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What is an IBAN?

Will Chadbon

Date published:

28 April 2025

Estimated time:

6 min

An IBAN (or International Bank Account Number) is a globally recognised process for identifying bank accounts when sending and receiving international transfers.

In other words, an IBAN pinpoints a specific bank account when you send money abroad.

The idea of an IBAN is to smooth the process of overseas transactions. More specifically, to mitigate rejected payments, errors and reduce transfer delays.

It’s essential that you use the correct IBAN when transferring money. Otherwise, your money may find its way to an unintended destination.

An IBAN doesn’t replace a bank’s account number and sort code – it’s to be used alongside these details.

Which countries use IBANs?

You’ll need to use an IBAN when sending money to any country in Europe, and some Middle Eastern countries, such as the UAE and Israel.

In some countries, like Brazil, it’s not required but is recommended.

Not all countries use IBANs. For example, you won’t use an IBAN when sending money to the United States, Australia, New Zealand or China.

Read the full list of IBAN countries

What’s the difference between an IBAN and a SWIFT code?

Both IBAN and SWIFT codes (Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication) are used to identify banks when transferring money to certain countries abroad.

While SWIFT codes distinguish the bank that the money should be sent to, IBANs identify the specific bank account.

SWIFT codes are essential when sending money internationally via the SWIFT network – even if an IBAN isn’t required. Most countries, banks, and financial institutions rely on them to route cross-border payments securely.

Where can I find my IBAN?

You can find your IBAN by logging into your online banking, or at the top right-hand side of your bank statement.

It’s also easy to generate an IBAN. You can use an IBAN calculator to create one.

What does an IBAN look like?

IBANs are recognisable by the two-character country codes that preface them.

UK IBAN codes, for example, start with GB, and French codes with FR.

Following the country code, you’ll find the bank identifier, check digits, and your account details, standardised for the code.

How long is an IBAN?

The length of an IBAN changes from country to country. For instance, UK IBANs have 22 digits, while Norwegian IBANs only have 15.

Examples of an IBAN

Below are some examples of what an IBAN looks like from different countries. Read the full list here.

United Kingdom: GB33BUKB20201555555555
France: FR7630006000011234567890189
Germany: DE75512108001245126199

Streamlining your international payments

IBANs are an effective tool for helping your international payments arrive at their intended destination safely with fewer errors.

But an accurate IBAN is only one part of the process.

To truly streamline your international payments, you need more than just the right bank details.

By working with a specialist provider, you can make your payments faster, easier and more cost-effective.

At Privalgo, we simplify international payments for businesses.

With access to local and global payment rails through our extensive banking network, a multi-currency account that supports over 140 currencies, and real-time FX rates with transparent margins, we help you move money efficiently, with complete visibility over costs.

You’ll also be supported by a dedicated Relationship Manager to optimise each payment and avoid common pitfalls.

Whether you’re paying overseas suppliers, receiving international invoices, or managing payroll across borders, we’re here to help streamline the process from end to end.

Get in touch today to learn how our international payment solutions can help your business grow further, faster.

10 FAQs about IBANs

Below are 10 frequently asked questions about IBANS. Some questions have been answered using content already discussed in this article.

What is an IBAN and why is it important?

An IBAN (International Bank Account Number) is a standardised code used to identify individual bank accounts for international payments. It helps ensure funds are routed correctly, reducing errors, delays, and rejections in cross-border transfers.

How do I find out what my IBAN is?

You can find your IBAN by logging into your online banking platform or checking your bank statement – it’s usually listed at the top. You can also generate an IBAN using your sort code and account number through an online – or your bank’s – IBAN calculator.

Is an IBAN the same as a bank account number?

No. An IBAN includes your bank account number, but also adds important information like country code, bank code and check digits. It’s a more detailed format that ensures your payment reaches the correct destination abroad.

What is an IBAN for the UK?

A UK IBAN begins with the country code GB and typically contains 22 characters.

Here’s an example:

GB33BUKB20201555555555

This includes the country code (GB), two check digits, a four-character bank code, sort code and account number.

Is an IBAN the same as a SWIFT code?

No. While both are used in international payments, they serve different purposes.

An IBAN identifies the specific account receiving the payment.
A SWIFT code identifies the bank where that account is held.

Is a SWIFT code the same as a sort code?

No. A sort code is a UK-only identifier used to direct payments between banks domestically. A SWIFT code (also known as a BIC) is used globally to identify the bank in cross-border payments. Both are important, but for different purposes.

Which countries use IBANs?

IBANs are used across Europe and in many Middle Eastern and African countries. Some countries, like Brazil, recommend them but don’t require them. Others, such as the US, Australia and China, don’t use IBANs at all. View the full IBAN country list here.

What does an IBAN look like?

IBANs vary in length by country, but all include a two-letter country code, check digits, bank identifier, and account number.

Example:

France: FR7630006000011234567890189
Germany: DE75512108001245126199

How long is an IBAN?

The length of an IBAN depends on the country. UK IBANs have 22 characters, while others like Norway have only 15. Each country has its own IBAN structure and maximum length.

How can I streamline my international payments?

At Privalgo, we streamline your international payments by combining accurate payment details (like IBANs and SWIFT codes) with access to global payment rails and competitive FX rates. Our multi-currency accounts support 140+ currencies, and your dedicated Relationship Manager is on hand to help with every payment.

List of IBANs by country

Below is a full list of countries requiring IBANs for international payments and an example of how these IBANs look. This information is correct as of March 2025.

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What is an IBAN?

Which countries use IBANs?

What’s the difference between an IBAN and a SWIFT code?

Where can I find my IBAN?

What does an IBAN look like?

How long is an IBAN?

Examples of an IBAN

Streamlining your international payments

10 FAQs about IBANs

What is an IBAN and why is it important?

How do I find out what my IBAN is?

Is an IBAN the same as a bank account number?

What is an IBAN for the UK?

Is an IBAN the same as a SWIFT code?

Is a SWIFT code the same as a sort code?

Which countries use IBANs?

What does an IBAN look like?

How long is an IBAN?

How can I streamline my international payments?

List of IBANs by country

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