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    What is the virtual barcode on a Finnish bill?

    A faster and safer way to pay a Finnish bill.

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    Short answer

    Finnish bills often show a bank barcode. The same data can also be given as a string of digits, called a virtual barcode. Finance Finland's guide explains that the bank barcode was developed by the banks together to speed up payment handling and make sure the payment details are correct. It contains the payee's IBAN, the reference, the amount and the due date. Version 4 is used with a Finnish reference and version 5 with an international RF reference.

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    Why

    1. Finance Finland's bank barcode guide describes versions 4 and 5.
    2. The banks developed the barcode to speed up payments and keep details correct.
    3. The barcode suits only bills that use reference numbers.

    Details

    The guide says the barcode is used when the payee's account is in IBAN format, and it suits only bills with a reference number. Bills without a reference are paid by entering the details by hand.

    Tip

    Always check the payee name and amount the bank shows before you approve. A scam bill can also have a barcode.

    What may differ

    If your bank does not support the virtual barcode, enter the IBAN, the reference and the amount by hand.

    Common misconception

    The barcode is only for shop tills.

    What actually happens

    It is a bank payment code. In online banks you paste its digits to fill in the payment.

    People also ask

    • What is a reference number on a Finnish bill?
    • What does a Finnish IBAN look like?
    • Do banks check the payee name before a transfer?

    Sources

    This answer is for reference only. Payment rules and fees change, so check the official sources or your bank before you pay.

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