What’s an IBAN?

An International Bank Account Number (IBAN) is a globally recognised code used to identify bank accounts for international payments. You might sometimes see it called an ‘IBAN number’ but that’s technically incorrect – as that’s like saying an International Bank Account Number number! An IBAN is often needed when sending international payments or receiving money from abroad. So if you’re planning to send money to family overseas, or you’re getting paid by a company in another country, you’ll likely need one. It acts as a standard format that banks around the world understand, helping to reduce errors and speed up the process.

How does an IBAN work?

When you make a payment to another country, the banks involved need a reliable way to know exactly where the money should go. Because different countries have different banking systems, the IBAN standardises this information into one single format. This helps banks process transfers automatically, which reduces the chance of mistakes and makes sure your money arrives safely at its destination.

You’ll mostly use an IBAN when dealing with banks in Europe and countries in the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA). However, many other countries around the world have also adopted the system to make global banking easier. If you’re receiving international payments, giving the sender your IBAN ensures the money reaches your account without unnecessary delays. It’s a simple but powerful tool that keeps the global financial system running smoothly every day.

What does an IBAN look like?

An IBAN is a long string of letters and numbers. The exact length depends on the country. It can be up to 34 characters long, but in the UK, it’s always exactly 22 characters.

Here’s a breakdown of what a UK IBAN looks like, using the example GB 12 MONZ 123456 12345678.

GB – country code: the first two letters show the country where the account is based. For UK accounts, this is always ‘GB’
12 – check digits: the next two numbers are control digits. Banks use these to run a quick mathematical check to validate the IBAN and catch any typos before sending the money.
MONZ – bank code: this is a four-letter code that identifies the specific bank
123456 – sort code: the next six numbers are your standard domestic sort code, which identifies the specific branch or division of your bank.
12345678 – account number: the final eight numbers are your standard domestic bank account number

Every IBAN follows a similar structure, combining country details with your specific bank and account information to create a unique code.

How to find your IBAN

The easiest place to look is usually your bank’s mobile app or your online banking portal. You can also find it printed on your paper bank statements, usually near the top of the page alongside your other account details.

If you’re a Monzo customer, you can find it in the app by going to ‘Manage account’. Your IBAN will be listed next to your sort code and account number.

You'll typically only need your IBAN when you’re setting up an international transfer or if someone from another country is trying to send you money; you don’t need it for everyday domestic payments within the UK. For example, if you’re just transferring money to a friend’s UK current account or paying a local bill, your standard sort code and account number are all you need.

IBAN, sort code and SWIFT/BIC: what’s the difference?

The banking industry loves an acronym, and it’s easy to get confused by all the different ones out there. Here’s a list to help you understand what each one means:

Sort code and account number: these are your domestic banking details. You use them for everyday payments within the UK, like paying your rent or splitting a bill with friends.
IBAN: this is your international account number. It contains your domestic details but adds extra information so overseas banks can identify your account accurately.
SWIFT/BIC: a Bank Identifier Code (BIC), often called a SWIFT code, identifies the specific bank rather than the individual account. It acts a bit like an international postcode for the bank itself.

When you make SWIFT payments or other international transfers, you usually need to provide both the recipient’s IBAN and their bank’s SWIFT/BIC code together to make sure the payment is routed correctly.

When do you need an IBAN?

You’ll need an IBAN in a few specific situations. The most common are when you’re sending money internationally to a friend, family member or business. Whenever you’re setting up international transfers, it’s incredibly important to enter the recipient’s IBAN accurately. Getting just one character wrong can cause delays or mean your payment gets returned.

You’ll need to provide your own IBAN if you’re receiving payments from abroad, such as getting paid by an overseas employer.

If you’re looking for a simple way to manage your money across borders, you can send money internationally with a Monzo current account. You can easily access payment features to send money abroad in just a few taps.

Explore international transfers with Monzo

You’ll need a Monzo account. UK residents only. Ts&Cs and limits apply.

Questions? Answers.

What’s an IBAN in the UK?

In the UK, an IBAN is a 22-character code that starts with ‘GB’. It includes your sort code and account number, plus extra characters that help overseas banks identify your account for international payments.

How do I find my IBAN?

You can usually find your IBAN in your mobile banking app, through your online banking portal, or printed on your paper bank statements.

How long is an IBAN?

The length varies depending on the country. It can be up to 34 characters long, but a UK IBAN is always exactly 22 characters.

Do I need an IBAN for UK bank transfers?

No, you don’t need an IBAN for domestic transfers within the UK. You only need the recipient’s sort code and account number.

What does IBAN stand for?

IBAN stands for ‘International Bank Account Number’. It’s a standardised system used globally to identify bank accounts.

Since the word ‘number’ is already a part of the acronym, you don’t need to call it an IBAN number. It’s just like how you can just say ‘PIN’ instead of PIN number since that’s an acronym for Personal Identification Number. Or how it’s just an ATM not an ATM machine, since ATM is short for ‘Automated Teller Machine’.