International Payment Methods from France: SEPA, SWIFT and Alternatives

Whether you're a business or an individual living in France, SEPA transfers or international (SWIFT) transfers are the most common ways to send or receive money abroad.

The main issue is cost: most traditional banks apply a margin to the interbank exchange rate — often along with hidden fees. There are also risks such as exchange rate fluctuations and unpaid invoices. To recover funds more easily, options like documentary credit, international checks, or bills of exchange can be used.

To simplify your transfers within the Eurozone and internationally, the Wise account can help reduce fees by applying the mid-market exchange rate.

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Payment methods for individuals and businesses

There are several payment methods that allow you to receive money from clients — whether they are individuals or companies:

Import/export payment methods for businesses

Here are the main payment methods used by import/export businesses:

• SEPA bank transfer (European) (see list of countries)
• SWIFT bank transfer (international) (send EUR outside the SEPA zone)
• Bill of exchange
• International check (French check abroad)
• Documentary credit

Managing international payments also means anticipating and controlling exchange rate risks. The Wise payment solution helps by transferring money at the mid-market exchange rate, with small, fixed fees depending on the currency.

Payment methods for individuals

Here are other payment options — mainly for individuals — available within Europe and internationally:

European and international transfers

Bank transfers are one of the easiest international payment methods — ideal for paying suppliers or sending money to customers abroad.

European transfers in the SEPA zone

European transfers are SEPA transfers made within the European Union.

SEPA transfers include transfers to and from countries in the SEPA zone. Main features:

• Transactions are in euros.
• Account details use BIC / IBAN format.

International and/or SWIFT transfers

International or SWIFT transfers are for transactions made outside the SEPA zone. All transfers made under the SWIFT system are secure and help lower transaction risks.

SWIFT transfers can be made in any major currency (not just euros).

European and international transfer fees

Under European regulations, SEPA transfers must cost the same as local transfers.

With Wise, SEPA transfers within the Eurozone come with no hidden fees.

For international transfers, Wise applies the mid-market exchange rate, plus a small, transparent fee based on the currency and transfer destination.

International payments: what are the risks?

Exchange rate risk

Whenever a business operates in a foreign currency, it faces exchange rate risk. This mainly affects import/export operations.

Before signing a commercial contract, companies should check the exchange rate of the partner country’s currency.

Doing business with companies in the Eurozone can help avoid the impact of exchange rate fluctuations.

Non-payment risk

When trading internationally, there’s also the risk of non-payment — customer debts may be hard to recover.

Since your business partner is abroad, non-payment recovery procedures can be lengthy, expensive, and complex.

Summary of international payment methods

There are several international payment options, but the most common are European SEPA transfers and international SWIFT transfers.

Transfers within the SEPA zone are usually free of extra charges — they’re treated like domestic transfers when made in euros.

For payments outside the SEPA zone, currency exchange costs must be considered.

Since most traditional banks charge a margin on the exchange rate, using a payment institution like Wise could be a more transparent and affordable option — as it uses the mid-market rate and fixed fees.

Opening a Wise Business account costs €50 (one-time fee, with no monthly or annual charges) (free for personal accounts).

For import/export or other international business activities, payment methods such as bills of exchange, international checks, or documentary credit can offer protection against non-payment risks.

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FAQ: International Payment Methods from France

What are the 5 main payment methods?

Here are the 5 main payment methods, both domestic and international:

• Bank transfer
• Credit or debit card payment
• Check payment
• Cash payment
• Mobile payment (via smartphone)

What are the most secure international payment methods?

One of the most secure ways to send money abroad is through a SWIFT transfer.

You can also protect yourself from non-payment in business transactions with documentary credit, international checks, or bills of exchange.

What is the most common payment method in international trade?

Here are the most common international payment methods:

• Intra-European trade: SEPA transfer
• International trade: SWIFT transfer
• Trade outside the EU: check, commercial paper, or documentary credit

To reduce your fees and secure your international transfers (using the mid-market rate), you can open a Wise Business account for a one-time €50 fee (for businesses only).

This article is a translation of the original article published in French and was translated within 365 days of publication. While the content has been translated for accessibility, the data and sources referenced have not been updated since the original publication date.