DE-R-025-2: Direct debit payments cannot include bank transfer or card data

What it means

When the seller and the buyer are both in Germany and the payment means type code (BT-81) is 59 (SEPA direct debit), that payment instruction must not contain bank transfer details (BG-17) or payment card information (BG-18). The check fails if a bank account block or a card block is present.

Why it matters

A payment instruction should describe one way of paying. A direct debit code combined with an account to pay into or a card contradicts itself, so the buyer cannot tell whether to pay or to expect a debit. The invoice is rejected.

How to fix it

Open the payment section in your invoicing software and check the selected payment method. For direct debit, the only account on the invoice is the buyer's account to be debited, which belongs in the direct debit section and not in the bank transfer one. Remove your own bank account details and any card details from the invoice, or switch the payment method if the buyer is meant to pay by transfer or card.

The rule as published

Read the rule on the publisher's site

Business terms: BG-17, BG-18, BT-81

Where this rule applies