Reference number generator

How do you make a valid reference number?

Create a Finnish reference number with its check digit, or check one, with the RF form.

What to do

Reference

A Finnish reference or one starting with RF

Reference check

123 45672

Valid Finnish reference

Other forms

Without spaces: 12345672
RF creditor reference: RF85 1234 5672

How to use

Choose Create to make a new reference, or Check to test one you have.
To create, enter 3–19 digits such as an invoice number. To check, paste a Finnish reference or one starting with RF.
Copy the result in print form for the invoice, or without spaces for online banking.

How it works

A reference number tells the payee which invoice a payment belongs to, so it can be matched automatically. Its last digit is a check digit that catches typing mistakes. Finnish invoices use the domestic reference number (viitenumero) or the international RF creditor reference.

For a Finnish reference, the base digits are multiplied by 7, 3, 1, 7, 3, 1 … starting from the right, and the products are added up. The check digit is what that sum needs to reach the next full ten (0 if it already is one). For base 1234567 the sum is 118, so the check digit is 2 and the reference is 123 45672. It is printed in groups of five from the right, without leading zeros, as Finance Finland's reference number guide describes.

An RF creditor reference (ISO 11649) is RF, two check digits and the reference itself; the check digits are calculated with the same MOD 97 method as an IBAN. Finance Finland's example: the Finnish reference 2348236 is RF33 2348 236. A valid check digit doesn't mean the payee uses the reference: always copy it from the invoice.

Worked example

What reference number comes from invoice number 2026001?

Append the calculated check digit 1 to 2026001.
Group the result from the right: 202 60011.

Use 202 60011 on the invoice, or its international form RF52 2026 0011.

Frequently asked questions

How long can a Finnish reference number be?

From 4 to 20 digits including the check digit, so the base can have 3 to 19 digits. Shorter references are easier to type.

Can I make my own reference numbers?

Yes. Any base works, such as an invoice or customer number; what matters is that the check digit is right and the number identifies the invoice.

What is the difference between a viitenumero and an RF reference?

The viitenumero is the Finnish domestic format. The RF creditor reference is the international ISO 11649 format and works across SEPA. A Finnish reference can be written as an RF reference.

Do I need to type the spaces?

No. Spaces only make the number easier to read; banks accept it with or without them.

Does a valid reference prove that an invoice has been paid?

No. The check only verifies the number’s structure and check digit. It does not look up invoices or bank transactions.

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