In this article, you will learn which file formats the Software offers for SEPA direct debit files, how to choose between them and what you should do.
Contents
- Background
- Changes to SEPA XML files
- Transition period
- File formats in the Software
- Choosing the file format
- What you should do
Background
SEPA (Single Euro Payments Area) XML files are used for processing payments within the European Union. The European Payments Council (EPC) decided to make changes to these files. The focus is on structured addresses in the XML files, if addresses are included.
By using structured addresses, banks and payment service providers can process payments faster and more accurately. The EPC document provides practical guidelines and examples to facilitate the implementation of structured addresses.
Changes to SEPA XML files
The current EPC rules require a different structure of direct debit files. The direct debit file in the new format is based on the message version pain.008.001.08. It follows the current EPC rules. Addresses are not required. If the file contains addresses, they are transferred in structured form. The previous format is based on the message version pain.008.001.02.
Transition period
The EPC has defined a transition period for the changeover. This period allows payment service providers and participants to adapt step by step to the current rules.
File formats in the Software
For payment runs with the payment provider SEPA XML, the Software offers both file formats in parallel during a transition period:
| Format in the Software | Message version | When to use it |
|---|---|---|
| SEPA direct debit file (new format) | pain.008.001.08 | Recommended format. Your bank processes the new format. |
| SEPA direct debit file (previous format) | pain.008.001.02 | Your bank does not process the new format yet or rejects the file. |
The previous format remains available at least until the end of 2026. When it will be switched off will be announced separately.
Only the previous format is available in two cases. In both cases the file is downloaded directly, without a selection dialog:
- The payment run was created before 1 October 2026.
- The creditor account has an Italian IBAN.
Choosing the file format
- Go to Finance / Payment runs.
- In the list, open the menu at the end of the payment run's row and click Download bank file (XML).
- In the dialog, select the file in the field File format:
- SEPA direct debit file (new format)
- SEPA direct debit file (previous format)
- Click Download.
Below the selection, the dialog shows a short note on the selected format.
For the complete process from creating the payment run to uploading the file at your bank, see Creating and submitting a payment run with a SEPA XML file
What you should do
- Test the file in the new format with your bank early, so that you know whether your bank processes it.
- If your bank does not process the new format yet, submit the file in the previous format.
- If you collect via Finion, you do not need to do anything. No SEPA file is created for Finion direct debit runs.
Note: This article was created with the help of artificial intelligence and editorially reviewed.