AIK Bank has become the first bank in Serbia to receive official approval from the European Payments Council (EPC) to join the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA), marking a significant development for the country’s financial sector. From around May 2026, clients of AIK Bank will be able to send and receive euro payments to and from any of the 41 SEPA member countries in just a few seconds and with much lower fees than current cross-border transfers.
Serbia officially became part of the SEPA framework in May 2025, after aligning its payment systems and regulations with EU standards — a milestone in its financial integration and broader European path.
SEPA is designed to make euro-denominated payments more efficient, secure and cost-effective, harmonizing processes across the zone so that transfers are treated as domestic rather than international transactions.
For consumers and businesses in Serbia, SEPA adoption means not only faster and cheaper euro payments, but also simpler procedures for online and international trade. This change is expected to particularly benefit exporters, companies with European partners, and individuals who frequently transact in euros. In the wider region, similar SEPA implementations are underway, reflecting broader efforts to modernize payment systems and enhance regional economic connectivity.
