Verify the Recipient’s IBAN Before Sending Money Abroad
Accurate IBAN validation
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When you transfer money overseas, especially to Europe, the Middle East, and the UK, the receiving bank requires an IBAN to correctly identify the recipient’s bank account. Entering the correct IBAN ensures your international transfer reaches the right account without delays or rejection.
Check the IBAN shared by the recipient and complete your outward remittance securely and confidently.
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IBAN Explained for Overseas Payments
IBAN stands for International Bank Account Number. It is a standardized bank account format used internationally to identify an individual’s bank account during cross-border transfers.
IBAN gives banks the exact account details required to credit funds correctly.
Simple explanation:
In India, we only use account number + IFSC for domestic transfers.
In many countries, they use IBAN + SWIFT for international transfers.
So, if SWIFT identifies the bank worldwide, IBAN identifies the bank account.
If the IBAN is incorrect, the transfer may be rejected or returned, causing delays and fees.
Where do you find your IBAN?
Ask your recipient abroad to share their IBAN. They can find it easily in:
Important: Always confirm the IBAN with the recipient before initiating a transfer to avoid errors and recall charges.
IBAN formats vary by country. Here are common examples:
United Kingdom: GB29 NWBK 6016 1331 9268 19
Germany: DE89 3704 0044 0532 0130 00
France: FR14 2004 1010 0505 0001 3M02 606
UAE: AE07 0331 2345 6789 0123 456
Saudi Arabia: SA03 8000 0000 6080 1016 7519
IBAN Format
- Country Code:Based on ISO standards
- Check Digits:Two check digits
- Bank Identifier:
- Account Number:Basic Bank Account Number also called BBAN
The big confusion
IBAN | SWIFT | Routing no/ ACH | BSB | Sort code
Cross-border payments involve region-specific bank identifiers. Understanding the difference prevents transaction failures:
Key takeaway: When sending money abroad, you usually need IBAN + SWIFT, depending on the country. IBAN identifies the account, and SWIFT identifies the bank.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is an IBAN?
An IBAN is a standardized international bank account number used to ensure error-free and accurate cross-border payments.
Why is an IBAN required for international transfers?
Banks use IBANs to identify the exact beneficiary account, reducing routing mistakes, payment delays, and transfer rejections.
How is an IBAN structured?
An IBAN begins with a country code and check digits, followed by a country-specific BBAN containing bank, branch, and account information.
Where can I find my IBAN?
You can locate your IBAN on your bank statement, your online banking portal, mobile banking app, or by contacting your bank directly.
What’s the difference between IBAN and SWIFT/BIC?
IBAN identifies the recipient’s account, while SWIFT/BIC identifies the recipient’s bank. Many international transfers require both.
Do all countries use IBAN?
No. Europe and parts of the Middle East use IBAN, while countries like the United States and Canada use other routing formats instead.
How do I verify if an IBAN is valid?
A valid IBAN has the correct length, country format, and check digits. You can validate it using an IBAN checking or verification tool.
What happens if I enter an incorrect IBAN?
An incorrect IBAN can lead to transfer delays, rejection by the receiving bank, or the return of funds to the sender.
Is it safe to share my IBAN?
Yes. An IBAN only provides information needed to receive payments and does not expose login credentials or sensitive access details.
Are there fees when sending money using an IBAN?
Any fees apply to the transfer itself, not the IBAN. Charges depend on your bank and the international payment method.
Can I generate or guess an IBAN?
No. Only the bank that issued the account can provide a valid IBAN. Manually generating one may result in failed transfers.
Can I use the same IBAN for domestic and international transfers?
Yes. In most IBAN-enabled countries, the same IBAN is used for both local (domestic) and cross-border transfers.
