IBAN Checker

What is an IBAN number?

IBAN stands for International Bank Account Number. An IBAN is a unique code of up to 37 characters which follows globally agreed formatting guidelines. This sequence of numbers and letters allows banks to identify the correct account when processing international payments.

At present, banks in the US do not use the IBAN system. However, if you're making an international payment or wire to an account held overseas, you may well need to provide the correct IBAN to make sure your money arrives on time.

IBAN numbers all follow a set format, with several different pieces of information rolled up in the code.

IBAN example and structure

Let's look at an example from the United Kingdom, to see how IBAN numbers work. Different countries have IBANs of different lengths because account number formats vary from country to country.

GB13 ABCD 123456 789101234
  • GB is the country code for the United Kingdom
  • 13 represents the IBAN check digits
  • ABCD is the bank identifier
  • 123456 is the 6 digit branch identifier
  • 789101234 is the specific account number

The bank identifier, branch identifier, and account number together form the basic bank account number (BBN) which you may also see requested when sending payments.

How to check and validate IBAN numbers

Check if you have the right IBAN number using the handy tool above. Simply enter the IBAN into the box, taking care to follow the proper format. More on the standard structure used by IBAN numbers, below.

We will not store or view any personal or sensitive data when you use this tool. The checker will validate the format of the IBAN entered, to find the basic bank account number, local bank and branch code, and local account number.

It's important to note that the tool will look at the formatting to check it is correct for an IBAN. However, it can not verify whether or not the local account you are looking for actually exists. If you're unsure of the number you need, it's worth checking with the person you're sending money to, to avoid transaction delays or extra charges.

How to find an IBAN number?

If you're making a payment to someone in Europe - or elsewhere in the world - you may well need an IBAN number. Because IBAN numbers include an individual account number, they are not publicly available. You'll need to ask your recipient to provide their IBAN to you, or generate it using an online IBAN Calculator, and validate it using the handy IBAN checker tool above.

IBAN numbers can be found on bank statements and correspondence, by logging into online banking, or by calling into a local bank branch to ask for help.

The downside of international transfers with your bank

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The registrations of SWIFT codes are handled by Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication (SWIFT) and their headquarters is located in La Hulpe, Belgium. SWIFT is the registered trademark of S.W.I.F.T. SCRL with a registered address at Avenue Adèle 1, B-1310 La Hulpe, Belgium.