Zen.com Brings Pay-by-Bank to Nine European Markets Through Mastercard Partnership

October 29, 2026 - 10:03

Zen.com has introduced pay-by-bank functionality across nine European countries, allowing customers to complete transactions directly from their bank accounts without relying on traditional card details. The service is now live in Germany, Austria, Spain, Belgium, the Netherlands, Italy, Portugal, Ireland, and Lithuania.

The rollout, carried out in cooperation with Mastercard, marks a notable expansion of open banking payment options in the region. Pay-by-bank lets shoppers authorize payments through their own banking apps, reducing the need to enter card numbers or share sensitive financial information with merchants. For businesses, the method can lower processing costs and cut down on failed payments, since funds move directly between accounts.

The company framed the launch as part of a broader push toward faster and more secure checkout experiences. Customers in the supported markets can select the option at participating merchants, confirm the payment through their bank, and receive near-instant confirmation. The approach also appeals to regulators and industry groups that have encouraged greater use of account-to-account payments as an alternative to card networks.

The partnership with Mastercard gives the service additional reach and credibility among retailers that already work within the card giant's payment infrastructure. Zen.com said the nine markets were chosen based on demand from both consumers and merchants, and that further expansion could follow as adoption grows. The company has not disclosed specific timelines for additional countries.

Pay-by-bank has gained momentum across Europe in recent years, driven by open banking rules that require banks to share account data with authorized third parties. Several fintech firms and major payment providers have launched similar products, betting that consumers will embrace the speed and simplicity of paying straight from their accounts.