What is Request to Pay in simple terms?

Request to Pay is a digital message from a payee asking a payer to pay a set amount. The payer can pay now, pay later, or decline. If accepted, a bank transfer, usually instant, is sent with the amount and reference already filled in.

How it works

• The payee, for example a utility or a shop, sends a request with the amount, due date and reference.
• The payer receives it in their banking app or another app connected to the service.
• The payer chooses to pay, schedule the payment, ask for more time or decline.
• On acceptance, the payer's bank sends a credit transfer with all details filled in.

Why it is useful

The payer avoids typing IBANs and references, which reduces errors and misdirected payments. The payee gets payment status in real time and fewer unidentified transfers to reconcile. Unlike direct debit, the payer keeps control of every payment.

Where it is used

Bills and invoices, e-commerce checkout, in-store payments with a QR code, and payments between businesses. Schemes exist in several countries and in Europe through SEPA Request-to-Pay.

What it means for payment operators

For your merchants, Request to Pay is an account-to-account option alongside cards. Access to bank payment rails, and reconciliation that matches incoming transfers to requests, let them offer it without manual matching.