Free ISO 11649 reference tool

RF creditor reference generator and checker

Add ISO 11649 check digits to a reference, or check whether an existing RF creditor reference is valid. Free, no signup required.

Quick answer

Reference 539007547034 becomes RF18 5390 0754 7034

An RF creditor reference is the letters RF, two check digits and your own reference of up to 21 letters or digits (ISO 11649). The check digits are 98 minus the remainder after dividing the reference, with RF00 added at the end and letters turned into numbers, by 97. For 539007547034 the check digits are 18.

Your reference539007547034, for example an invoice or customer number

Check digits18

Full RF referenceRF18 5390 0754 7034 · the spaces are optional

The example is fictional. To check an existing reference instead, paste the full RF reference below; a valid one leaves a remainder of 1 after the same calculation.

RF reference

Generate or check a reference

Standard

What is an RF creditor reference?

ISO 11649 defines a structured creditor reference: the letters RF, two check digits, and your own reference, such as an invoice number. The check digits are calculated with the MOD 97-10 algorithm, the same method used to check IBANs.

Checksum

The checksum catches many typing errors

A valid checksum confirms that the reference passes the ISO 11649 structure check. It is a useful way to catch entry errors before you print or send the reference.

Before payment

Confirm acceptance with your bank or recipient

Checksum validity does not confirm that your bank or the recipient will accept it, or that a specific payment scheme supports RF references. Confirm with your bank or the recipient before relying on it.

RF creditor reference FAQ

What does a valid result mean?

It means the reference passes the ISO 11649 MOD 97-10 checksum. Confirm actual bank or scheme acceptance separately when it matters.

Can I turn my invoice number into an RF reference?

Yes. Enter your invoice number or another reference and generate the RF-prefixed version with check digits added.

Can I use the result in a SEPA payment QR?

You can continue to the SEPA payment QR generator and enter the reviewed reference as the structured payment reference.

Understand the related terms: Payment reference and IBAN.