Sofort (Klarna) Casino Payment Solution

History

Founded in 2005 in Germany, Sofort (part of the Klarna group since 2014) has grown exponentially to become a dominant payment provider in Europe. It initially built its reputation by promising secure, straightforward, and speedy online transactions, and it has since kept its word, earning the trust of millions of users across Europe.

Sofort’s most defining moment came in 2014 when it was acquired by Klarna, one of the largest banks in Europe, known for its flexible payment services. This strategic alliance strengthened Sofort’s position in the payment industry, allowing it to extend its services to more countries and consumers.

Sofort logo
Today, Sofort (Klarna) is available in 13 European countries, offering a real-time banking payment method through 35,000 online merchants that prioritise security and convenience. Unlike traditional online transfers, Sofort enables direct data transfer to a consumer’s online banking system, thereby ensuring an instantaneous and secure transaction.

According to a 2020 eCommerce DB report, Sofort was the fifth most popular payment method in Germany, used by 20% of all online shoppers. This demonstrates the popularity and trustworthiness of Sofort as a preferred payment provider.

For online casinos, integrating Sofort via SoftGamings’ unified API platform means accessing a vast European market. The efficiency, security, and familiarity of Sofort for these customers can enhance user experience, foster player loyalty, and ultimately drive growth in your online casino business. Sofort’s dedication to customer-oriented, secure, and efficient payment processing positions it as a pivotal player in any online casino’s payment strategy.

Pros and Cons

Sofort, or Sofortüberweisung casino payment, has a ton of advantages for casino players and operators, but there are also some negative aspects to it. Let’s explore both sides of the coin.

Pros

  • Safe and simple to use
  • More than 6,000 banks connected
  • 85 million users
  • 2FA
  • Klarna’s Buyer Protection

Cons

  • Fees

How to Use Sofort in Online Casinos

Sofort doesn’t require users to remember card numbers, create an account, or store personal details anywhere. These casino deposits are completed using the existing online banking credentials. Here’s how the process works:
  1. Players need to navigate to the Cashier section and click on Sofort (Klarna) from the list of deposit methods.
  2. Then, they need to select the country and the bank that will carry out the transaction.
  3. They should check the summary of the payment before proceeding.
  4. Finally, players can confirm the transaction.

Regions

Sofort is catering to the needs of players in 13 different countries, including France, Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Sweden, and the Netherlands. There are millions of transactions made through Sofort every day, which solidifies the payment solution’s position in the market.

Payment Methods

Sofort has 99% bank coverage and more than 6,000 banks connected to the system — therefore, the chances are players will find their banks on the list of Sofort partner banks.

Customer Support

Operators and customers can go through Sofort’s detailed FAQ section on the official website and browse the frequently asked questions conveniently grouped according to several categories.

Also, the customer support team is reachable via phone or email Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Moreover, SoftGamings’ customer support agents are at operators’ disposal at all times via phone, email, and live chat.

Security

Sofort GmbH works as a middleman between players’ bank accounts and the online casino that transmits data from the bank via an AES 256-bit encrypted connection. Also, Sofort doesn’t store PIN and TAN information, nor does it share it with any third-party processors. Ultimately, Klarna’s Buyer Protection Policy guarantees the funds should be returned or that users don’t have to pay anything in case there are any issues with the purchase.

Licenses

Sofort is a part of Klarna, a company licensed by the Finansinspektionen (the Swedish Financial Supervisory Authority). It is also compliant with the regulation by the Financial Conduct Authority and other institutions.

FAQ

What are the primary features of Sofort that make it suitable for online casinos?

Sofort offers secure, immediate, and easy-to-use payment services. Its real-time data transfer mechanism eliminates the need for card details, thereby providing a seamless and safe transaction experience. The wide reach of Sofort in the European market makes it an appealing choice for online casinos.

How secure is Sofort for online casino transactions?

Sofort employs high-security standards, including data encryption and two-factor authentication, to ensure the safety and privacy of transactions. It also adheres to the stringent regulations of the European Union’s banking laws.

Is Sofort a licensed payment provider?

Yes, Sofort (Klarna) is a licensed payment institution under the supervision of the Swedish Financial Supervisory Authority. This guarantees its compliance with strict financial and security standards.

What are Sofort’s fees for online casino transactions?

Typically, Sofort does not charge the end-user any fees for transactions. However, online casinos might charge a nominal fee for Sofort deposits or withdrawals. It’s advisable for users to verify fee details with the specific online casino they’re using.