Remittance information is the data accompanying a payment that identifies which invoice(s) the payment covers, enabling the creditor to automatically reconcile incoming funds against open receivables.
In Swiss and international payments, remittance information takes two forms:
| Type | Description | Max length |
|---|---|---|
| Structured | A formal reference (QR-Referenz or Creditor Reference) with a defined format and check digit | 35 chars |
| Unstructured | Free-text message (e.g. invoice number, date) | 140 chars |
In ISO 20022 pain.001, remittance information is carried in the <RmtInf> element with either <Strd> (structured) or <Ustrd> (unstructured) sub-elements.
Best practice is always to use structured remittance information (QR-Referenz or Creditor Reference) for automated straight-through processing (STP).
Key facts
- ISO 20022 element:
<RmtInf><Strd>or<RmtInf><Ustrd> - Structured options in Switzerland: QR-Referenz (27 digits) or Creditor Reference (ISO 11649)
- Returned to creditor in: camt.054 booking notification
- Enables: automated invoice reconciliation in ERP/accounting systems