Iberpay News
Instant Transfers
September 18 2025
Instant payments: use cases that make the difference
People, companies and governments are increasingly finding they need to send and receive money instantly, without delays and irrespective of banking hours. To do this, they have turned to instant payments, which are transforming how we manage day-to-day payments and charges. Since going live in 2017, the European SEPA Instant Credit Transfer (SCT Inst) system has been able to transfer funds securely in seconds, 24 hours a day, through any banking channel.
Spain has been an early and enthusiastic adopter, 68,2% of all payments are now instant compared to a 26,4% European average, thanks to industry-wide collaboration by Spanish banks and the leadership of Iberpay as manager of the Spanish payments system and hence the body responsible for processing these millions of transactions. This joint effort has made Spain one of most prolific and versatile users of instant payments in Europe.
This article explains how instant payments are being used in ever more, and sometimes surprising, ways to make life easier for consumers, companies and public authorities.
Citizens: instant solutions any time
Instant payments have changed how people manage their money day-to-day. Today, you can move money between accounts at different banks instantly, making it easier to organise savings and make investments with no fear of missing out on an opportunity while the payment goes through the system.
People now send money to family or friends through Bizum without a second thought: all you need is the mobile number and the cash arrives in seconds.
When emergencies arise, household goods break down, the car needs fixing or you need a medical appointment, being able to make an instant payment brings peace of mind and security. You no longer need to wait until the next working day or worry about whether the payment goes through on time.
These advantages mean that instant payment is no longer the exception but the natural way for people to run their day-to-day finances. Compared to classic transfers, which can take hours or days, instant payments offer the reassurance of knowing the money arrives just when it is needed.
Companies: instant payments means agile and efficient cash management
Instant payments have marked a step change for companies by bringing in 24/7 availability. They can make and collect payments at any time of day, every day of the year, including holidays and weekends. This was impossible with the classic transfer system, where it took at least a day for payments to appear in their accounts.
Instant payments have also opened the way to just-in-time cash management, where payments are timed to arrive precisely when they are needed, boosting efficiency and reducing risks. This also enables real-time banking reconciliation. As movements are booked immediately, companies can see their exact financial position at all times.
One of the most prominent benefits is the ability to pay suppliers at a precise pre-agreed time. This means better business relationships, fewer risks and less danger of supply chain interruptions. Being able to pay in an instant can also help companies negotiate better terms and earn prompt payment discounts, optimising their cash management. In complex transactions such as delivery versus payment (DvP), the ability to transfer payment and deliver assets simultaneously cuts risk significantly and improves legal and financial security, an especially useful feature for sectors dealing in securities or high-value assets.
Payroll is another area where instant payments are appreciated for their precision. Companies can pay staff at an exact time on the scheduled day, with no delays or surprises. This boosts trust among the organisation’s employees and ensures they are paid on time irrespective of banking hours and holidays.
In the case of after-sales refunds, being able to return a customer’s money in seconds substantially improves their experience, bolstering trust and loyalty. In a competitive market where instant satisfaction is a differentiating factor, this kind of detail can make all the difference.
Finally, being able to make major payments instantly, such as compensation, refunds or indemnities, strengthens a company's reputation for solvency and reliability. When a customer receives their money at once, rather than having to wait days, they view the service as more agile, efficient and higher quality.
Unlike ordinary transfers that can take days to appear in the destination account, making it harder to plan, instant transfers mean companies can trade 24/7, hit critical deadlines and offer a more competitive and agile service.
Public authorities: more efficient and citizen-focused services
Public authorities have also seized on instant payments as a way to deliver services in a more agile and citizen-focused way. One of the best examples is real-time tax rebates. When taxpayers see their rebate come in within seconds it not only improves their view of the government but also lets them plan their personal or company budgets with greater certainty.
Grants and subsidies can be a life-saver when they arrive just in time. Receiving the money as soon as it is approved avoids delays and means citizens and companies have the funds they need to cover urgent expenses, whether paying for basic necessities or recapitalising a company.
Also, instant settlement of fines and fixed penalties is good for the government and citizen alike. For the authorities, it means more agile management and less bureaucracy. For the citizen, it means the whole business can be sorted out on the spot avoiding late-payment penalties.
When crisis hits, such as natural disasters or health emergencies, donations and emergency funds can be paid out immediately, ensuring they arrive at the time they are most needed.
A side-effect is that the responsible public bodies and social organisations are perceived as being efficient and in-touch with citizens. Compared to traditional payment methods, which can take days, instant payment by public authorities bolsters trust and shows real commitment to citizens.
The future will be ever more instant and digital
Projections indicate that, over the next few years, companies and citizens will increasingly turn to instant payments. This natural trend means a steady migration away from classic bank transfers towards instant payments in nearly all sectors, use cases and banking channels.
All of this is only possible thanks to the commitment of the Spanish banking industry and Iberpay, who make sure that every transaction is processed instantly, securely and at any time of day or night.
Because in a world where every minute counts, instant transfers have gone from being a novelty to become a vital tool for people, companies and government. And this is only the start: new use cases are emerging every day, set to change the way we live, shop and exchange value.
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