From 1 October 2022, red and orange inpayment slips (IS/ISR) will be gone for good. Learn everything you need to know about QR-bills and what the switch means for you as an invoice issuer and recipient.
The new QR-bill was introduced across Switzerland in June 2020 and since then has been used alongside the usual inpayment slips. This transition phase will end on 30 September 2022. From then on, payments can only be made with QR-bills.
As an invoice issuer, have you made arrangements for the switch? Do you know what you need to pay attention to as an invoice recipient?
You can find all important information regarding QR-bills and making the switch below.
The QR-bill was introduced to harmonise and modernise payment transactions in Switzerland.
It greatly simplifies payment transactions as all the necessary payment information is contained in the QR code and can be scanned automatically.
The QR-bill or the payment part with a QR code and receipt will replace the usual red and orange inpayment slips (IS/ISR). These can still be used for payments up to 30 September 2022.
Until 30 September 2022, you will still be able to use IS and ISR alongside QR-bills.
It will no longer be possible to make payments with ISR/IS from 1 October 2022, as it will no longer be possible to process them online or in Swiss Post branches.
No. You will no longer be able to use any red and orange inpayment slips after 30 September 2022.
You should contact your invoice issuer if your bill does not contain a payment part with a QR code. It is their responsibility to provide a QR-bill.
You can create individual QR-bills using the QR generator, which can be found at postfinance.ch/qr-generator and in e-finance.
You can also use accounts receivable software to create QR-bills. If necessary, check whether you need to adjust your software and how so that you can create QR-bills.
No, we do not offer this service. However, you can create payment parts with a QR code and receipt at several print shops or using our QR generator online.
When doing so, make sure not to make any handwritten notes on the payment part with the QR code and receipt as is still possible with the usual pre-printed red inpayment slips.
However, you can fill in the name and address of the invoice recipient and the amount by hand.
The QR-bill was developed only for payments made within Switzerland and Liechtenstein. This means that its format (including payment part and receipt) and the scanning and processing of the QR codes are only valid for payment transactions in these two countries.
However, it goes without saying that the QR-bill contains information which you can use for international payments you make manually. This includes the name and address of the payment recipient, the amount and the IBAN and creditor reference.
This results in the following scenarios for foreign payments using QR-bills.
Invoice issuers abroad – invoice recipients in Switzerland/Liechtenstein
The invoice recipient can only make use of the QR-bill’s functions (automatic scanning of payment information via QR code) if the invoice issuer provides an IBAN or a creditor reference of an account in Switzerland or Liechtenstein. Otherwise, the invoice recipient has to manually create the payment order via their online banking.
Invoice issuers in Switzerland/Liechtenstein – invoice recipients abroad
Whether payments can be made from abroad to Switzerland using the QR-bill depends on whether your chosen foreign bank supports the Swiss QR-bill. The Swiss financial centre has no effect on this. In areas close to the border, there may be relevant services for Swiss customers. But, in this case, it’s also possible for the foreign invoice recipient to use the information on the QR-bill for a manual payment order.
