Podgorica, September 20, 2025 – With Montenegro now officially part of the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA), Zapad bank is proud to announce that it has completed all necessary preparations to begin processing SEPA transactions. Guided by the Central Bank of Montenegro, Zapad bank has successfully joined the SEPA payment schemes – a unified set of rules, practices, and standards across European banks – thereby opening new economic opportunities and delivering greater benefits to its clients.
SEPA enables faster, more cost-effective, and secure euro payments across Europe. By joining this system, Zapad bank is empowering its clients to adopt modern cashless transactions with the same ease and efficiency enjoyed by citizens and businesses throughout the European Union.
The SEPA zone encompasses all EU member states, as well as Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein, Switzerland, Monaco, San Marino, Andorra, Vatican City, the United Kingdom, Albania, Moldova, North Macedonia and Montenegro. According to the European Payments Council, Serbia is expected to operationally join SEPA in May 2026.
Benefits for Zapad bank Clients Starting October 7, 2025:
1. Lower transaction costs – reduced fees for personal and business payments:
• The first daily transfer by an individual up to €200 will be free of charge.
• Transfers up to €20,000 will carry a fixed fee of €1.99 for electronic payments and €3.99 at branches.
• Transfers above €20,000.01 will carry a fixed fee of €25.00 for electronic payments and €50.00 at branches.
2. Greater efficiency – faster processing of transactions.
3. Direct access to the European payment network – as if operating from within the EU.
This is an important step toward the full integration of Montenegro into the European financial system, and Zapad bank remains a reliable partner in creating new economic opportunities for citizens and businesses. Starting October 7, Zapad bank’s clients will have the same payment conditions as EU citizens, opening doors to new business opportunities, enhancing everyday banking experiences, and further positioning Montenegro as part of the modern European payment area.
Zapad bank – On Your Side of the World.
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