QR-bill
As part of the payment transaction harmonisation process in Switzerland, red and orange payment slips have been replaced by the QR-bill.
The benefits of the qr-bill
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For bill recipients
- Simplified invoice processing
- All payment information digitally integrated in the QR Code
- Fewer reading errors
- Saves time and money through reduced manual work
- Supports digital payments and those handled by mail or at the post office counter.
For billers
- Simplified payment reconciliation, less manual work
- Electronic transmission of all payment information
- Printed on white paper
What is changing?
The distinctive feature of the QR-bill is the Swiss QR code, which contains all information relevant to payments. The bill recipient simply scans the QR code in the payment part with their smartphone, PC camera or a special scanner and then must simply approve the payment without the need for making any further entries in e-banking.
QR-bills can also be entered in e-banking and paid at the bank counter or the post office.
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Bill with QR-IBAN
With QR-IBAN and QR reference. The QR reference has the same structure as the ESR reference and must be used with the QR-IBAN.
Bills with IBAN
With IBAN and creditor reference. The creditor reference (ISO standard, also used for SEPA payments) is used together with the IBAN.
For bank transfers without a reference the IBAN is used (previously the postal account number)
What needs to be done?
For private individuals, please note the following: standing orders based on red and orange payment slips must be replaced with a new standing order from a QR-bill or with an IBAN number.
For companies, please note the following: every company that needs to make payments will need to be able to pay its QR-bills with all data elements. Companies that issue invoices with payment slips need to make sure that their billing system is able to generate the QR codes.
> Information sheet for invoice recipient and invoicing party (PDF)
The need to make such adjustments depends on their hardware and software infrastructure.
It is possible to enter QR-bills in Bank CIC’s eLounge.
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If you issue bills
- Since 30 June 2020 it has been possible to use QR-bills to issue invoices in CHF and EUR.
- Your software must be ready to use QR bills.
- Your invoicing solution (ERP software) must support the creation of the payment part of QR bills, including the QR code.
- If you issue QR bills with a QR IBAN, please use a 27-character QR reference (the same as the current BESR reference number).
- If you issue QR bills with an IBAN, please use either the creditor reference (ISO standard 11649), your own reference or no reference at all.
If you are a bill recipient
- You must be able to pay QR-bills.
- Your software must be able to process and pay all three QR bill variants.
- You can enter QR-bills in CIC eLounge and approve them for payment.