No. Customers pay using their existing banking app, Sparkasse, Deutsche Bank, ING, N26, or any other bank that supports SEPA Instant. They just scan the QR code, confirm the amount, and the payment is complete.

Just your smartphone or tablet. No card reader, no terminal, no dongles. You can also print a static QR sticker for your counter for hands-free operation.

Instantly. SEPA Instant Credit Transfer settles in under 10 seconds, 24/7/365. The money lands directly in your bank account, not in a third-party wallet that you have to withdraw from later.

No. SEPA Instant Credit Transfers are irrevocable once confirmed. Unlike credit card payments, there is no chargeback mechanism. Once you see the green checkmark, the money is yours.

Every bank that supports SEPA Instant Credit Transfer and EPC QR codes (GiroCode). In Germany, this covers Sparkasse, Volksbanken, Deutsche Bank, Commerzbank, ING, DKB, N26, and many more, over 95% of German bank accounts.

Card payments involve multiple intermediaries, acquirer, card network, issuing bank, each taking a cut. Zahlo uses direct bank-to-bank transfers over SEPA Instant, eliminating all intermediary fees. That's why we charge just 1% + €0.25 per transaction.

When customers pay with the zahlo app, they automatically earn cashback on every purchase. The cashback is funded by a fraction of the interchange fees the merchant saves by using zahlo instead of card networks. Merchants choose how much to redirect (e.g. 0.3%), they still save money overall. Customers don't need the zahlo app to pay, any banking app works, but the app rewards them for coming back.

No. Payment works with any banking app that supports SEPA Instant and GiroCode, which covers over 95% of German bank accounts. The zahlo customer app is optional and adds cashback tracking, loyalty rewards, and repeat-visit incentives. It's not required to pay, but it gives customers a reason to come back.

Yes. zahlo offers e-commerce plugins for WooCommerce, Shopify, and Shopware. Customers select their bank at checkout, authenticate in their banking app, and the payment settles instantly. Same 1% + €0.25 fee, same zero-chargeback guarantee as in-store.

A payment link is a shareable URL with a pre-filled amount. You generate it from the zahlo app and send it via WhatsApp, email, SMS, or any messaging channel. When the customer opens it, they see a payment page and can pay directly from their banking app. Ideal for phone orders, deliveries, catering, and invoicing.

We're launching in Germany in 2026. Sign up now to be among the first merchants to accept payments without interchange fees.