Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1

What is an IBAN?

Accepted Answer

An IBAN (International Bank Account Number) is a standardized format for identifying bank accounts internationally. It contains the country code, check digits, and the basic bank account number (BBAN). IBANs are used in over 116 countries, primarily in Europe, the Middle East, and parts of Africa and the Caribbean.

Question 2

How do I check if an IBAN is valid?

Accepted Answer

Enter the IBAN in the checker above and click "Check IBAN." The tool validates the format, verifies the country-specific length, and runs the MOD-97 checksum algorithm. If all checks pass, the IBAN is structurally valid. This catches typos and transposition errors before you attempt a transfer.

Question 3

Where can I find my IBAN?

Accepted Answer

You can find your IBAN in several places: on your bank statements, in your online banking portal, on your debit or credit card (in some countries), or by contacting your bank directly. In the US, most domestic banks don't use IBAN - you would use your routing number and account number instead.

Question 4

Which countries use IBAN?

Accepted Answer

IBAN is used in over 116 countries, including all European Union countries, Switzerland, Norway, the UK, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, and many others. The United States, Canada, Australia, and most Asian countries do not use IBAN for domestic transfers.

Question 5

Do I need both IBAN and SWIFT code for international transfers?

Accepted Answer

For most international transfers, yes. The SWIFT code identifies which bank to send the money to, while the IBAN identifies the specific account at that bank.

Question 6

What does each part of an IBAN mean?

Accepted Answer

An IBAN consists of: a 2-letter country code (e.g., DE for Germany, GB for UK), 2 check digits for validation, and the BBAN (Basic Bank Account Number) which includes the bank code and account number. The total length varies by country - for example, German IBANs are 22 characters while UK IBANs are also 22 characters.

Question 7

Is this IBAN checker free?

Accepted Answer

Yes, this tool is 100% free with no limits or signup required. All validation happens entirely in your browser - your IBAN is never sent to any server. This means your banking information stays completely private.

Question 8

What happens if I enter the wrong IBAN?

Accepted Answer

If you send money to an incorrect IBAN, one of three things typically happens: the transfer fails and your bank returns the funds (minus any fees), the money goes to the wrong account, or the receiving bank rejects it due to a name mismatch. Recovery can take weeks and isn't guaranteed. Always double-check the IBAN with your recipient before sending.

Question 9

What are common IBAN mistakes to avoid?

Accepted Answer

The most common mistakes are: typing errors when entering the number manually, including spaces when pasting into payment forms (some systems don't accept them), confusing similar characters like 0/O or 1/I, and using outdated account details. Always copy-paste when possible and verify with the recipient that the IBAN is current.

Question 10

Does a valid IBAN mean the account exists?

Accepted Answer

No. This checker verifies that an IBAN has the correct format and passes the checksum algorithm, but it cannot confirm whether the account actually exists or belongs to your intended recipient. Only the receiving bank can verify account existence. Always confirm account details directly with the person you're paying.

Question 11

Is an IBAN the same as my account number?

Accepted Answer

No, but your account number is part of your IBAN. An IBAN is a standardized international format that wraps your domestic bank details (country code, check digits, bank code, and account number) into one string. Think of it as your local account number dressed up for international use.

Question 12

Why are IBANs different lengths?

Accepted Answer

Each country defines its own IBAN length based on its domestic banking system. For example, Norwegian IBANs are 15 characters, Maltese IBANs are 31, and German IBANs are 22. While IBAN length varies country to country, all IBANs within a given country will have a consistent length.

Question 13

When do I need an IBAN?

Accepted Answer

You need an IBAN when receiving international payments from countries that use the IBAN system, making SEPA payments within Europe, or when a sender's bank requires it for cross-border transfers. Freelancers, exporters, and anyone receiving payments from European clients will frequently need to provide their IBAN.

Question 14

Do I need an IBAN for domestic transfers?

Accepted Answer

It depends on your country. In SEPA countries (European Union, UK, Switzerland, etc.), IBAN is required for all transfers, including domestic ones. In the US, Canada, and Australia, IBAN isn't used at all - domestic transfers use local formats like routing numbers and account numbers instead.

Component	Example
Country Code	`DE`
Check Digits	`89`
BBAN	`370400440532013000`

IBAN Checker

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What is an IBAN?

Format of an IBAN

Why use this IBAN checker?

116 Countries Supported

MOD-97 Checksum Validation

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Frequently Asked Questions

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