What the Discontinuation of LSV+/BDD Direct Debits Means for Invoice Issuers

LSV+ and Business Direct Debit (BDD) will be discontinued as of September 30, 2028.

LSV+ enables an invoice issuer to automatically debit private individuals’ accounts for recurring payments such as rent or insurance premiums. BDD, on the other hand, is for corporate clients, and is primarily relevant as a payment method where the business model follows the principle of delivery upon payment.

Invoice issuers should choose an alternative billing format, and conduct any relevant fine-tuning with their financial institution and software partner early on. This way, they can ensure that a suitable alternative for LSV+ and BDD is in place by the end of September 2028.

LSV+ and BDD will be completely phased out by September 30 2028, meaning that direct debit collections can only be carried out until this date. This end date was deliberately chosen in order to give all parties sufficient lead time to transition to alternative payment methods.

There are established alternatives such as eBill, QR-bill, standing orders, and individual payment orders. Digital solutions in particular offer both invoice issuers and customers clear additional value. This includes simpler setup and management processes thanks to digitalization of current paper forms. Additionally, digital solutions offer greater transparency regarding successful or rejected approvals.

Moreover, in mid-2025 SIX will be launching a new digital direct debiting service with eBill Direct Debit. This is a method where a party authorizes a payment recipient to withdraw amounts directly from their bank account. SIX also offers a solution that allows invoice recipients to use eBill Direct Debit in analog fashion. Such a solution must, however, be supported by the invoice recipient’s financial institution. A number of financial institutions are currently evaluating future customer needs in this regard.

The switch from LSV+ and BDD to an alternative payment method involves some effort from invoice issuers since their current billing processes need to be adjusted. This can mean that invoice issuers have to adapt individual software components such as accounting applications. As mentioned, the switch from an analog payment method to a completely digital one, such as eBill, offers numerous efficiency gains – not just for invoice issuers, but also for customers. Therefore, such a switch can be worthwhile over the long term, despite the one-time effort.

Invoice issuers should be notified by their financial institutions with regard to the discontinuation of LSV+ and BDD and updated about alternative payment options. Invoice issuers can contact their financial institution or software partner should they have any questions or require further information.Moreover, in mid-2025 SIX will be launching a new digital direct debiting service with eBill Direct Debit. This is a method where a party authorizes a payment recipient to withdraw amounts directly from their bank account. SIX also offers a solution that allows invoice recipients to use eBill Direct Debit in analog fashion with the QR-bill. Such a solution must, however, be supported by the invoice recipient’s financial institution. A number of financial institutions are currently evaluating future customer needs in this regard.

The processes don’t meet today’s digital standards and aren’t fully compatible with the ISO 20022 payment standard. Moreover, transaction numbers are declining, and alternative digital payment methods are generally on the rise.Moreover, in mid-2025 SIX will be launching a new digital direct debiting service with eBill Direct Debit. This is a method where a party authorizes a payment recipient to withdraw amounts directly from their bank account. SIX also offers a solution that allows invoice recipients to use eBill Direct Debit in analog fashion with the QR-bill. Such a solution must, however, be supported by the invoice recipient’s financial institution. A number of financial institutions are currently evaluating future customer needs in this regard.