Scanning a GiroCode – How It Works
A GiroCode is a QR code that encodes SEPA payment data in a standardised text format (EPC payload). When you point your banking app's camera at the code, the app reads the encoded data and automatically fills in the transfer form.
The scanning process takes less than 30 seconds from start to payment confirmation:
- Open your banking app and navigate to “New Transfer”
- Tap the QR code / camera icon
- Point the camera at the GiroCode
- Wait for automatic recognition (usually under 1 second)
- Review the pre-filled data
- Confirm with your TAN or biometrics
After scanning, you are in full control: you see exactly what will be transferred before you confirm anything. The transfer is only initiated after your explicit TAN confirmation. At no point does the scanning process itself move any money.
Scanning on iPhone (iOS) – Step by Step
Prerequisites
- iPhone with iOS 14 or later (iOS 16+ recommended)
- Your banking app installed and up to date
- Camera permission granted for your banking app (Settings → Privacy → Camera)
- Good lighting and a clear view of the GiroCode
Step-by-step instructions
- Unlock your iPhone and open your banking app (e.g. Sparkasse, ING, DKB, VR-Banking, Deutsche Bank, Commerzbank).
- Log in using Face ID, Touch ID or your PIN.
- Navigate to transfers: Find the “Transfer”, “Pay” or “Überweisung” function.
- Tap “New Transfer”: This opens the transfer form.
- Find the QR scanner: Look for a small QR code icon or camera symbol – typically in the top-right corner of the form or next to the IBAN field.
- Allow camera access: If this is your first time, iOS will ask for permission. Tap “Allow”.
- Scan the GiroCode: Hold your iPhone steady, 15–30 cm from the printed invoice or screen. The app will automatically focus and scan.
- Review pre-filled data: Carefully check each field: recipient name, IBAN, amount and payment reference.
- Confirm with Face ID or Touch ID. Some apps also require an additional TAN for transfers above a certain amount.
iOS-specific tips
- Struggling to scan? Try tapping the QR code area on screen to help the camera focus.
- iOS native camera app: It can read QR codes, but it cannot initiate bank transfers. Always use the QR scanner in your banking app.
Scanning on Android – Step by Step
Prerequisites
- Android smartphone with Android 8.0 or later
- Banking app updated to the latest version
- Camera permission granted for the banking app
Step-by-step instructions
- Open your banking app: Authenticate with fingerprint, face unlock or PIN.
- Go to “Transfer”: Find the transfer shortcut on the home screen.
- Start a new transfer and find the QR code scanner icon (often a camera icon in the IBAN input field).
- Grant camera permission if prompted. Select “Allow only while using the app”.
- Hold your Android device steady, approximately 15–25 cm from the GiroCode.
- The app scans automatically when the QR code comes into focus.
- Review and confirm with your TAN.
Android-specific tips
- Google Lens integration: Google Lens can decode QR codes but cannot initiate bank transfers directly. Use the in-app scanner instead.
- Low-end Android cameras: Budget smartphones may struggle with smaller QR codes (under 2 × 2 cm). Try moving closer or to better lighting.
Troubleshooting – Common Problems and Solutions
Problem: App does not recognise the QR code
- Poor lighting: Increase ambient light or use your phone's flashlight
- QR code too small: Move closer; ensure the code is at least 2 × 2 cm printed
- Camera dirty: Clean the camera lens with a soft cloth
- Shaky hands: Rest your phone on a surface to keep the camera steady
- QR code damaged: If more than 15% is damaged, the error correction may be exceeded
Problem: App says “Invalid QR code”
This means the app scanned something but it does not match the EPC format. The QR code may not be a GiroCode, or it was generated with invalid data. Use our free GiroCode Generator to create a new one.
Problem: Pre-filled data looks wrong
- Do not confirm the transfer
- Contact the invoice sender to verify the correct payment details
- Consider whether the QR code may have been tampered with (quishing attack)
Problem: Amount field remains empty after scanning
This is not an error – the invoice sender deliberately left the amount open, so you can enter it yourself. This is valid and common for donations or variable-price payments.
Quality Requirements for Scannable GiroCodes
Print quality requirements
- Resolution: Minimum 300 DPI; 600 DPI recommended for small codes
- Colour contrast: Black modules on white background
- Quiet zone: White border of at least 4 modules on all four sides
- Size: Minimum 2 × 2 cm; recommended 3 × 3 cm
- Undistorted: No stretching, rotation or skewing
Digital display requirements
- Resolution: Minimum 200 × 200 pixels; 400 × 400 recommended
- PNG or SVG format: Avoid JPEG (compression creates artefacts)
- No overlay elements: Do not place logos or text over the QR code modules
Error correction level
GiroCodes use error correction level M, which allows up to 15% of the code to be damaged while remaining readable. A slightly smudged print or screen reflection will usually not prevent successful scanning.
Scanning GiroCodes Digitally (from a Screen)
From a computer screen
If your invoice is open in a PDF viewer on your computer screen, hold your phone at a comfortable reading distance (30–50 cm) and use your banking app's QR scanner. Increase the zoom level if needed to make the code larger on screen.
From a tablet
Tablets have larger displays, making it easy to show the invoice at a size that is comfortable to scan. Simply open the invoice PDF on the tablet and scan from your phone.
From another phone screen
If the invoice is on your phone, you need a second device to scan the GiroCode. Alternatively, some banking apps support scanning from the device's own screen via a second camera (front camera), but this varies by app.
Security Tips When Scanning
- Always check the recipient name and IBAN after scanning, before confirming the transfer.
- Match the amount to the invoice total. Investigate any discrepancy.
- Verify the payment reference contains your correct invoice number.
- Do not scan QR codes from unknown or unsolicited senders.
- Check the QR code for tampering – physical stickers placed over the original QR code are a red flag.
- Keep your banking app updated – security patches and QR code scanning improvements are regularly included in app updates.
- Use your bank's official app only – do not use third-party QR scanner apps to initiate bank transfers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I scan a GiroCode without a banking app?
You can decode the QR code with any QR scanner, but you cannot initiate a bank transfer without a banking app. The decoded EPC text shows the payment details, which you can manually enter in your banking app. For the best experience, use your banking app's integrated QR scanner.
Is scanning a GiroCode safe?
Yes, scanning a GiroCode is safe. The QR code only transfers data to your banking app – it does not initiate any payment on its own. A transfer is only made after you explicitly review the pre-filled data and confirm with your TAN or biometrics.
Why does the amount field stay empty after scanning?
The GiroCode was created without a pre-specified amount (the amount field in the EPC payload is optional). This is intentional for donations or variable-price payments. Enter the amount based on the invoice total before confirming.
Can I scan GiroCodes with the native iOS camera app?
The iOS native camera app can read QR codes and display the decoded text. However, it cannot initiate bank transfers. You must use your banking app's integrated QR scanner to initiate a transfer from a GiroCode.
Does scanning a GiroCode work from a PDF on screen?
Yes. Open the PDF invoice on a computer or tablet screen, zoom in so the GiroCode is at least 5 cm in size, and scan it with your banking app on your phone.
Use GiroCode Professionally – Software Recommendations
Anyone who wants to use GiroCodes professionally on invoices will eventually need good accounting or invoicing software. Creating GiroCodes manually is fine for occasional use – but for regular invoicing, an automated solution quickly pays off.
We recommend two proven tools that natively support GiroCodes:
sevDesk
sevDesk is one of Germany's leading accounting platforms for freelancers and SMEs. Invoices with automatically generated GiroCode can be created in just a few clicks and sent directly by email. The software is DATEV-compatible and supports the small business regulation.
Try sevDesk free *FastBill
FastBill offers a simple, speed-focused invoicing platform. With FastBill you can create a professional invoice including a GiroCode in under two minutes – directly in the browser, no installation needed. Ideal for freelancers and small teams.
Try FastBill free for 14 days ** Affiliate link – If you purchase through this link, we receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
For occasional use or as a starting point, we recommend our free GiroCode Generator – completely local, no registration required.