IBAN validation system

IBAN numbers always follow an established format. That is why we can tell whether your IBAN is valid and also show you what its data means.

Paste it here and we will confirm if the format is correct.

How do banks generate IBAN codes?

Banks form the International Bank Account Number (IBAN) according to a standard that includes a country code, check digits, and local banking details. Every financial organization follows a unified algorithm to turn a regular account number into an international format that is convenient for automatic validation and processing. An IBAN always starts with the two-letter country code defined by international standards, followed by two check digits calculated by a dedicated algorithm. These digits allow systems to automatically determine that the entered IBAN has a valid format and is free of errors. Next comes the BBAN — the Basic Bank Account Number — which contains the bank identifier, an optional branch code, and the customer’s unique account number. This structure makes IBAN a standard that lets any supporting system unambiguously identify a bank account.

When should you use an IBAN?

When you make international transfers — whether sending or receiving funds — most European banks require you to provide an IBAN. This standard ensures the payment is delivered to the correct details as accurately, securely, and quickly as possible. More financial institutions around the world are adopting IBAN, but transfers to certain countries may still require additional banking information.

What happens if I enter an incorrect number?

If you make a mistake while entering an IBAN, the system will detect it. It first checks the country code, the total length, and whether the structure matches the format set for that jurisdiction. The validator then verifies the check digits — if they don’t match, the format is considered invalid. However, even a correctly composed IBAN does not guarantee that the account exists. It only confirms that the structure meets the standard. If you enter a non-existent or someone else's IBAN when making a bank transfer, the bank may reject the payment or send the money to a different account if that IBAN exists. To avoid such issues, always verify the details with the recipient or your bank before making a transfer.

Common mistakes to watch for

  • 1

    Typos

    An IBAN is usually quite long, so it’s easy to make a mistake while typing it. To avoid inaccuracies and prevent the payment from being rejected, copy the IBAN from an official source and paste it into the appropriate field when setting up the transfer whenever possible.

  • 2

    Wrong formats

    When sending money online, you must enter the IBAN strictly as an alphanumeric string without spaces. Using a printed version with spaces between characters can lead some banks to automatically decline the transaction.

  • 3

    Recipient details

    Banks sometimes require more extensive recipient details. Enter this information as accurately as possible: even with a correct IBAN, incorrect contact or banking data can cause a payment to be canceled or delayed.

Always double-check recipient details

Checking an IBAN with this tool helps you see whether it matches the format used in a specific country and whether the check digits are correct. However, we cannot confirm that the account exists or belongs to a particular owner. The tool only shows that the number has no obvious errors and looks valid under international rules. Before sending money, always confirm the details with the recipient or consult your bank — especially for first-time transfers or large amounts. If you suspect that you entered the wrong IBAN and the transfer was already sent, contact your bank immediately. In some cases, it may be possible to cancel or halt the operation before it is fully processed. If the funds have already been credited to the recipient’s account, cancellation may be impossible, and you will need to reach out to the recipient to request a return. The sooner you act, the higher the chance of correcting the situation.

More Frequently Asked Questions on IBAN

  • What is IBAN and why did it become the standard for international transfers?

    IBAN is a single international bank account format designed to make cross-border transfers faster and more accurate. It includes the country code, check digits, and identifiers for the bank and account. Thanks to this structure, banking systems can automatically detect errors in the details before the transfer is sent, which reduces rejected or stalled transactions and speeds up payment processing.

  • How can I make sure that an IBAN is entered correctly?

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  • How reliable are IBAN transfers and how can I avoid mistakes?

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