SOFORT is a popular bank transfer method available in Austria, Belgium, Germany, Netherlands, and Spain. In 2014, Klarna acquired SOFORT and integrated it as part of Klarna’s “Pay Now” payment option, which allows buyers to pay immediately using a linked card or bank account. Businesses on Stripe could accept both SOFORT and Klarna on their checkout as separate payment methods.

What’s changing?

Effective November 29, 2024, businesses will no longer be able to accept SOFORT payments. SOFORT will be consolidated into Klarna. This also applies to platforms and marketplaces, who should also stop offering SOFORT to their businesses.

To continue accepting bank transfer payments from buyers use the following payment methods instead:

• Klarna (strongly recommended) - Bank transfers are available via the “Pay Now” payment option. This enables the closest buyer experience to SOFORT.
  • Klarna also supports recurring and off-session payments (currently in preview). Sign up to get early access to recurring payments for Klarna.
• Bank transfers - Available in the UK and EU.
• SEPA direct debit - Available in EEA.

Pay by Bank - Available in the UK today, coming to Germany in 2025. See Pay By Bank documentation to register early interest.

Learn more about the differences between SOFORT and these payment methods.

Can I request an extension?

No, we cannot provide any extensions as this is an external deadline not set by Stripe.

What happens if I don’t take action?

If no action is taken, SOFORT may appear on your business’ checkout and/or their settings page as an enabled payment method. However, if a buyer chooses to check out with SOFORT, Stripe will return a 400 error code with a generic error message to your buyers. To prevent disruption to your business, we strongly recommend making the required changes by November 29, 2024.

What action do I need to take?

The required actions will vary based on your Stripe integration. A summary of the steps is below and see the integration guide for more details.

1. Make integration changes to stop accepting SOFORT as a payment method.
2. Ensure you're not requesting new onboardings for SOFORT.
3. Update your support articles, dashboard, and documentation to ensure SOFORT has been tagged as no longer available.
4. (Optional) Integrate Klarna on your checkout to continue offering "Pay Now" via bank transfer.

Additionally, If you are a platform or a plugin ensure you're not requesting new onboardings for SOFORT.

You may also need to update your own support and integration documentation and train impacted teams on the SOFORT standalone product discontinuation.

Recurring payments

Any existing SEPA direct debit mandates initiated via SOFORT payments will remain active beyond this date, as SEPA Direct Debit and SOFORT are distinct payment methods. Learn how SOFORT is used to set up future payments, including recurring payments.

Refunds

Refunds will continue to process as normal beyond this date. SOFORT payments can be refunded up to 180 days after the original payment.

Disputes

SOFORT does not support disputes. Any disputes raised on SEPA direct debits payments are subject to the SEPA Direct Debit dispute process.