In short
You can recognise a QR-IBAN by its institution ID between 30000 and 31999 in positions 5 to 9. It only works with a QR reference: 27 digits, the last of which is a check digit calculated with recursive modulo 10. A regular IBAN takes either no reference or a creditor reference according to ISO 11649, which starts with «RF» and two check digits.
What the checker recognises
Enter a number and the tool detects its type. Spaces and lower case don’t matter.
| Type | Structure | Check |
|---|---|---|
| IBAN | country code, 2 check digits, account number; 21 characters in Switzerland | modulo 97 according to ISO 13616 |
| QR-IBAN | like an IBAN, but IID 30000 to 31999 | modulo 97, plus the IID range |
| QR reference (QRR) | 27 digits | recursive modulo 10 |
| Creditor reference (SCOR) | «RF», 2 check digits, up to 21 characters | modulo 97 according to ISO 11649 |
The check digit catches the typical typing errors: a wrong digit or two swapped digits. Whether the account actually exists can only be confirmed by the bank.
IBAN and reference must match
The payment part of a QR bill carries one of three combinations:
- QR-IBAN with QR reference: your bank reports each payment with the reference, so your accounting can match it to the invoice automatically.
- IBAN with creditor reference: also works internationally and is matched automatically as well.
- IBAN without reference: matching relies on the payment message, usually by hand.
Generating a reference
Under «Generate», a customer or invoice number becomes a valid reference. For a QR reference, the tool pads the number on the left with zeros to 26 digits and appends the check digit. For a creditor reference, it prefixes «RF» and the two check digits.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the difference between an IBAN and a QR-IBAN?
- Both have the same format. The QR-IBAN is a separate account number for QR bills with a QR reference. It is identified by the institution ID (IID) in positions 5 to 9, which lies between 30000 and 31999. It is not meant for regular transfers without a QR bill.
- Which reference goes with which IBAN?
- A QR-IBAN always takes a QR reference (QRR). A regular IBAN takes a creditor reference (SCOR) or no reference (NON). Combining a QR-IBAN with SCOR or an IBAN with a QR reference is not allowed.
- Why is my QR reference rejected?
- Usually the length is wrong, since a QR reference has exactly 27 digits, or the check digit doesn't match because two digits were swapped. The checker tells you the reason.
- Can I generate a QR reference myself?
- Yes. You define the first 26 digits yourself, for example from customer and invoice number; the 27th is the check digit. Some banks require a customer ID at the start of the reference; clarify this when setting up the QR-IBAN.
- Are the account numbers I enter stored?
- No. The check runs entirely in your browser. The IBAN is neither transmitted nor stored.