Is the orange BVR still valid?
No. Since 1 October 2022, orange (BVR) and red (BV) payment slips are no longer accepted by Swiss banks and the Post. They have been replaced by the QR-bill.
Sevyos · Suisse
BVR, BV and QR-bill: what are the differences?
What changed with the move to the QR-bill in Switzerland, explained simply.
In short
Until 2022, Switzerland used two paper payment slips: the red BV (no reference) and the orange BVR (with a reference number). Since 1 October 2022, both have been replaced by the QR-bill. The old slips are no longer accepted.
The red BV
The red payment slip was used for payments without a reference number. The payer entered the payment purpose manually, and reconciliation was done by hand.
The orange BVR
The orange payment slip contained a reference number specific to each invoice. This number let the creditor automatically know which invoice had been paid.
The QR-bill
The QR-bill brings both worlds together in a single digital format, based on the ISO 20022 standard:
- it works with a reference (via a QR-IBAN and a QR reference — the heir to the BVR);
- or without a reference (via a standard IBAN — the heir to the BV);
- all data is in the QR code, readable in one scan by all Swiss banks.
Summary table
- Red BV → no reference, manual entry → replaced.
- Orange BVR → with reference number, auto reconciliation → replaced.
- QR-bill → with or without reference, fully digital, scan → current standard.
Switching to the QR-bill
To issue QR-bills, all you need is a tool that generates the compliant QR section. A mobile app like Sevyos creates and sends your QR-bills, and also scans the ones you receive to prepare payment.
Frequently asked questions
What exactly does the QR-bill replace?
The QR-bill replaces both the red payment slip (BV, no reference) and the orange payment slip (BVR, with reference number).
Does the QR reference replace the BVR reference number?
Yes. Generated from a QR-IBAN, the QR reference plays the role of the old BVR reference number: it enables automatic payment reconciliation.
Do I need to change software to issue QR-bills?
You need a tool that generates the compliant QR section. A mobile app like Sevyos does it directly from your phone, without desktop software.