FAQ
Can the QR-bill be used for paper-based payment instructions?
Yes, as is customary with red and orange payment slips, the payment part of the QR-bill can be enclosed with a payment instruction in paper form.
What is an "Alternative procedure"?
In the Swiss payment traffic, there are various methods for creating an invoice. A service provider (network partner) can convert the QR-bill into another method. The information required for this conversion can be found in the "Alternative procedure" field. The currently registered alternative procedures are published on PaymentStandards.ch.
Do I have to fill in the field "Alternative procedure" when I issue an invoice?
The use of this function is voluntary. Whether you have to enter an alternative procedure depends on what you have agreed with the invoice recipient or your network partner.
How can the QR-bill be used for online services?
With the payment information contained in the QR-bill, payments can be initiated in e- or m-banking, for example, or alternative payment methods such as eBill or TWINT.
Can the QR-bill be used for cash payments at the Swiss Post branch, at a branch with partner or at the bank counter?
Yes, such payments are possible with the QR-bill. Payment part and receipt must be separated from the invoice if the QR-bill is paid at the counter or with a physical payment order. For this reason, it is important that paper-based QR-bills are always printed on perforated paper. A receipt is also available for confirming payments.
Can the invoice recipient also pay a PDF invoice at the post office counter or send the printed payment order on paper to his bank?
If the invoice issuer sends a QR-bill to his customer in paper form – in line with the financial center’s requirements – it is ensured that the financial institutions can process the payment part via all payment channels (e.g. in e-banking and m-banking, as a physical payment order or at the post office counter).
However, if a QR-bill is sent electronically as a PDF document and is to be further processed in paper form, the creditor must ensure that the relevant requirements are met. Essential requirements are (not exhaustive):
- The size of the payment section must correspond to DIN A6 (105 x 148 mm); the markings and the scissors symbol serve this purpose.
- The separation of the number part must be done according to the given lines
- The paper must have a weight of at least 80 to a maximum of 100 g/m² (white or certified recycled, FSC and TCF paper).
Further requirements can be found in the documents "Implementation Guidelines QR-bill" and "Style Guide QR-bill".
Is there any need for action when using account payable systems?
- Payment parts with QR-IBAN and QR reference may not be paid as an ISR. Payment as an ISR can lead to a rejection or an incorrect credit at the creditor bank.
- Check your accounts payable master data. If possible, make sure that the addresses are stored in a structured manner.
- Check whether your document scanner (reader) is affected by the QR-bill. All data is captured via the Swiss QR Code which can also be read with a smartphone.