Important Update: Changes to Bulk Payment File Format – Action Required by 12 November 2026

If you send payments using bulk files you’ll need to update your file format before Thursday, 12 November 2026.

After this date, older file formats will no longer work, and your payments will not be processed.

What’s Changing?

We’re moving to the latest version of ISO 20022. It’s designed to make payments faster, more accurate, and easier to manage by using a consistent format across all banks.

Why This Matters to You

Faster payments – Better structured files help banks process transactions more quickly.
Fewer delays – Including more details in your payment files helps reduce follow-up queries.

What You Need to Do

Update your bulk payment files to meet the new ISO 20022 format.
This applies to SEPA and international payments, including:
- SEPA Credit Transfers
- SEPA Direct Debits
- Multi-currency bulk payments
If your files include postal addresses, make sure they follow the new format:
- Structured address – Includes town name and country code.
- Hybrid address – Adds up to two address lines to the structured format.

Please speak to your IT team or software provider to make these updates.

What happens if you don’t make these changes/updates?

If your files aren’t updated by 12 November 2026, your payments will fail.

How to Get Ready

Review the updated file format – see ‘File Specification and support’ section for details.
Talk to your IT or software provider to make the necessary changes.
If you use a third-party software provider let them know about this update.
Test your updated files using our XMLdation tool-easy to use — just click here to register

If you have any more questions, we’re ready to help just call us on 0818 720000 (or +353 1 641 4889 if you're outside Ireland)

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