On this page we will talk about the betting sites that accept SOFORT, that is, those that support this fast bank transfer method (in German “sofort” means “immediately”). We will analyze limits, fees and crediting times.
| 18Bet | 4.5/5 | Up to $100 | €10 | €10,000 | 0 fees Instant credits 24/7 customer support | Visit the site |
| PlazaPlay | 4/5 | Up to $1,000 | €10 | Variable | 0 fees Fast credits VIP program available | Visit the site |
| 20Bet | 4.5/5 | Up to $100 | €10 | No limit | 0 fees Instant credits Wide range of payment methods | Visit the site |
| IviBet | 4/5 | Up to $150 | €10 | Variable | 0 fees Instant credits Crypto support | Visit the site |
Why did we mention SOFORT? Because, as you will discover in the continuation of this review on the best betting sites that support this payment method, operations are handled by Klarna, a company that manages online transactions through a modern version of direct payment. There’s a lot to discover: let’s start “sofort” to explore this payment system!
The most relevant information about SOFORT betting sites
Our review of the best SOFORT betting sites begins with the most important information, namely the relationship between this payment method and online bookmakers. You will discover the minimum and maximum deposit thresholds, possible fees and timelines, with differences from one operator to another. We emphasize that this system cannot be used for withdrawals.
SOFORT betting: all about timelines, minimum and maximum thresholds, and fees
It may not be surprising to know that many of the bookmakers that accept SOFORT operate in markets where this payment method is widely used. What are the features of SOFORT betting? You’ll find them in the table below, which shows some common features such as no fees and fast crediting, while differences in deposit limits stand out.
| Bookmaker | SOFORT | Crediting time | Minimum and maximum limits | Fees |
| 18Bet | Instant | €10 – €10,000 | None | |
| Not available | Not available | Not available | ||
| 20Bet | Instant | €10 – No declared limit | None | |
| Not available | Not available | Not available | ||
| PlazaPlay | Instant | €10 – Variable limit | None | |
| Not available | Not available | Not available | ||
| IviBet | Instant | €10 – Variable limit | None | |
| Not available | Not available | Not available |
As you can see, the minimum deposit threshold is generally set at €10, but the maximum limits vary from one operator to another. In general, there are no particularly high thresholds, as with traditional bank transfers: they range from around €1,000 up to over €5,000, depending on the site. Therefore, this method may not be ideal for those with a very high budget, but it is perfect for users looking for a secure, simple and very fast payment option.
Compatibility between SOFORT and the welcome bonus
Refunds on the first deposit, on the first bet, or distributed in several installments: the best welcome bonuses may vary in type and amount, but all require compliance with specific terms and conditions to be redeemed. It is important to read them carefully, as some payment methods may be excluded from receiving the bonus, as often happens with e-wallets like Neteller. With bookmakers that accept SOFORT, this does not happen: betting sites with SOFORT are generally compatible with welcome bonuses.
The difference between SOFORT Banking, fast transfer, and traditional bank transfer
Betting sites that support SOFORT use a method similar to the traditional bank transfer, but with one big difference: the crediting time. With a classic bank transfer, the wait can range from 2 to 5 days, while with SOFORT the credit is instant. This makes it similar to other instant transfers like Rapid Transfer or Fast Bank Transfer. Another important difference is that currently SOFORT can only be used to deposit funds. In addition, SOFORT relies on the fintech company Klarna, while Rapid Transfer uses Skrill as an intermediary.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of betting with SOFORT
We have analyzed the data and main features of the betting sites that support SOFORT. But what are, in practice, the pros and cons for users? Some advantages have already been mentioned, but below you’ll find a complete summary prepared by our team.
The first and most obvious advantage is the speed and simplicity of operations. As we will see in the next paragraphs, everything happens in an intuitive, fast, and above all, secure way: with SOFORT, no banking data is stored and no personal information is required. Moreover, there are no fees and the system is compatible with most welcome bonuses.
| Strengths | Weaknesses |
| Fast and simple operations | Not very high limits |
| Guaranteed security | Not usable for withdrawals |
| Accepted by many bookmakers | Not suitable for high rollers |
| Compatible with bonuses | Not accepted by all sites |
| No fees | |
| No personal data required |
That said, no payment method is perfect. Players’ needs vary and, even with SOFORT, there are some limitations to consider. The most relevant is the fact that it can only be used for deposits, with no possibility of withdrawal through the same channel.
Another point to consider is that the maximum deposit limits are not very high, which may not be ideal for high rollers, meaning those who play with large budgets. Also, although SOFORT is safe and efficient, not all bookmakers accept it yet as a payment method. This limited adoption makes it similar to other innovative tools like cryptocurrencies, which are slowly gaining ground in the sector.
The hope is that more and more platforms will adopt this method in the future, because it can be frustrating to want to place live bets or take advantage of features like sports streaming, only to find out that a quick deposit with SOFORT is not possible.
How to make a deposit on a bookmaker with SOFORT
From theory to practice: in the next boxes, you will discover the steps required to make a deposit on one of the betting sites that support SOFORT. It is a simple and quick operation, suitable even for those with little experience in online transactions.
The first requirement is that your bank offers an active home banking service. Additionally, it is essential that the bank is among those that support the SOFORT network. You can check this directly on your bank’s official website.
SOFORT at its best
- Bet refunds
- High limits
- Great for live betting
Bonus up to €100 with 20Bet
Visit 20Bet
Once you have confirmed that SOFORT is available, you just need to:
- Log in to your account on the chosen betting site
- Go to the “Deposits” or “Cashier” section
- Select SOFORT as your payment method
- Enter the desired amount
- Authorize the transaction using a TAN code automatically generated on your smartphone
The transfer will take place in real time and the amount will be immediately available in your gaming account. Below is a summary of the process.
How to make a SOFORT deposit on betting sites
Discover all the steps to deposit money with SOFORT into your gaming account easily and safely.
1. Log in to your gaming account
If the chosen bookmaker supports SOFORT, start by logging into your account with your username and password.
2. Select SOFORT as your payment method
Go to the deposit section and choose SOFORT among the available methods to top up your balance.
3. Enter the amount and banking details
Decide how much you want to deposit and enter the requested data to access your home banking. No information will be stored, as the data is encrypted and securely managed through Klarna.
4. Authorize the payment
You will receive a TAN code on your smartphone from your bank, to use for confirming and completing the transaction.
5. Start betting
The deposit will be confirmed within seconds, and you can immediately start placing your favorite bets.
Check your bank’s compatibility with SOFORT
Before you start, make sure your bank offers home banking services and is among those that support the SOFORT network. You can find the updated list of compatible banks directly online on the official website of the service or during the payment process.
Withdrawals from SOFORT betting sites are not yet available
As already mentioned in our analysis of the best betting sites that support SOFORT, this payment system is currently available only for deposits and not for withdrawals. It is plausible that, over time, this limitation will be overcome, especially considering how simple, fast, and secure the method is during deposits.
At the moment, however, to withdraw winnings it is necessary to select an alternative method, such as an e-wallet like PayPal, Skrill, or a traditional bank transfer.
SOFORT and possible fees
With the best bookmakers that accept SOFORT, no fees are charged to the user. This advantage also extends to other e-commerce transactions. Transaction fees are applied exclusively to the payment recipient, i.e., the merchant or bookmaker, with an average commission of 0.90%. The end user might only see a fee applied by their own bank.
Are there bonuses on SOFORT betting sites?
One of the most common doubts concerns the existence of promotions dedicated to those who use SOFORT to top up their account. At the moment, exclusive bonuses linked to this payment method are rare. However, the regular welcome bonuses offered by bookmakers are generally compatible with SOFORT, unless otherwise stated in the terms and conditions.
| PlazaPlay | 4.0/5 | Bonus up to €1,000 | Rollover: n/a Validity: 7 days | Visit the site |
In conclusion, even if SOFORT does not yet offer widespread exclusive promotions, it can be used to receive regular welcome bonuses or weekly promotions. Always check the terms and conditions before making the deposit to ensure that the method is valid for the bonus.
Are bets with SOFORT secure?
When it comes to money online, the question arises: is it safe to use a payment method like SOFORT? The answer is yes. Thanks to the evolution of technology and security regulations, transferring funds online today is a common and highly protected operation.
One of the main security measures adopted is the two-factor authentication system: every time you make a transaction with SOFORT, you receive a TAN code automatically generated and sent to your smartphone via SMS, token, or app. Only by entering it can you authorize the payment.
How SOFORT protects your transactions
- Encrypted data transmission: all communications between the bank and SOFORT take place through secure SSL connections, with advanced protocols up to AES 256-bit level.
- Data not stored: banking credentials are not saved. This means each payment requires a new manual entry of data, offering superior protection.
- No access to the bank account: there is no need to register or access your online banking; SOFORT acts as a temporary, secure, and certified intermediary.
Good practices for personal security
In addition to the measures adopted by the system, users can also contribute to safety: avoid using public computers or shared Wi-Fi networks to carry out transactions. Performing operations only from personal, updated, and protected devices is a good habit to always follow.
In conclusion, SOFORT is a reliable payment method even for online betting, thanks to the combination of advanced encryption, strong authentication, and anonymous data handling. You can top up your gaming account with complete peace of mind, without unnecessary risks.
Some information about SOFORT
In addition to its practical use on betting sites, it’s interesting to learn more about the company that developed SOFORT. The service was founded in 2005 in Munich, Germany, by Christoph Klein and Markus Neun, both already active in the IT sector. Today, the company is part of the Klarna group, one of the most influential fintech companies in Europe, and is led by Robert Bueninck, Patrick Dittmer, and Jacob von Ingelheim. SOFORT employs around 3,000 people and generates significant annual revenue.
| Name: | SOFORT Überweisung / Klarna Bank AB |
| Sector: | Digital financial services |
| Headquarters: | Stockholm, Sweden |
| Official website: | www.sofort.com |
| Regulatory authority: | Commission de Surveillance du Secteur Financier |
| Foundation date: | January 2005 |
| Current CEOs: | Robert Bueninck, Patrick Dittmer, Jacob von Ingelheim |
| Founders: | Christoph Klein and Markus Neun |
| Employees: | 3,000 (data updated to 2020) |
| Revenue: | About 753 million USD (2019) |
| Supported currencies: | Receiving: 30+ | Withdrawal: 30 | Account: 25 |
| Users worldwide: | 85,000,000+ |
| Customer service: | Contact form on the website |
| Mobile app: | Available |
| User fees: | None |
| Merchant fees: | 0.90% |
| Bookmakers supporting SOFORT: | Increasing |
| Support: | FAQ section and direct assistance |
The acquisition by Klarna
2014 marked a pivotal year for SOFORT: this is when it was acquired by Klarna, one of the largest European providers of payment services. Klarna transformed the concept of online payments, offering flexible and secure solutions that simplify transactions between sellers and buyers.
One of the distinctive features of the Klarna-SOFORT system is the “pay later” logic: the user completes the purchase or deposit (as on betting sites), while Klarna advances the amount to the seller. The user will settle the payment within a predetermined term, generally 14 days. This structure ensures maximum trust and protection for both parties.
If SOFORT isn’t for you, there are many valid alternatives
Every bettor has different preferences and needs: perfection doesn’t exist, not even when it comes to payment methods. SOFORT is excellent for speed and security, but it might not be ideal for those who want to withdraw funds with the same system, or for those who don’t want to re-enter their banking details every time.
The good news? The main online bookmakers offer many alternatives. Below are some of the most popular and secure payment methods:
- PayPal
- Paysafecard
- Visa
- MasterCard
- Apple Pay
- Google Pay
- Skrill
- Neteller
- Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies
- Bank transfer
- HiPay
- Emoney
- Maestro
The peace of a bank transfer, but faster: with SOFORT you can!
We’ve now concluded our guide to betting sites that accept SOFORT. Throughout this overview, we’ve analyzed all the key aspects of this payment method, from crediting times to the presence of any fees, including the minimum and maximum deposit limits.
We’ve clarified that SOFORT is available exclusively for deposits and not yet for withdrawals. However, thanks to its simplicity, speed, and security, it can be an ideal choice for many users, especially for those who want to deposit instantly and reliably.
We’ve also explored the pros and cons, explained in detail how to make a deposit, examined the security measures implemented by the service, and provided an overview of its corporate history.
Now it’s up to you: if speed is a priority and you want a simple and secure method to top up your account, SOFORT could be the right choice. Otherwise, you can always rely on more traditional methods like Visa, MasterCard, or modern e-wallets like PayPal or Skrill.
FAQ
What are the best betting sites that accept SOFORT?
One of the best betting sites that support SOFORT is 20Bet, but other operators like PlazaPlay, 18Bet, and IviBet also offer this method. Although it’s not yet available on all platforms, SOFORT is becoming increasingly popular as a deposit method due to its speed and security.
Can I use SOFORT to withdraw funds from my gaming account?
Currently, SOFORT can only be used to make deposits. It is not yet available as a withdrawal method. If you want to use the same system for both deposits and withdrawals, we recommend considering alternatives like Skrill, Neteller, or credit cards.
Are deposits made with SOFORT safe?
Yes, SOFORT is a highly secure system. Transactions are made using advanced encryption, two-factor authentication (with a TAN code), and SSL connections. Moreover, there’s no need to create a SOFORT account, nor are banking details stored: every transaction is independent and protected.
Are there any promotions for users who pay with SOFORT?
Although exclusive promotions for SOFORT are not yet very common, you can still use this method to access standard offers like welcome bonuses, cashback, and weekly promotions. Always remember to check the terms and conditions of the bonus before making a deposit.
