In the Netherlands we often use Tikkie (and there are a few other apps that work the same.) With this, we use an app that generates a link that we send to the p

In the Netherlands we often use Tikkie (and there are a few other apps that work the same.) With this, we use an app that generates a link that we send to the person using whatever method suits, that link takes them through their bank auth flow to make the payment, and you have it in a second or so. This is intended for person-to-person generally and you don't need their account number. All free. If it's something to be invoiced, the invoice will have their IBAN and a reference code to add, which works more like you describe.