SEPA payment QR code
On some European invoices, a QR code pre-fills the transfer in your banking app: payee, IBAN, amount, reference. Here’s how it works, and what to check.
What is a SEPA payment QR code?
It’s a code holding transfer details in a format defined by the European Payments Council (hence “EPC QR code”): payee name, IBAN, optional BIC, amount and reference. In Germany and Austria it’s also known as GiroCode.
It doesn’t trigger any payment on its own: it pre-fills a form that you check and confirm in your banking app.
How is it read?
From your bank’s app, in the transfer section, if it offers QR scanning: it then fills in the fields. The phone camera alone shows raw text at best.
Not every bank reads this format; if yours doesn’t, type the transfer in by hand from the invoice. It only covers euro transfers within the SEPA area.
Can Scanotte generate a payment QR code?
No. Scanotte makes link, Google review, WhatsApp, Wi-Fi, business card, e-mail and text codes, but not EPC payment codes. To create one, use your invoicing software or your bank, which sometimes offer it.
Scanotte can, however, point to your existing online payment page (your payment provider’s link) with a free QR code for that link.
What are the risks of a payment QR code?
A fake code can pre-fill a scammer’s IBAN. Before confirming, always check the payee name and amount shown by your bank, and be wary of an invoice that arrives in an unusual way.
Scams are covered in QR code scams (quishing). A change of bank details announced by e-mail always deserves a call to the supplier on a number you already know.
Does a payment QR replace a payment link?
Not really: the EPC code is for bank transfers, with no card fees but no guaranteed instant payment; a payment link opens a page to pay by card or another method.
To take payments from a poster or flyer, a link to your official payment page is simplest; keep it stable or use an editable code, and say next to it what it opens, as with a safe short link.
What should I put on my invoices instead?
If your invoicing software doesn’t generate EPC codes, print your IBAN, the payee name and the reference to use clearly. Slower for the customer, but unambiguous.
You can add a Scanotte code to your contact or online payment page, saying next to it what it opens.
Frequently asked questions
Will Scanotte make payment codes?
It isn’t planned today. Scanotte focuses on links, contacts, Wi-Fi and reviews.
Does a payment code contain my banking password?
No, only the payee and transfer details. Never enter your banking credentials on a page opened from a QR code.
Does the EPC code work outside Europe?
It’s for SEPA transfers, so the SEPA area. Other formats exist elsewhere.
Can I put my IBAN in a text QR code?
Technically yes, but the bank won’t read it as a transfer. Print the IBAN in plain text on the invoice instead.