What is Sofort?

Sofort is an online payment system founded in Germany in 2005, starting out by the name Payment Network. Its aim was to capitalise on the fast-growing tide of online money transfers, focusing on German and Austrian markets.

Payment Network would later rebrand to Sofort, a short form of Sofortüberweisung, which essentially means “instant bank transfer”, expanding its user base. Individuals could use Sofort to pay for products and services online from their bank accounts, without sharing their sensitive details with third parties.

Perhaps this convenience is what made Sofort resonate much with online gamblers. In 2014, the payment method was acquired by Klarna– a Swedish Fintech popular in the EU. Now being part of Klarna Group, Sofort acts as an intermediary between customers’ and merchants’ banks, facilitating faster and more secure online transactions.

Sofort works for only deposits in most online casinos. And using it is easy. You even don’t need to open an account, like some other payment methods. Here, ensure that your bank is part of Sofort’s consortium, and you are good to go.

Making Deposits at Sofort Casinos

Funding your casino account using Sofort is remarkably simple. Yes, the process could vary from casino to casino, but the core is the same. First, check whether your bank supports Sofort.  Don’t assume; confirm this first hand either on Sofort’s official website or by contacting your bank directly. Sofort supports nearly all major banks in Europe, so there is a higher chance, your financial institution is also part of the consortium. 

• Look for Sofort Casino and register: Not all online casinos accept Sofort payments. So you will need to look for a reliable option, where you can sign up, deposit and place wagers. There are plenty of Sofort casinos out there. Our team did all the heavy work for you and compiled a list of the best Sofort casinos. Choose one and register right away.
• Choose Sofort as your payment option: The next logical step after account registration will be logging in to your casino account and heading over to the payment section. You are then to select “deposit”, enter your deposit amount and then choose Sofort as your preferred payment option. A list of Sofort-supported banks will appear on your screen. Choose your bank and click for redirection.
• Authorise and complete the transaction: You will be redirected to your bank’s official website. Log in with your credentials to authorise the transaction. A confirmation code will be sent to your email or phone number. Enter this code on the interface and initiate the transaction. 

Sofort deposits are instantaneous. So within seconds, money should be on your casino account ready for wagering.

Is Sofort available for casino withdrawals?

Yes, but not in all Sofort casinos. Most will only accept Sofort for deposits. When cashing out, you will definitely need to look for alternatives. We will talk about these alternatives later in this guide

Prior to withdrawals in all online casinos, you will need to meet certain conditions like the deposit turnover requirement, playthrough requirement (if you use a bonus) and KYC. Playing within the set wagering restrictions is also necessary.

Of all these conditions, KYC verification tends to be the most tedious and long taking process for most players. For your enlightenment, you will need the following documents for account validation in Sofort casinos;

• Your government-issued ID/passport or driving licence
• Your utility documents to verify your area of residence.i.e water bills 
• Your bank statement and sometimes a selfie while holding your ID

The verification process usually takes not more than 2 weeks in most casinos—which can be quite lengthy for players. That’s why we strongly advise completing these procedures well in advance to avoid any delays when cashing out your winnings.

With everything set, cashing out via Sofort or any other payment method is a walk in the park. You start by heading over to the cashier’s section and choosing Sofort as your preferred withdrawal option. Enter the withdrawal amount and choose your bank (Sofort-supported bank).

Finalise the transaction and wait for your winnings. Once your withdrawal request is approved, money should be deposited in your bank account within 2 to 3 days.

New Sofort Casinos 2024

Each year, new Sofort casinos targeting players across the EU are launched. The result has always been an influx of new brands in the market, possibly overwhelming players. However, worry less. We have made a list of the best new Sofort casinos this year. Take a look.

Types of Bonuses Offered by Sofort Casinos

Sofort is not in any way excluded from claiming bonuses in online casinos. So you can confidently use it to make deposits and claim realistic bonuses like:

• Welcome bonus: A welcome bonus is the first kind of bonus you will encounter in Sofort casinos. It can be a match bonus, free spins or both. In most cases, you will first have to deposit a certain amount to claim this bonus. 
• Reload bonus: The next bonus in line after exhausting your welcome bonus is the reload bonus. You are simply given a bonus for your continued deposits. It Could be a match bonus, given in a certain percentage of the deposit amount within a specific period or some extra spins to spend on your favourite slot game.
• Cashback: Let’s be real. Making losses is inevitable in gambling. But, there is always a way of minimising them. This is precisely where cashback comes into play in most Sofort online casinos. Simply put, cashback bonuses compensate for a certain portion of the money lost on your previous wagers within a specific period. Capitalise on this bonus to somehow recover your losses and boost your gaming morale.
• Free spins: Fan of slots? This kind of bonus should totally resonate with you. Free spins are commonly included in welcome bonus packages and regular promotions offered by Sofort casinos. You can win real money using free spins, so claim them and double your chances of winning

Keep in mind that all these bonuses come with mandatory wagering requirements and betting restrictions which you are to meet before cashing out. For avoidance of doubts, make sure you read and clearly understand these terms before claiming the offers.

Are Sofort Casinos Safe and Legit?

Absolutely. Most Sofort casinos are secure. In our recommendations, we only consider licensed brands. And not just any other licensing. We consider casinos holding valid licences issued by globally recognized authorities like the MGA, Curacao and the UKGC. 

Regarding safety, the best Sofort casinos have advanced security measures like SSL to protect players. Their privacy policies and money laundering policies will also be stringent enough to enhance the overall security. We consider this in our evaluation, hence ensuring that they are safe and reliable.

The casinos are safe and legitimate, but what about the payment method? Sofort ensures security through your bank’s robust systems, employing a secure login process. Authentication via a TAN code adds an extra layer of security, making it highly resilient against fraud attempts.

Additionally, Sofort transactions are encrypted using the latest SSL technology ensuring maximum security.

Why Sofort for online casinos?

Well, Sofort is the real deal facilitating faster fee-free direct payments from your bank account to casinos without the need for debit or credit cards. This ensures your sensitive details stay secure and never get exposed during transactions.

Even better, Sofort uses top-notch encryption technology, the same as Klarna, for all transactions. For added security, a confirmation code (TAN) is sent to you via SMS before any transaction is made, ensuring top-level security.

Payments made via Sofort are instantaneous. As such, you can dive straight into action after making the payment and explore the available gaming options. Sofort withdrawals (if allowed) take up to 48 hours, though it varies depending on the operator’s processing speeds. 

The fact that Sofort is reliable and secure is backed by its worldwide appeal. It currently has over 85 million users globally.

Sofort vs Trustly

This is probably the most popular open banking system used by millions in Europe. Just like Sofort, it is an intermediary used by individuals or businesses to facilitate faster online bank transactions.

Trustly works great in online casinos, facilitating faster deposits and withdrawals. To use it, your bank must be a member of the consortium. This is the same case with Sofort. You will use your bank credentials to authorise and complete transactions.

Deposits made via Trustly are instantaneous. Withdrawals on the other hand take not more than 12 hours. There are also no fees charged on the transactions (unless by the bank) thus a perfect Sofort alternative.

Sofort vs iDeal

Another reliable payment method to consider in place of Sofort is iDeal. It is an instant banking solution widely used by businesses and merchants in the Netherlands. Similar to Sofort, iDeal offers a seamless casino payment experience.

iDeal, just like Sofort and Trustly, works with all major banks in the Netherlands, including the likes of ABN AMRO, ASN Bank, bunq and Rabobank. Players therefore will need to have accounts with any of the affiliated banks, for money transfers.

Transactions with iDeal are quick and efficient, supporting both deposits and withdrawals in online casinos. Your sensitive personal details remain protected. Transfers are encrypted, and you will be notified of any transaction prior to initiation. This ensures maximum security and safety for your funds.

Sofort vs CASHlib

Consider trying CASHlib for your next casino banking experience. This voucher-based payment system is widely used by businesses, including casinos, across the EU. It excels with its fast and digital “cash-like” payments.

No personal or banking details are needed to complete transactions with CASHlib. Simply purchase a CASHlib voucher from a physical outlet and use the PIN to complete transactions.

In most online casinos, CASHlib is solely for deposits. Transactions are free, anonymous, and instantaneous, prioritising security. Your details remain protected, with no risk of exposure to third parties. Moreover, CASHlib offers better spending control, making it an ideal alternative to Sofort.