# EPC QR code

> An EPC QR code, branded GiroCode in German-speaking markets, encodes a SEPA credit transfer as a twelve-line text block. European banking apps read it and prefill a bank transfer for the payer to authorise.

Source: https://useqr.app/glossary/epc-qr · Last reviewed 2026-08-21 · UseQR is free forever, MIT licensed, no signup.

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## The shape

Twelve lines in fixed order per EPC069-12: service tag `BCD`, version, character set,
`SCT`, BIC, beneficiary name, IBAN, amount, purpose code, structured remittance,
unstructured remittance, originator information.

Lines 10 and 11 are mutually exclusive. The whole payload must stay under **331 bytes**.

## Where it works

Strong in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Patchy elsewhere in the eurozone, so always
print the IBAN as text alongside.

Switzerland's **QR-bill** is a separate, incompatible standard with a Swiss cross in the
centre — do not substitute one for the other.

## Best use

Invoices. Prefilling the IBAN, amount and ISO 11649 creditor reference removes transposed
digits and speeds reconciliation, which is where the value actually is.