The Instant Money Transfer app is revolutionizing payments in France

On By Littum

‘Wero’ launched in France in October, and stateside transfers will take just 10 seconds

The app reduces costs and commissions by relying on SEPA (Single Euro Payments Area) payments.

The instant money transfer app Wero has grown in popularity in France since its launch in October 2024. Here’s how it works.

Developed by the European Payments Initiative – a partnership of 16 European banks and financial services companies – it launched in Germany in July before France in October.

Its developers intend for the app to replace Paylib (which is scheduled to close in 2025) and eventually challenge similar mobile payment systems Lydia and Paypal.

The value of the app for banks, merchants and users is that it reduces the associated costs and commissions by relying on remittances from the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA), which are free.

Peer-to-peer mobile payments, for example, allow groups to reimburse someone in a restaurant or bar without relying on cash. It can also be used to transfer money to a family member, etc.

Up to 85% of 18-24-year-olds use this type of payment, according to a 2024 study by market research group Kantar, which found that this demographic has a “hybrid use that combines traditional and mobile payment methods.”

Read more: French banks start using Wero – the EU competitor to Apple Pay

From 2025, Wero plans to allow payments to small retailers and online stores via a QR code

In the month following its launch in France, Wero released a statement saying it had grown by 14 million users.

To use Wero, you must have a current account at a participating bank. Most – but not all – French banks work with the app – a full list is available here.

How it works

  • Download the app: Find Wero in your banking app. Sign up for a Wero wallet and fill in the necessary details to get started.

  • Log in and select the bank account you wish to pay from.

  • Enter the mobile number of your contact from your contact list. You can send or request money to anyone you know and trust with an account with Wero bank members throughout France, Germany and Belgium.

  • Enter the amount, write a personal message and press send. The payment should arrive within 10 seconds.