QRR vs SCOR and QR-IBAN vs normal IBAN: the pairing rule
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Direct answer
The 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.
Key facts
- QRR: 27 digits, Modulo 10 recursive check digit, requires QR-IBAN, CH/LI only
- SCOR: RF + 2 check digits + up to 21 characters (ISO 11649), normal IBAN, works cross-border
- Wrong pairing is rejected by Swiss Interbank Clearing (SIC); the payer sees an error, you see no money
- Structured references make automatic reconciliation possible; free-text references do not
Side by side
| QRR (QR reference) | SCOR (creditor reference) | |
|---|---|---|
| Format | 27 digits, printed in blocks of 5 | RF followed by up to 21 letters/digits |
| Check digit | Modulo 10 recursive (carry table) | Modulo 97-10, like the IBAN itself |
| Account needed | QR-IBAN (IID 30000–31999) | Normal IBAN |
| Reach | Switzerland and Liechtenstein | International (SEPA and beyond) |
Which should your business use?
If your accounting software reconciles on the structured reference and your bank issued you a QR-IBAN, QRR is the Swiss default: every payer bank validates it and your ledger matches payments automatically. If you invoice in EUR, bill foreign customers, or your bank account is a normal IBAN, SCOR is the robust choice because the same RF reference survives cross-border payments.
What never works is mixing the two worlds, or inventing your own reference format on a QR-bill. The QR code standard allows exactly these two structured types, and payer apps enforce the pairing before any money moves.
FAQ
- Can I print a QRR reference with my normal IBAN?
- No. A 27-digit QRR is only valid together with a QR-IBAN. With a normal IBAN, use an RF (SCOR) reference or leave the reference empty.
- How is the last digit of a QRR calculated?
- With the Modulo 10 recursive algorithm: starting from carry 0, each of the first 26 digits updates the carry through the table [0, 9, 4, 6, 8, 2, 7, 1, 3, 5]; the check digit is (10 − carry) mod 10. Plain Modulo 10 gives wrong digits.
- Is an RF reference the same as a SCOR reference?
- Yes. RF references defined by ISO 11649 are called creditor references or SCOR in the Swiss QR-bill standard. They begin with RF and two Modulo 97 check digits.
- Do I need a QR-IBAN to send QR-bills?
- No. Any Swiss IBAN can appear on a QR-bill. You need the QR-IBAN only if you want to use the 27-digit QRR reference for reconciliation.
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.
- How to create a Swiss QR-bill that does not get rejectedA 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.
- Einzelfirma vs. GmbH vs. AG: choosing a Swiss company form in 2026Switzerland's three main company forms are the Einzelfirma (CHF 0 minimum capital, unlimited personal liability, Commercial Register entry mandatory at CHF 100,000 turnover), the GmbH / Sàrl (CHF 20,000 minimum capital, company-only liability, partners public in Zefix), and the AG / SA (CHF 100,000 share capital with at least CHF 50,000 paid in, company-only liability, private shareholders).