The Council of the European Union approved this Monday that instant bank transfers must be offered across the continent. In France, where it is rare to have to pay to make a transfer, they should therefore be free for most customers.
According to the text voted in the European Parliament, the measure must come into force within 18 months. In countries that have not adopted the single currency, banks will benefit from additional time until 2027, and even 2028 for payments from an account denominated in their national currency.