Why Add an EPC QR Code to Invoices?
Manual bank transfers are slow and error-prone. Customers mistype IBANs, forget payment references or delay payments because entering transfer details feels cumbersome. An EPC QR code on your invoice eliminates these problems: the customer opens their banking app, scans the code, verifies the pre-filled data and confirms the transfer – done in seconds.
EPC QR codes work on both printed and digital invoices. They are free to create, require no merchant account and incur no transaction fees – unlike credit card or PayPal payments. For freelancers, small businesses and associations in the SEPA zone, EPC QR codes are the simplest way to get paid faster.
How to Place the QR Code on an Invoice
According to EPC guidelines and best practice across Europe, the EPC QR code should be placed in the bottom-right corner of the invoice, near the payment information section. Key placement rules:
- Minimum size: 2 × 2 cm (preferably 3 × 3 cm for printed invoices)
- Print resolution: At least 300 DPI for reliable scanning
- Contrast: Black QR code on white background – no coloured backgrounds
- Label: Add text such as "Scan to pay" or "Pay by bank transfer" next to the code
Required Invoice Information
An EPC QR code complements – but does not replace – the mandatory invoice fields. A valid invoice in the EU must still include:
- Invoice number and date
- Supplier and customer name and address
- Description of goods or services
- Net amount, VAT rate and VAT amount (if applicable)
- Total amount due
- IBAN and payment terms
The EPC QR code encodes the IBAN, recipient name, amount and payment reference – making it easy for the payer to transfer the exact invoice amount with the correct reference.
Freelancer vs. Business Invoices
Freelancers benefit most from EPC QR codes: clients often pay late because manual IBAN entry is tedious. A QR code on a PDF invoice sent by email lets clients pay immediately from their phone.
Businesses can embed EPC QR codes in their accounting software output or use our invoice PDF generator to create professional invoices with an embedded QR code – no subscription or integration required.