QR-IBAN vs. IBAN: Which Account Number Goes on Your Swiss QR-Bill?

When you issue a QR-bill for the first time, you'll eventually bump into this question: Does the standard IBAN or the QR-IBAN go in the payment section? The answer sounds technical, but it has immediate consequences — a wrongly filled account number invalidates the QR code, and payment either doesn't arrive or lands in the wrong place.

What's the Difference Between IBAN and QR-IBAN?

Both are 21-digit Swiss account numbers in IBAN format. The crucial difference lies in positions 5 and 6 — the so-called bank code:

Type	Positions 5–6	Example
Standard IBAN	00–89	CH56 0483 5012 3456 7800 9
QR-IBAN	30–31	CH44 3199 9123 0008 8901 2

QR-IBANs always start with digits 30 or 31 in positions 5–6. Your bank creates this number for you when you register for the QR-bill payment section. Some banks activate it automatically; others require explicit registration — ask your bank directly.

When Do You Need Which?

The Swiss QR-bill recognizes two permitted processing methods:

QR-IBAN with Structured Reference (QR-Reference) This is the standard case for most SMEs. You receive a QR-IBAN from your bank and assign a 27-digit QR-reference number for each invoice (similar to the old orange payment slips). Payment receipt and invoice number can then be automatically reconciled.

Standard IBAN with SCOR Reference or No Reference If you don't have a QR-IBAN or don't want to use a structured reference, you can enter your standard IBAN. In this case, the reference field is either empty or contains a SCOR reference (an alphanumeric customer number to ISO standard).

What you must never do: Provide a QR-IBAN together with a SCOR reference or no reference — and conversely never combine a standard IBAN with a QR-reference. Banks' processing systems will reject these combinations.

How Do I Verify My QR-IBAN?

The simplest method: Check your online banking. Under account details, most Swiss banks show both the standard IBAN and the QR-IBAN (if activated). Alternatively, find the number on your latest account statement in the "QR-bill payment section" or on a separate form your bank has sent you.

If you're unsure whether your number is a QR-IBAN: Check positions 5 and 6. Are they "30" or "31"? Then it's a QR-IBAN.

The Most Common Mistakes in Practice

Mistake 1: Standard IBAN entered, QR-reference generated

Many tools automatically generate a QR-reference number — it sounds convenient but causes invalidity when a standard IBAN (without 30/31) is in the payment section at the same time.

Mistake 2: QR-IBAN without reference number

Without a QR-reference, most bank systems won't process the QR-IBAN correctly. Always set up the QR-IBAN together with a reference.

Mistake 3: Old payment slip account number copied

Those who worked with orange payment slips are tempted to simply reuse the old participant number. This isn't possible — the QR-IBAN is a new number you must request separately from your bank.

Mistake 4: Trustee's IBAN entered

Sounds odd but happens: The trustee takes over invoicing and accidentally enters their own account number. Payment goes to the wrong account. Check which IBAN is stored every time you set up an invoice template.

Step-by-Step: Set Up the Correct Account

1. Contact your bank – Activate the QR-IBAN (usually free of charge).
2. Note the QR-IBAN – Check positions 5–6 (30 or 31).
3. Choose reference type – QR-reference (with QR-IBAN) or SCOR/no reference (with standard IBAN).
4. Store the account number in your template – Once, then always correct.
5. Create a test invoice – Scan the QR code with an app and verify that all fields are read correctly.

A complete guide to creating the entire payment section can be found in our pillar article "Create a Swiss QR-bill — step-by-step guide."

What Applies to VAT-Taxable Invoices?

The choice between QR-IBAN and standard IBAN has no impact on VAT treatment. What matters is that the VAT amount, tax rate (8.1% standard rate, 2.6% reduced rate, 3.8% accommodation), and VAT number are correctly shown in the readable invoice header — outside the QR-payment section. The QR code itself contains no VAT fields; these details belong in the readable invoice portion. For more on current rates and obligations, see "Swiss VAT basics 2026 — rates, duties and special rules."

At a Glance

• QR-IBAN (positions 5–6: 30 or 31) → always combine with QR-reference number.
• Standard IBAN → SCOR reference or no reference — never a QR-reference.
• You request the QR-IBAN from your bank; it is not automatically identical to your standard IBAN.
• VAT details belong in the readable invoice header, not in the QR code.
• Test every new payment section before sending the first invoice to customers.
• With SnapBill — the Swiss online invoice generator — the procedure rules are automatically checked, so invalid combinations never occur in the first place.