Check an IBAN and calculate its check digits
Check the format and checksum of an IBAN, or calculate check digits from a complete national BBAN. This does not confirm the account exists or belongs to a particular person
A free IBAN checker and IBAN calculator in one place. Paste an IBAN to run an IBAN check on its format and check digits, or switch tabs to calculate the check digits for a complete BBAN. No sign-up needed, and the number you enter isn't saved
How the IBAN check works
Whether you call it an IBAN validator or an IBAN account checker, the test is the same. When you check an IBAN account number here, the tool runs three tests in order. If any one of them fails, the IBAN isn't marked as valid
- 1
Country and length
The first two letters are a country code. Every country uses one fixed IBAN length. E.g. 22 characters for Germany, 27 for France. The tool matches that length
- 2
Characters and structure
After the country code and two check digits comes the BBAN (Basic Bank Account Number), the country's own domestic account format
- 3
Check digits
Characters 3 and 4 are check digits calculated from the rest of the IBAN. A validator runs the whole number through a simple formula, and if the result is wrong, it flags the IBAN
About IBANs
An IBAN (International Bank Account Number) is a standard account number format, defined by ISO 13616, that is recognised across borders. It has three parts: a two-letter country code, two check digits and the BBAN, the domestic account number. Each country uses one fixed length, up to 34 characters
Country code
The country where the account is held
Check digits
Two digits calculated from the rest of the IBAN
BBAN
The domestic part: in Germany, an 8-digit bank code followed by a 10-digit account number
Source: SWIFT IBAN Registry
You'll usually be asked for an IBAN whenever money moves between accounts in Europe, and in many other countries that use the format: an employer setting up your salary, a landlord collecting rent, a client paying your invoice. When you check an international bank account number before a payment like this, keep four things apart:
IBAN
Identifies a specific account, including the country it is held in
BIC (or SWIFT code)
Identifies the payment provider; some transfers require both codes
A valid IBAN
Is correctly formed, but that doesn't prove the account exists
SEPA reach
Depends on the providers and transfer type, not the IBAN format
Frequently asked questions
We will be happy to clear all of your concerns
Need your own euro IBAN account?
Get an IBAN to get paid by clients in Europe, receive a salary or pay bills in euro. Right in the Blackcat app
Explore a euro IBAN account