How to automate SEPA with n8n

How to automate SEPA with n8n

Build an n8n workflow that detects overdue invoices in your DB and generates the monthly SEPA file with zero manual work.

TL;DR

• Estimated time: 5–15 minutes depending on file size.
• Tool: GenerateSEPA.
• Result: a SEPA XML file ready for your bank.

Before you start

You need:

• A source file (Norma, CSV, Excel or JSON).
• Your Creditor Identifier (CID). If you don’t have one yet, compute it at SEPA Creditor Identifier.
• Access to your bank’s online portal.

Steps

1. Create a GenerateSEPA account — You need a plan with API/connector enabled.
2. Connect the data source — Use Stripe, HubSpot, Airtable, Sheets triggers or the generic HTTP module.
3. Map the fields — Make sure iban, name, amount, mandate_id, concept are mapped correctly.
4. Call the GenerateSEPA API — POST the payload and get the SEPA XML back.
5. Store or forward the XML — Save to Drive/S3 or email it to your finance team to upload to the bank.

Mandatory validation

Before sending the file, always validate with our SEPA XML Validator. 80% of returns are caught here.

Common errors

• Wrong check digit in debtor IBAN → AC01.
• Unsigned mandate or wrong date → MD01.
• Concept with non-ASCII characters → some banks reject it.

Conclusion

Follow these steps and your batch will be sent in under 10 minutes. If you get stuck, ping us from the site.