What is an IBAN? How to read one and check it before you pay
By SendPay Business · · 2 min read
- 1Start from the UK
- 2Send to the countries you choose
- 3It arrives in their own currency
An IBAN (International Bank Account Number) identifies a single bank account in a standard format used across Europe and many other countries. It's what you give someone abroad so they can pay into your account.
How to read one
A UK IBAN is 22 characters long and contains the bank's code, the sort code and the account number.
- Two letters for the country, such as GB for the UK or DE for Germany.
- Two check digits, calculated from the rest of the number.
- The bank and account details, in a format set by each country.
Why the check digits matter
The two check digits are worked out from every other character, so most typos, like a swapped or wrong digit, make the IBAN fail the check. Banks run this check before sending, and you can too.
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IBAN, sort code and SWIFT code
In the UK, payments at home use a sort code and account number. From abroad, the payer usually needs your IBAN, and sometimes the bank's SWIFT or BIC code, which identifies the bank rather than the account.
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Customers expect to see account details they can share to get paid. SendPay platforms include multi-currency accounts in GBP, EUR and USD, powered by licensed partners.
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SendPay Business is a technology company, not a bank. Accounts, cards and payments are powered by licensed partners.
Questions people ask
How do I check an IBAN is valid?
The free checker tests the length and check digits for 77 countries in your browser.
IBAN checker →How do I check a SWIFT code?
The free checker reads the bank, country and branch parts.
SWIFT code checker →What is a virtual IBAN?
An account number that routes into a larger master account.
What is a virtual IBAN? →Read next
Spotted a mistake or something out of date? and we'll fix it. How our guides are made
This guide is general information, not legal or financial advice. SendPay Business is a technology company, not a bank, and does not take deposits; regulated services on the platforms are provided by licensed partners. Other companies named in this guide are reference points only and are not affiliated with SendPay Business.