Support Guide
See the difference between IBAN and SWIFT/BIC, what each identifier is for, and when transfers need both.
You do not need to leave this guide to run a structural check. Use the same validator here, then continue reading if you need more context.
IBAN points to the recipient account. It is the account-level identifier used in many domestic and cross-border transfer systems.
If the IBAN is wrong, the payment may be rejected or sent to the wrong destination if other controls do not catch the error.
SWIFT/BIC identifies the bank or branch in the global messaging network. It does not replace the recipient account identifier.
For many cross-border transfers outside simpler regional rails, the sender may need both the bank identifier and the account identifier.
Inside some domestic or SEPA flows, the IBAN may be enough. In broader international transfers, the bank may still require a SWIFT or BIC code for routing.
The exact requirement depends on the payment corridor, currency, and sending bank.
| IBAN | SWIFT / BIC | |
|---|---|---|
| Identifies | Individual bank account | The bank / branch |
| Length | 15–34 characters | 8 or 11 characters |
| Standard | ISO 13616 | ISO 9362 |
| Used for | Account-level routing (EU, SEPA) | Interbank messaging (global) |
| Example | DE89 3704 0044 0532 0130 00 | COBADEFFXXX |
No. SWIFT identifies the bank, while IBAN identifies the account.
Not always. Many SEPA flows rely mainly on IBAN, but bank requirements can vary.
This tool checks format only. It validates structure and checksum, but does not confirm that a bank account exists, is active, belongs to a person, or can receive payments. It does not perform financial, identity, or bank verification.
Use the main validator when you need a fast structural check. Use support guides when you need deeper context, implementation detail, or troubleshooting help.
Open IBANWhat Is an IBAN?
Understand what an IBAN is, what each part means, and when people need one for real payments.
How IBAN Validation Works
A practical breakdown of country checks, fixed lengths, and the MOD-97 checksum used in IBAN validation.
IBAN Format by Country
Compare IBAN lengths, example structures, and country-specific differences across major IBAN markets.
IBAN vs Card Number
Understand why IBAN and card numbers belong to different payment systems and should never be used interchangeably.
Common IBAN Errors
See the most frequent reasons an IBAN fails validation and how to prevent bad banking data from entering your workflow.