Wero: the new european digital wallet arrives in France, replacing Paylib 💰

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You may have seen ads for a new payment app called Wero. Launched by the European Payments Initiative (EPI), it’s a new digital payment service succeeding Paylib. This European instant payment solution aims to be a sovereign alternative to American giants like Apple Pay and Google Pay.

An integrated app to simplify transactions 💱

Europe’s payment landscape is evolving with the arrival of Wero, a digital wallet launched by the European Payments Initiative (EPI). This instant account-to-account payment solution aims to offer a sovereign alternative for European consumers, beginning in the French market. Available to clients of major banks like BNP Paribas, Groupe BPCE, Crédit Agricole, Crédit Mutuel Alliance Fédérale, Crédit Mutuel Arkéa, La Banque Postale, and Société Générale, Wero promises a unified, smooth, and secure experience.

Source : Wero

The service will be rolled out to major French banks according to the following schedule:

• Groupe BPCE: September 2 to October 2, 2024
• Crédit Agricole: September 26, 2024
• Crédit Mutuel Alliance Fédérale: September 25 to November 6, 2024
• BNP Paribas: Starting October 24, 2024
• Société Générale: Starting October 24, 2024
• La Banque Postale: October 28, 2024
• Crédit Mutuel Arkéa: January 2025

The person-to-person (P2P) payment service is the first use case of Wero’s digital wallet. This feature allows users to make instant money transfers using only a phone number or email address. The system also enables cross-border payments, thus enhancing interoperability across Europe, and is already available in Germany, with plans to launch in Belgium soon.

A european alternative to Paylib 🌍

Wero replaces Paylib, the French payment solution that will cease operations in early 2025. This change marks a shift towards a European vision for digital payments. The 35 million registered Paylib users, including 15 million active ones, will have an easy migration to Wero before Paylib’s permanent shutdown in early 2025. The transition will be automatic, converting Paylib accounts into Wero accounts.

Outre le service P2P, des évolutions sont prévues pour 2025. Parmi elles, une option « Demande d’argent », la possibilité de générer des QR codes personnels pour des paiements sécurisés sans partage de numéro de téléphone. À terme, des options pour les paiements en magasin, en ligne, et pour les abonnements.

In addition to P2P services, new features are planned for 2025, including a « Request Money » option and personal QR codes for secure payments without sharing a phone number. Eventually, Wero will offer options for in-store, online, and subscription payments.

Source : Wero

Users will be able to access Wero in two ways:

• Via their usual banking app, according to the schedule above
• Via the dedicated Wero app, available on the App Store and Google Play Store in the second half of October 2024

Source : Wero

Source : Wero

Wero: toward centralizing european payment services 🪙

Wero’s rollout aligns with EPI’s long-term vision: creating a single wallet that meets all European consumers’ payment needs.

“Wero will bring together all types of payments into one single payment solution, starting with person-to-person payments,” said Martina Weimert, CEO of EPI

By 2026, Wero plans to integrate value-added payment services, including split payments, expense sharing, and loyalty program integration. For users, this will mean a single platform, offering enhanced control over their finances in complete security.

With Wero, EPI positions itself as a solid alternative to tech giants like Apple Pay and Google Pay. The goal is to strengthen European autonomy in the payments sector and offer consumers greater control over their financial transactions, all in a secure, data privacy-compliant environment.

Do you use Paylib, Apple Pay, or Google Pay? What do you think of this new solution? Join the discussion in the comments!