# SEPA Direct Debit

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⏱ 1 min
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👤 Merchant Onboarding Team (Marcel K.)
###### Due to its ease of use, paying by direct debit is another very popular payment method among German online shoppers.

## Description

SEPA Direct Debit is a payment method that allows seller to collect payments from buyers directly from their bank account via their IBAN, who have granted them permission to do so.

## Process in a nutshell

- Buyer decides to to pay via "SEPA Direct Debit"
- Seller sends a [PAYMENT_REQUEST](/docs/developer/api_integration/payment_1.8/payment_api_documentation/the_ratepay_gateway_operations/place_order/payment_request) / [Authorize transaction request](/apis/payment/openapi/payment_api/transaction-management/createtransaction) to Ratepay with the buyer-, SEPA bank-, shopping basket- & payment data
- Ratepay responds, if this transaction has been accepted or rejected
- In case of a...
  - rejection, the reason should be shown & the buyer should choose another payment method
  - acceptance, the seller should inform the buyer about the successful transaction
- When the seller sends the goods, a [CONFIRMATION_DELIVER](/docs/developer/api_integration/payment_1.8/payment_api_documentation/the_ratepay_gateway_operations/follow_up_operations/confirmation_deliver/) / [Capture transaction](/apis/payment/openapi/payment_api/capture/capturetransaction/) request must be sent to Ratepay.
  - This starts the contractually agreed time for the payout to the seller & the claim will be transfered to Ratepay,
  - an [invoice](/docs/legal/a_legal_requirements_for_the_integration/customer_correspondences/sepa_direct_debit/) should be sent to the buyer &
  - a withdrawal from the buyer's bank account takes place after the agreed time.