofort it’s all about the ease of use and, therefore, the speed, at which goes on. Obviously, the name would suggest no less. The best part is that you won’t need to register, set up an account, memorize new passwords, etc. You won’t need to do anything of the sort. The only requirement is that you already have set up an online banking account with the bank you use. After this, all you need to do is find the specific online shop or other vendor that accepts Sofort. After you’ve chosen the option, you will need to select the country you are in and enter the bank’s sort code. Next, you will need to log into your online bank account with your regular login details. This information then travels to your bank, under the shield of a secure encryption. Step two will require you to enter a special confirmation code. To ensure maximum safety, you will only be able to use this code once. Meaning, once you’ve entered it, you will not be able to enter it a second time. After this, you will get a summary of your Sofort transfer. Alternatively, you will receive a confirmation from the vendor, where you will have all the information about your transfer.
Managing funds with Sofort
What’s great about this payment method is that you don’t really have to manage your funds. Since you take money from your online bank account directly, that is the only fund management you will have to worry about. As we already pointed out, you don’t need to create an account with Sofort and you won’t need to consider topping up a balance. What’s more, you won’t need to worry about fees and charges either, as those are always paid by the vendor.
Casinos where Sofort can be used
A large number of new online casinos that accept European players offer Sofort as an available payment option. And the tendency appears to be increasing over time. Especially given the fact that Sofort has gradually been extending its reach to include more and more countries, it’s only logical that more and more casinos will want to work with it. Examples of online casino platforms that will allow you to deposit via this payment method are Casino Cruise, Cashmio, Casino Luck and GoWild Casino.
Pros and Cons
There are a number of very strong plus sides to using Sofort. For one, it makes matters a whole lot easier simply by the fact that you don’t need to open an account with them and have to worry about yet another balance. What’s more, you won’t need to come up with new login details or new passwords to keep track of. Another great point to make is that payments are instant and the vendor receives confirmation of the transaction the moment you make it. Furthermore, the 2-step security approach ensures that your details and funds are safe and sound. And probably the best part of it all is that you won’t have to pay any extra money in fees or charges.
However, even all the best things have their disadvantages, even Sofort. And one major disadvantage with this payment provider is the inability to maintain anonymity. As the transfers still take place from your online bank account, are your details are on them. This may not be the ideal option for online gaming sites. But that is up to anyone to decide for themselves. Another aspect that could potentially use improvement is that the method is only available for certain countries in Europe. Also, despite the fact that it claims to support most banks, it’s still possible that your bank might not be on the list.