What’s my IBAN number? IBAN and SWIFT/BIC explained - Starling Bank (2024)

FAQs

How do I find my Swift BIC code in Starling? ›

You will typically be able to find your SWIFT code on bank statements and on your online or app banking. Most often it will be in the same place as your IBAN number. Starling customers can see their SWIFT code alongside their IBAN in the app, by selecting Account Information and Account Details.

On your paper bank statement

You'll find your IBAN and BIC on the first page of your paper statement. They're in the top-right corner, just below your sort code and account number.

The IBAN you're given may be prefaced with 'IBAN' (eg. IBAN GB15HBUK40127612345678) and the BIC may be prefaced with 'BIC' (eg. BIC HBUKGB4B).

Some countries display IBANs directly on their bank cards, while others don't. Get in touch with your bank to request it—as long as you're in a dedicated region, they'll be able to provide you with the details you need. Check the top of bank statements or your bank's online banking app.

A SWIFT/BIC code consists of 8-11 characters and follows a format that identifies your bank, country, location, and branch. The first four letters represent the bank and usually look like an abbreviated version of the bank name. These two letters indicate the country where the bank is located.

If you are trying to transfer money into a specific account, you will use an IBAN code. The United States does not currently use IBANs. Instead, the US uses routing numbers when domestically transferring money and SWIFT codes when internationally transferring money.

Identification. The main difference between an IBAN and SWIFT BIC code lies in what they're used to identify. A SWIFT code refers to a bank, while an IBAN will identify a specific bank account. Basically, a SWIFT number tells you where to pay, and an IBAN tells you who to pay.

An IBAN number contains up to 34 alphanumeric characters.15 It is prefaced by a two-character country code, two check digits, and a Basic Bank Account Number (BBAN) that contains specific bank and account details.

An IBAN contains up to 34 characters, including both letters and digits. The format is easily recognizable (GB29 NWBK 6016 1331 9268 19 in the UK, or FR14 2004 1010 0505 0001 3M02 606 in France), but the exact length depends on the country: 22 characters in the UK.

How many digits are in an IBAN? ›

This country code is followed by two "check digits", and finally a country-specific basic bank account number. In Ireland, the standard length of an IBAN is 22 characters made up of a combination of letters and numbers but it can be up to 34 characters long in other SEPA countries.

You might be asked to provide both an IBAN and SWIFT to help a bank identify exactly where the money needs to be sent to. Not all countries support the IBAN system, so if you're sending money to a country that doesn't you'll just need the SWIFT code for the overseas transfer.

A SWIFT code is used to identify a specific bank during an international transaction, whereas an IBAN is used to identify an individual bank account involved in the international transaction.

You'll need to know your own IBAN and BIC or SWIFT code if you're receiving money from outside the UK. Not every country uses IBANs, but if you're sending money outside the UK, you'll generally need the IBAN and BIC or SWIFT code of the person you're sending money to.

Our standard send is usually speedy – but if you're in a hurry, you can opt to make a direct SWIFT bank-to-bank transfer (for a slightly higher fee). Send money to 34 countries in 17 currencies worldwide including euro, US dollar, rand and zloty.

You can receive EUR and GBP payments into your Starling GBP account. If you receive EUR into your GBP account - we'll add a foreign exchange conversion of 2%. Our euro accounts can only receive payments in EUR. There are small number of countries subject to sanctions we don't accept here.

Is a SWIFT code the same for all branches? This varies by bank. Some banks use the same SWIFT code for all their branches while other banks designate a unique SWIFT code for each branch. If you are unsure of which code to use, you can typically use the bank's head office SWIFT code to send money.

The main difference between an IBAN and SWIFT BIC code lies in what they're used to identify. A SWIFT code refers to a bank, while an IBAN will identify a specific bank account. Basically, a SWIFT number tells you where to pay, and an IBAN tells you who to pay.