QR-bill to replace payment slips

The current multiplicity of red and orange payment slips will be replaced by the QR-bill with an integrated QR code.

The harmonisation of payment transactions also includes the introduction of a new QR-bill with a QR code. The QR-bill will be introduced throughout Switzerland starting in 30 June 2020 and will replace the current – at least seven different – versions of payment slips. The QR-bill can be used for all payment types and supports invoicing in both CHF and EUR. It will contain the account number in IBAN format (IBAN/QR-IBAN) and a QR code. The QR code contains all important payment information.

Zahlteil QR-Rechung
Sample of the payment part of a QR-bill

The most important new features of the QR-bill for bill recipients are:

  • The payment part of the QR-bill is in black and white instead of colour, which ensures better contrast and also improves readability for people with impaired vision.
  • All payment information can be read with just one click, for example with a smartphone (mobile banking) or reading device (e-banking), and then sent to the bank. There is no need to manually enter information or add additional information subsequently.
  • As well as being contained in the QR code, all the information needed for payment is also printed on the payment part and so can be read without using a technical device.
    The QR-bill can potentially be used for alternative procedures such as TWINT and e-billing, should billers offer this.
  • The Liechtensteinische Landesbank plans to support the payment slip with data code starting at the beginning of 2020. In a timely manner prior to introduction of the new payment slip with data code, you will receive the information you need for the new payment slip with data code (e.g. your QR-IBAN).

Technical information

The QR code replaces the OCR-B code line, which contains purely numeric information. The QR code, in contrast, integrates all information printed on the payment slip, such as the ESR reference number and notice, information on the payee and payer, and the amount.

Companies that create invoices with payment slips have to adjust their print templates accordingly and ensure that the invoicing system can produce the QR codes. Clients with payment slip scanners may have to update or exchange their devices to read the new QR code. If you use your own invoicing solution, the Implementation Guidelines QR-bill have to be complied with.

The detailed specification is available at PaymentStandards.ch.