What are IBAN And SWIFT Codes?
Key takeaways
An IBAN identifies a specific bank account, while a SWIFT/BIC code identifies the bank or financial institution.
You may need an IBAN, SWIFT/BIC code or both when sending or receiving money internationally.
IBANs vary by country, while SWIFT/BIC codes are usually eight or 11 characters long.
Always use your bank or another trusted source to confirm the correct details before making an international payment.
What are IBAN and SWIFT codes?
IBAN and SWIFT codes are international banking details used to help identify accounts and banks when money is sent or received across borders. An IBAN identifies a specific bank account, while a SWIFT/BIC code identifies the bank or financial institution. We explain each in more detail through this guide.
What is an IBAN?
An IBAN, or International Bank Account Number, is an internationally recognised identifier for a specific bank account. It is designed to make cross-border payments easier to process by providing account information in a standardised format.
An IBAN is unique to an individual bank account, rather than simply identifying a bank. You may need one when sending or receiving money internationally, including payments to or from accounts in Europe.
What does an IBAN look like?
IBANs contain a combination of letters and numbers, with the exact format and length varying between countries. A UK IBAN is 22 characters long and contains:
Country code – two letters identifying the country, such as GB for the UK
Check digits – two numbers used to help validate the IBAN
Bank identifier – identifies the bank
Sort code – identifies the relevant branch or bank
Account number – identifies the individual account
For example, a fictional UK IBAN could be shown as: GB12 BANK 123456 12345678 (This is for illustration only and is not a valid customer IBAN.)
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How do I find my IBAN?
Your IBAN will usually be available through your online or mobile banking, on a bank statement or by contacting your bank. Some banks also provide an official IBAN tool.
Don't rely on an online calculator or third-party website unless your bank recommends it. Your bank is the best source for confirming the correct IBAN for your account.
Does an IBAN replace my account number and sort code?
No. Your sort code and account number remain your standard UK banking details, while an IBAN is an international identifier that incorporates equivalent account information in a standardised format.
For some international payments, you may be asked for your IBAN as well as other information, such as the bank's SWIFT or BIC. The requirements depend on the payment and destination country.
When do I need an IBAN?
You may need an IBAN when:
Sending money to an overseas bank account
Receiving money from abroad
Paying an overseas business or organisation
Transferring money between your own accounts in different countries
Making certain payments within Europe
Not every country uses IBANs, so alternative account and bank identifiers may be required when sending money to countries outside the IBAN system.
Which countries use IBANs?
IBAN adoption is not universal. Many countries across Europe and elsewhere use IBANs, while countries such as the US generally use other domestic account identifiers, often alongside BIC or SWIFT information for international payments.
The list of participating countries and their formats can change, so check the SWIFT IBAN Registry, which provides the current ISO 13616-compliant national IBAN formats.
What is a SWIFT code?
A SWIFT code is an international identifier used to identify a bank or other financial institution when making or receiving international payments.
SWIFT stands for the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication, the organisation that operates the global financial messaging network.
A SWIFT code helps banks identify where an international payment should be sent. Not every bank branch has a separate code – some codes identify the institution as a whole, while others include a specific branch identifier.
Is a SWIFT code the same as a BIC?
In everyday banking, SWIFT code and BIC are generally used to mean the same thing.
BIC stands for Business Identifier Code and is the ISO-standard identifier used to identify financial institutions and other business parties. SWIFT is the registration authority for the relevant standard, known as ISO 9362.
So, if your bank or a payment provider asks for your SWIFT or BIC code, it will normally be asking for the same identifier.
What is the difference between SWIFT and SEPA?
SWIFT/BIC is an international banking identifier used to identify financial institutions when making payments, while SEPA is a framework for making cashless euro payments across participating European countries. A SEPA payment may still require the recipient’s IBAN.
What does a SWIFT or BIC code look like?
A SWIFT/BIC code has either eight or 11 characters:
Four characters – identifies the institution
Two characters – identifies the country
Two characters – identifies the location
Three optional characters – identify a particular branch
For example, a fictional code could be BANKGB2LXXX. The XXX at the end is commonly used to indicate the institution's primary office or that no specific branch is being identified.
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How do I find a SWIFT or BIC code?
You can usually find the relevant code on the recipient's bank statement or in their online or mobile banking. You can also check the bank's official website or ask the recipient to confirm it directly.
SWIFT also provides an official directory of BICs registered under ISO 9362. Use a trusted source rather than guessing a code or relying on an unverified online lookup, as entering the wrong details could delay or misdirect a payment.
What is the difference between an IBAN and a SWIFT code?
IBANs and SWIFT/BIC codes are both used for international payments, but they identify different things. An IBAN identifies the recipient's specific bank account, while a SWIFT/BIC code identifies the bank or financial institution.
IBAN | SWIFT/BIC | |
|---|---|---|
What does it identify? | A specific bank account | A bank or other financial institution |
What is it used for? | Identifying the recipient's account | Identifying the recipient's bank when routing international payments |
How long is it? | Varies depending on the country | Usually 8 or 11 characters |
Where is it used? | Countries that have adopted | Widely used for international payments worldwide |
Will I need both? | Sometimes – depending on the payment and destination | Sometimes – requirements vary between banks and countries |
The information required when transferring or receiving money overseas can differ, so always follow the instructions supplied by your bank or payment provider.
What details do I need to send money abroad?
The information you need can vary depending on the destination country, bank and payment method. You may be asked for:
Recipient’s full name
Recipient’s address, where required
Bank name and address
Account number or IBAN
SWIFT/BIC code
Local routing code, where applicable
Payment reference, such as an invoice or account number
Currency and amount you want to send
Can I receive money from abroad using my IBAN?
Yes. The sender will usually need your IBAN, account name and bank details, and may also need your SWIFT/BIC code.
Your bank or an intermediary may deduct fees, while currency conversion can affect the amount received. Make sure your name matches your bank records and confirm the required details and charges with your bank.
Is it safe to share my IBAN and SWIFT code?
IBANs and SWIFT codes are designed to identify your account and bank for payments, so sharing them is different from sharing a PIN, password or card security code.
However, verify who is requesting them. Never share online banking login details, one-time passcodes or full card security credentials, and check unexpected requests independently.
Other useful guides
Frequently asked questions
Is my IBAN the same as my account number?
No. An IBAN is an international identifier that includes your account number and other details, while your account number is used for domestic UK banking.
Is my SWIFT code the same as my sort code?
No. A sort code identifies a UK bank and branch for domestic payments, while a SWIFT/BIC code identifies a bank or financial institution for international payments.
Can two bank accounts have the same IBAN?
No. An IBAN is designed to identify a specific bank account, so two different accounts should not have the same IBAN.
Can one bank have more than one SWIFT code?
Yes. A bank can have different SWIFT/BIC codes, including codes for different branches or locations, depending on how it structures its international payments.
Do UK bank accounts have an IBAN after Brexit?
Yes. Brexit did not remove IBANs from UK bank accounts. UK banks continue to use IBANs for receiving and making eligible international payments, although the requirements can vary depending on the destination and payment type.
Author
Tim Heming
Personal Finance Expert
Tim Heming is a journalist and editor who has written about personal finance for national newspapers and consumer websites for 15 years. Tim enjoys providing no-nonsense information to help consumers...
Reviewer
Alan Cairns
Senior Content Editor
Alan breaks down money, home, and energy topics into plain English to help you save money. Ask him about pound cost averaging or Balkonkraftwerk.
