5 Common SEPA XML Error Codes & How to Fix Them

Nothing is more frustrating than uploading a payroll file to your bank, only to see a cryptic error message like "Schema Validation Failed". SEPA XML files are strict, and manual editing often leads to these rejections.

1. Invalid BIC / SWIFT Code

Banks require an 8 or 11 character BIC code. A common error is having whitespace or lowercase letters. Our converter automatically formats these codes to uppercase and trims whitespace.

2. Character Limit Exceeded

SEPA fields have strict length limits (e.g., 70 characters for names). Excel doesn't warn you, but the bank will reject it. We automatically truncate or warn you about fields that are too long.

3. Missing Creditor Information

Every transaction must have a complete creditor name and IBAN. Empty rows in Excel often cause this. Our tool filters out empty rows to ensure a clean XML structure.

4. Invalid Characters

Special characters like &, <, or > break XML syntax. We automatically escape these characters so your file remains valid.

5. Execution Date in the Past

Banks cannot process payments with a past execution date. Our tool allows you to easily set a valid execution date for the entire batch.