EPC Payment QR code
What it is, how it works, and when to use it
An EPC Payment QR Code (also known as SEPA QR Code) creates a pre-filled EU bank transfer. When someone scans it, their banking app automatically loads the recipient’s IBAN, name, amount, and reference.
This removes typing errors and makes EU payments much faster — perfect for invoices, donations, membership fees, rent, services, and business payments across the SEPA region.
How to create an EPC Payment QR Code
The EPC generator on SQR includes several fields:
1. IBAN
The account number the money will be sent to.
Must be a valid European/SEPA IBAN.
Examples:NL91ABNA0417164300
DE75512108001245126199
FR7630006000011234567890189
Double-check formatting — IBAN mistakes cause failed transfers.
2. Payee name
The name of the person or business receiving the payment.
Examples:John de Vries
Studio Nova BV
Charity Foundation Europe
This will appear in the user's banking app when they review the transfer.
3. Amount
Optional.
The exact euro amount (EUR) to transfer.
Examples:10
49.99
250
If left empty, the user can choose the amount manually.
4. BIC
Optional (often auto-detected by apps).
Enter your bank’s BIC/SWIFT code.
Examples:ABNANL2A
DEUTDEFF
INGBNL2A
Providing a BIC improves compatibility with older bank apps.
5. Remittance reference
Optional.
A structured reference for invoice or payment identification (often used in accounting).
Examples:RF18539007547034
INV-2025-044
Member-2213
For companies using automated reconciliation, this is important.
6. Remittance text
Optional.
A simple free-text description.
Examples:Invoice 2031 — January
Donation
Order #5507
7. Information
Optional.
Additional notes for the transfer if your bank supports it.
This may not appear in all banking apps.
Examples:Payment for workshop 12/12
Booking confirmation
Common uses
EPC Payment QR Codes are ideal for:
- Invoices and billing
- Donations
- Membership/subscription fees
- Rent or utility payments
- Small businesses and freelancers
- Physical invoices or printed bills
- Receipts and payment slips
- Events or workshops with bank transfer payment options
They reduce errors, save time, and streamline payments within the EU.
Limitations
- Works only with SEPA/EU bank accounts
- User’s banking app must support SEPA QR Code scanning
- Static QR Codes cannot be updated after printing
(Use dynamic if IBAN or references might change)
Best practices
- Always verify your IBAN and BIC
- Use structured references for invoices
- Add a “Scan to pay” label
- Test the QR with your banking app
- Use dynamic if your account or payment info changes often
An EPC Payment QR Code makes SEPA transfers effortless — fast, accurate, and perfect for EU businesses.