What is a Creditor Identifier?
A merchant must have a Creditor Identifier to collect SEPA Direct Debit from payers. A Creditor Identifier is a unique reference that identifies each SEPA Direct Debit originator. This guide explains what a Creditor Identifier is and how to get one. You may also want to read our guide to getting access to SEPA Direct Debit. A Creditor Identifier is a unique reference for organizations collecting payments by SEPA Direct Debit. It must be included in each SEPA Direct Debit collection and allows the payer and the payers bank to:  Verify each SEPA Direct Debit  Request refunds or make complaints  Check the existence of a mandate when a payment is requested  Merchants can also use a Creditor Business Code extension to identify different business activities. This code allows a merchant to identify different business lines or different services. It is not needed to identify a mandate in a unique way, but contains useful information for the merchant and for the customer. Getting a SEPA Creditor Identifier  You can get a SEPA Creditor Identifier in one of two ways:  1. Via your preferred bank  Contact your bank to start the process. They will be responsible for its generation. You may need to meet certain criteria set by the bank. It is likely that banks will look for the following key requirements:  Management expertise to enforce the SEPA Direct Debit scheme rules, minimize submission errors, and maintain the reputation of the scheme. Financial reserves to refund any chargebacks. Contractual capacity to indemnify the bank against any payments charged back. 2. Via GoCardless  GoCardless enables you to use our master Creditor Identifier to collect from your customers, or to use a Creditor Identifier in your name. This Creditor Identifier can then be used in any SEPA country for any scheme and whichever bank you collect through. To find out more about collecting SEPA Direct Debits or to register your interest with GoCardless, visit our homepage.