Amount: format and options
In a GiroCode the amount is usually specified in the format EUR12.34 – the currency code EUR followed by an amount with two decimal places, for example EUR19.99.
Important: the amount is optional. You can decide whether to set a fixed amount or leave the field empty. Both variants have their use cases:
- With amount: ideal for invoices with a fixed total or standard fees (e.g. memberships).
- Without amount: useful for donations or flexible payments where the payer should choose the amount.
Payment reference: maximum length and content
The payment reference in a GiroCode is limited to around 140 characters. Within this limit you should include all information needed to match the payment.
Typical elements are for example:
- Invoice number (e.g. INV‑2024‑015)
- Customer number or member ID
- Short description of the service
Try to keep the reference clear and unambiguous. Very long internal notes should be avoided so you don't hit the character limit.
Invoice number in the payment reference
For freelancers and businesses the invoice number is the most important reference. It should definitely appear in the payment reference, for example:
Invoice INV-2024-015, Customer 12345
This lets you match the payment quickly in your accounting – even if the payer adds additional free text or changes minor details.
What happens if the amount is left empty?
If you leave the amount field empty, the banking app will only fill in recipient, IBAN (and optionally BIC) plus payment reference when the code is scanned. The amount field stays blank.
The payer then enters the amount manually. This is useful when you don't want to define a fixed amount – for example for donations, collections or variable settlements.
Recommendations for self‑employed users
The following best practices work well for freelancers and small businesses:
- Use a fixed amount when sending an invoice with a defined total.
- Always include invoice number and, if needed, customer ID in the payment reference.
- Keep the reference short and precise – internal details belong in your own system, not in the GiroCode.
With our generator you can manage amount and payment reference easily and create a matching invoice PDF with embedded GiroCode.