2.27.3.Payment methods 

2.27.012All fees which are to be paid to the EPO must be paid in euros: 

–by debit order from the user's deposit account using a smart card connection, 

–by credit card with immediate effect using Central Fee Payment and 

–by using the bank transfer functionality in Central Fee Payment.⁴³

2.27.013For users having a deposit account with the EPO, payment may be made by debit order. As from 1 December 2017, the EPO has moved to "online-only" management of users' deposit accounts. This means that since that date, all debit orders must be filed in an electronically processable format (XML) using one of the accepted online filing services. A debit order can also be submitted in electronic form via Central Fee Payment. If a debit order is submitted on paper, via web-form filing or otherwise, it is invalid and will not be carried out. 

2.27.014Automatic debiting has been available for any fee payments to the EPO as receiving Office, ISA and IPEA since 1 April 2015. An overview of the automatic debiting procedure for fees due in proceedings before the EPO as receiving Office, ISA and IPEA under the PCT can be found on the EPO website.⁴⁴ Payment of fees by credit card became possible on 1 December 2017. Details on payments by credit card are provided on the EPO website.⁴⁵ Payment by cheque was abolished by the EPO with effect from April 2008.

2.27.015The date to be considered as the date on which a payment is made is established in accordance with the EPO's Rules relating to Fees.