BVR, BVRB, SBVR: what are the differences?

Did you know that payment slips have been used in Switzerland since 1906? Back then, they were green, had three sections, and were used by the postal service.

More than a century later, the first Swiss QR invoices have arrived on the scene and are set to replace the old orange and red payment slips. But how well do you know these payment slips and the features that set them apart?

What is a payment slip?

A payment slip is a document used in Switzerland to make a payment (in cash or by bank or postal transfer) into a bank account.

This payment method, offered by PostFinance (the Swiss Post’s financial arm), has been in use in Switzerland since 1906 in various forms that have evolved over time.

In recent years, seven different types of payment slips have been included with the majority of invoices issued in Switzerland and are used by both individuals and businesses.

Payment slips do indeed offer certain advantages. Recipients receive all the information they need to make a payment in a single document. What’s more, when a printed payment slip is attached to an invoice, the recipient does not need to fill in all this information by hand.

Please note: As QR invoices are gradually replacing payment slips, b-sharpe no longer supports these older payment methods, but instead offers you the most modern, efficient and cost-effective payment solutions.

What are the differences between the red and orange payment slips?

Of the seven types of payment slips commonly used in Switzerland, two main categories stand out: red payment slips and orange payment slips.

Also known as a “payment slip without a reference number”, the red payment slip (BV) allows you to make a direct payment into a recipient’s bank account. It is usually filled in by hand.

Also known as a “payment slip with a reference number”, the orange payment slip (BVR) allows for automated payments to be made to a recipient’s account, as it is pre-filled by the invoice issuer.

In addition to this key distinction, the red and orange payment slips have a number of differences.

Unlike the red payment slips, the orange payment slips:

• have a reference number and are assigned to debtors on a one-to-one basis;
• enable the automation of payment reconciliation;
• enable you to send reminders easily and automatically.

Unlike the orange payment slips, the red payment slips:

• can be processed entirely by hand;
• display an additional information field where necessary;
• are more expensive, as they involve cash payment fees.

What is a BVR?

Definition

An orange payment slip with a reference number (BVR) is a document used for automated billing and collection.

As the name suggests, this statement features a printed reference number that makes the billing process easier and more secure.

In fact, the reference number on each payment slip can be decoded by specialised software, which automatically records the corresponding payment entry, either in Swiss francs or in euros.

This is why this processing system is used by many companies, particularly when they are handling large financial transactions.

How the reference number works

The length of a BVR reference number varies depending on the bank accounts involved in the transaction. The number can therefore consist of between 15 and 26 digits and can be changed at will, with the exception of the very last digit, which acts as a “check digit”.

The other digits can be easily generated using free software and form the code corresponding to the final reference number. In particular, they refer to:

• the amount of the invoice;
• the invoice number;
• the bank account number;
• to the BVR participant number.

Good to know: There are two distinct types of orange payment slips: BVRs and BVR+s (which allow you to enter the amount to be paid yourself).

What is a BVRB?

A Bank Reference Payment Slip (BVRB) is a variant of the BVR designed for start-ups and small businesses that do not have the necessary infrastructure to set up automated processing of financial transactions. BVRB slips can be ordered pre-printed from banks.

With this form, identification is carried out either via:

• bank account number;
• the customer number contained in the reference number;
• of the bank ID.

Please note: BVRB payment slips do not allow for automatic reconciliation of incoming payments with the company’s accounts.

What is an SBVR?

A Bank Reference Payment Slip System (SBVR) is a variant of the BVR designed for businesses equipped with software capable of processing BVRs. Typically supplied directly by the relevant banks, this specialised software enables them to automate their accounting processes on an ongoing basis.

What are the differences between BVR, BVRB and SBVR?

These three designations therefore refer to three different types of orange payment slips. Unlike red payment slips, these three slips feature reference numbers to enable the billing process to be automated.

Here are the differences between these three designations:

• BVR refers to a payment slip with a reference number that simplifies and automates invoicing;
• BVRB refers to a bank-referenced payment slip designed for small businesses, which can be printed with an invoice number from the bank or post office;
• SBVR refers to a bank-referenced payment slip system designed for businesses that use BVR processing software.

Red and orange payment slips have been used for years by Swiss businesses and individuals in their invoicing, payment and collection processes. In particular, they enable them to simplify and automate these procedures, which can be very time-consuming when carried out manually.

Orange payment slips come in three distinct formats (BVR, BVRB and SBVR), each corresponding to different structures, activities and procedures, and offering options tailored specifically to the profiles of issuers and recipients.