How to create a Swiss QR-bill that does not get rejected
Updated · 2 sources
Direct answer
A Swiss QR-bill is accepted only if the account and reference types match: a QR-IBAN (clearing number 30000–31999) requires the 27-digit numeric QR reference (QRR) with its Modulo 10 recursive check digit, while a normal IBAN takes an RF creditor reference (SCOR, ISO 11649) or no reference. Mismatched pairs are rejected by Swiss Interbank Clearing before the money moves.
Key facts
- QR-IBAN (IID 30000–31999) + 27-digit QRR: only this combination is valid
- Normal IBAN + RF reference (SCOR) or no reference; never a QRR
- QRR check digit: Modulo 10 recursive over the first 26 digits
- Currencies: CHF or EUR; creditor needs a structured address
Create the bill in this order
- 1Decide which account the money lands on. Ask your bank whether your IBAN is a QR-IBAN (characters 5–9 between 30000 and 31999).
- 2Generate the matching reference: for a QR-IBAN, build the 27-digit QRR from your invoice number left-padded to 26 digits plus the Modulo 10 recursive check digit; for a normal IBAN, generate the RF reference with its Modulo 97 check digits.
- 3Fill the QR code payload: creditor IBAN, creditor name and structured address, amount (or blank for the payer to complete), currency CHF or EUR, and the reference, character-exact.
- 4Print or export with the SIX layout: A6 receipt and payment part, QR code 46×46 mm, no logos or text inside the quiet zone.
- 5Test before sending: scan with your own banking app and validate IBAN and reference; a test payment of CHF 1 catches most pairing errors.
- 6Reconcile incoming payments on the reference, not the amount; the reference is the only reliable matching key.
| Account | Reference | Result |
|---|---|---|
| QR-IBAN | 27-digit QRR | Valid |
| Normal IBAN | RF (SCOR) or none | Valid |
| QR-IBAN | RF or none | Rejected by SIC |
Why bills get rejected
Almost every rejection is one of three pairing errors: a QRR printed next to a normal IBAN, an RF reference next to a QR-IBAN, or a check digit computed with plain Modulo 10 instead of the recursive carry table. The fourth is typographic: shrinking the QR code or placing it over a coloured background so banking apps cannot scan it.
FAQ
- Can I use my normal IBAN on a QR-bill?
- Yes, with an RF creditor reference (SCOR) or no reference. Only QR-IBANs force the 27-digit QRR reference.
- How do I know if my IBAN is a QR-IBAN?
- Look at characters 5 to 9 (the bank clearing number / IID). Between 30000 and 31999 it is a QR-IBAN; for example PostFinance and most banks issue them on request for invoicing.
- What happens if the reference check digit is wrong?
- Payer banks validate the reference before execution; a wrong Modulo 10 recursive digit on a QRR (or Modulo 97 on an RF reference) blocks the payment with an error, so the invoice stays unpaid.
Related guides
- Swiss IBAN, QR-IBAN and 27-digit QR reference explainedA Swiss IBAN has 21 characters: CH, two check digits, a 5-digit institution ID and a 12-character account number. If the institution ID is between 30000 and 31999, it is a QR-IBAN and requires a 27-digit Modulo 10 recursive QR reference.
- QRR vs SCOR and QR-IBAN vs normal IBAN: the pairing ruleThe rule is one sentence: a QR-IBAN (clearing number 30000–31999) must carry the 27-digit numeric QRR reference, and a normal IBAN must carry either the RF creditor reference (SCOR) or no reference, never a QRR. QRR uses a Modulo 10 recursive check digit and works only in Switzerland; SCOR starts with RF, uses Modulo 97 check digits, and works internationally.
- How to start a GmbH in Switzerland: 7 steps, cost and timelineTo start a Swiss GmbH you need CHF 20,000 capital paid in full into a blocked capital deposit account, a notarised deed of incorporation, and entry in the Commercial Register (Handelsregister), which is what makes the GmbH a legal person. The sequence name check → articles → capital account → notary → register takes days to a few weeks; at least one authorised signatory must live in Switzerland.