Is there a European Request to Pay scheme?

Yes. The European Payments Council runs the SEPA Request-to-Pay (SRTP) scheme. Rulebook 4.0 simplified it in 2024, homologation was streamlined in 2025, and fees are set by local communities rather than centrally. Adoption is still limited in 2026.

What the scheme defines

SRTP sets common rules and message standards for sending, receiving and answering payment requests across the SEPA area. It does not move money itself: once a request is accepted, payment runs over SEPA Instant or a standard SEPA credit transfer.

Why adoption is slow

• Providers must join the scheme and build the messaging.
• Payers need their bank or app to support incoming requests.
• Merchants need clear benefits over cards and existing bank payment methods.
• Several national solutions and wallets already cover similar needs.

Where it may help

Invoices and bills, e-commerce and in-store payments with a QR code, especially as instant payments become universal in the euro area under the Instant Payments Regulation.

What to watch

Wider use by banks, integration in European wallets and links with Verification of Payee, which reduces errors on the transfers that requests trigger.

What it means for payment operators

For you, SRTP is one of several account-to-account options in Europe. Connecting to instant payment rails and local methods now prepares your merchants to add request-based payments when their markets adopt them.