GiroCode and EPC QR
GiroCode is a common name in Germany and nearby European payment workflows for EPC QR codes that prefill SEPA credit transfer details in compatible banking apps. The QR code does not move money by itself; it helps the payer review and submit the transfer in their bank app.
QR Code Crafter’s SEPA generator creates the underlying EPC payload used for GiroCode-style invoice and bank-transfer handoffs. Use it when you need a static QR asset for invoices, donation forms, membership renewals, bank-payment instructions, or accounting templates.
Banking-app support varies by country and bank, so always scan the finished artwork with the banking apps your payers are likely to use and keep plain-text IBAN, recipient, amount, and reference details beside the QR code.
Key decisions
Uses the EPC SEPA payload
Encode SEPA credit transfer details in the EPC QR format: service tag, transfer type, recipient, IBAN, optional BIC, amount, purpose, and remittance information.
Useful for invoices and donations
Place GiroCode-style QR codes on invoices, PDF statements, donation cards, membership renewal letters, and bank-transfer instruction pages.
Static files for print workflows
Export SVG, PDF, EPS, PNG, JPG, or WebP assets while keeping the encoded payment details inspectable and independent of a QR Code Crafter redirect.
GiroCode workflow choices
| Decision | Recommended choice | Check before publishing |
|---|---|---|
| Payment standard | Use the EPC QR / SEPA Credit Transfer payload generated by the SEPA payment tool. | Do not treat GiroCode as a card checkout or instant payment processor. |
| Recipient details | Use the legal recipient name and IBAN exactly as the bank or accounting system provides them. | Mistyped IBAN or recipient text can create failed or misdirected transfer attempts. |
| Amount | Include EUR amount for fixed invoices, or leave amount blank for payer-entered transfers. | Regenerate static codes when invoice totals or due amounts change. |
| Reference | Use structured reference or remittance text consistently with your reconciliation workflow. | Do not use both fields ambiguously if your bank or accounting system expects one clear reference. |
| Country support | Test in the banking apps your payers use in Germany, Austria, Belgium, Finland, the Netherlands, and other SEPA markets. | Do not assume every European banking app scans EPC QR codes identically. |
| Print production | Use SVG, PDF, or EPS and preserve the quiet zone in invoice templates and payment slips. | Avoid approving only a screen preview; scan the final exported PDF or printed proof. |
When GiroCode is the right QR workflow
Use GiroCode-style EPC QR codes when the payment should remain a bank transfer rather than a hosted checkout.
Invoice payment slips
Add a QR code to invoice PDFs or printed invoices so the payer can avoid typing IBAN, amount, and payment reference by hand.
Donations and membership dues
Use a fixed amount or blank amount with a clear remittance note for nonprofit, association, club, and membership payment requests.
B2B transfer instructions
Provide structured transfer data for deposits, retainers, renewals, and supplier payments where accounting teams still reconcile bank transfers.
Fallback payment method
Offer a bank-transfer QR code alongside card, PayPal, cash, or local payment app options when SEPA transfer is acceptable for the use case.
GiroCode print and safety checks
Payment QR assets should make verification easy before money is submitted in a banking app.
Show readable fallback details
Print the recipient, IBAN, amount, currency, and reference beside the QR code so payers can compare the bank-app screen before approving.
Keep payment data stable
Static QR codes cannot update after export. Create a separate code for each invoice, amount, recipient, or reference that needs to differ.
Test actual banking apps
Scan with the banking apps your customers or members use and confirm the recipient, IBAN, amount, reference, and app fallback behavior.
Separate analytics from payment data
Use a landing page before payment only when measurement is required; keep proprietary payment payloads focused on transfer data.
GiroCode and EPC QR checklist
- Confirm the recipient name and IBAN against your bank or accounting system.
- Use the SEPA generator for the EPC payload behind GiroCode-style payment QR codes.
- Add BIC only when your payer banks or workflow require it.
- Include EUR amount only when the invoice or payment request is fixed.
- Use one clear purpose code, structured reference, or remittance text for reconciliation.
- Show readable payment details beside the QR code before sending invoices or printed slips.
- Scan the final PDF or printed proof in real banking apps before relying on it for payments.
How to make a GiroCode QR code
- 1
Open the SEPA payment generator
Enter the recipient name, IBAN, optional BIC, EUR amount, purpose code, and remittance information.
- 2
Export a print-safe QR file
Download SVG, PDF, or EPS for invoice templates and PNG, JPG, or WebP for digital payment instructions.
- 3
Scan and verify before issuing
Check the final exported artwork in banking apps and confirm the displayed transfer data before sending it to payers.
Frequently asked questions
Is GiroCode the same as an EPC QR code?
GiroCode commonly refers to an EPC QR code used for SEPA credit transfer data capture, especially in German payment contexts. QR Code Crafter creates the EPC payload through the SEPA generator.
Does QR Code Crafter process GiroCode payments?
No. QR Code Crafter only creates the static QR image. The payer reviews and submits the transfer in their banking app, and the bank handles payment execution.
Can I create a GiroCode without a fixed amount?
Yes. Leave the amount blank when the payer should enter it manually, but show the expected amount clearly in the surrounding invoice or payment instructions.
Do all banking apps support GiroCode or EPC QR codes?
No. Support varies by bank and country. Test with the banking apps your payers are likely to use and keep plain-text bank-transfer details available.
Which file format should I use for invoice QR codes?
Use SVG, PDF, or EPS for print and invoice templates because they stay sharp when resized. Use PNG, JPG, or WebP for digital payment instructions.