ING-Diba real-time transfers: limits & costs (2025)

Real-time transfers are the future of banking, and 2025 will be the year they finally become standard.

Thanks to a new EU regulation, customers of all banks have been able to do so since January 2025 Receive incoming real-time transfers for free – and around the clock. The ING is one of the pioneers who introduced real-time transfers early on.

But what does this mean for you as a customer? What costs and limits are there? And when will all ING customers be able to send money in seconds?

We have put together all the important information for you.

ING Diba (Photo: freepik)

Incoming real-time transfers: Free for years

ING has made it possible to receive real-time transfers for years.

This means customers can see payments in their account in seconds – regardless of the day of the week or time.

This function will remain free in 2025as provided for by the new EU directive. There are therefore no additional fees or restrictions for incoming transfers for ING customers.

Outgoing real-time transfers at ING-Diba: Currently only available to a limited extent

The situation is different with outgoing real-time transfers. ING currently only offers this function via certain account models:

• Future checking account: Customers of this account can make real-time transfers with ease. This account costs 4.90 euros per month. Users under 28 years of age or with a monthly payment of at least 1,000 euros pay 1 euro per month for the checking account.
• Giropay: This service allows ING customers to make real-time transfers without entering an IBAN. The process is similar to PayPal and offers a convenient alternative.

Other account models, such as the classic checking account, do not yet support outgoing real-time transfers. The However, ING is planningto extend this feature to all other accounts by October 2025 at the latest in order to meet EU requirements.

How does a real-time transfer work at ING-Diba?

With real-time transfers, also known as “instant payments”, ING-Diba offers its customers the opportunity to transfer money within 10 seconds to transfer. No matter whether on public holidays, weekends or in the middle of the night – the transfer is carried out immediately.

This is not only practical, but also saves time when things have to be done quickly.

Instructions: Real-time transfers at ING

1. Registering in online banking or the banking app: Log in to the ING app (“Banking to go”) or online banking on the website.
2. Selecting the account: Select the checking account from which you would like to transfer the money. The function is currently only available for the Future checking account.
3. Fill out the transfer form: Enter the IBAN of the recipientthe desired amount and a purpose. Make sure that the receiving bank supports instant payments.
4. Enable real-time transfer: If possible, the “Real-time transfer” option will appear automatically. Activate this to carry out the transfer immediately.
5. Confirmation of the transfer: Confirm the transfer with a TAN that is generated via ING’s security process.
6. Credit to the recipient: Within 10 seconds the amount will be credited to the recipient’s account. You will then receive confirmation of the successful transfer.

Limits and costs: How high can real-time transfers be at ING-Diba?

The limits for real-time transfers at ING are generous and have recently been increased:

• Maximum limit: Up to 10,000 euros per transfer are possible in real time. This limit applies uniformly to all supported account models.
• Cost: Real-time transfers are currently available at ING for freeas EU regulations state that instant payments cannot be more expensive than standard transfers. This regulation makes real-time transfers particularly attractive for customers.

Future developments: What will happen by October 2025?

The EU has set clear guidelines for banks to make real-time transfers the standard:

• Until January 2025: All banks must enable the receipt of real-time transfers – without fees.
• Until October 2025: Sending real-time transfers will also be mandatory for all banks. ING customers can then make real-time transfers regardless of account model.

ING has announced that it will provide the corresponding functions in a timely manner. This will particularly benefit users of the classic checking account who currently have to do without this option.

Conclusion: ING makes real-time transfers easy and cost-effective

With its real-time transfers, ING offers a modern service that is particularly characterized by the free use convinced.

However, there are currently still restrictions on outgoing payments, which are only possible via selected account models. With the implementation of the EU requirements by October 2025 However, ING will provide all customers with access to instant payments.

The generous limits and ease of use already make real-time transfers a practical tool that makes everyday life easier for many customers.