Every country has its own way of naming a bank account, and sending money between countries means using more than one system. Learning what each number does saves time and avoids payments that bounce.
What each code does
- IBAN
- International Bank Account Number. One string that identifies a single account, used across Europe and in many other countries.
- SWIFT or BIC
- A code of 8 or 11 characters that identifies the bank, not the account. It is used for international transfers.
- Routing number
- A nine-digit US code that identifies the bank for domestic payments.
- Account number
- The number of your account within that bank. It goes with a routing number or sort code.
- Sort code
- A six-digit UK code that identifies the branch or bank, written as three pairs of digits.
- SEPA
- The euro payments area, where euro transfers between member banks use IBANs and are quick and cheap.
Reading an IBAN
Take the example IBAN used in many guides: DE89 3704 0044 0532 0130 00.
The first two letters are the country
DE means Germany.
The next two digits are a check number
They let systems catch a typing error before the payment is sent.
The following block is the bank
In Germany, an eight-digit bank code identifies the bank.
The rest is the account
The final digits are the account number in that bank.
The length of an IBAN depends on the country, up to 34 characters. Spaces are only for readability, so a form that does not accept them still needs the same characters.
Which one do I use?
| Where the money goes | What you need |
|---|---|
| Within the euro area | The IBAN, and the name on the account |
| From abroad into a US bank | The routing number, account number and, for international payments, the bank's SWIFT/BIC code |
| Within the United States | The routing number and account number |
| Within the UK | The sort code and the account number, or an IBAN for international payments |
Common mistakes
Mixing up the codes. A SWIFT/BIC identifies the bank. It does not replace the account number or IBAN.
Using an old account number. If a payee changed banks, confirm the new details by phone.
Typing a name that differs from the account name. Use the exact holder name.
Questions people ask
Do I need both an IBAN and a BIC?
Within the euro area, the IBAN is normally enough. For payments outside the euro area, the bank may also ask for a BIC, so have both ready.
Why does my transfer need the account holder's name?
Banks use the name to catch typing errors and fraud. A mismatch can delay or reject the payment, and some countries now check the name before the money moves.
Sources
Written from these pages and checked against them on October 5, 2026. Programs and rules change, so check the provider’s current terms before you decide.
General information, not financial, legal or travel advice. Your own card terms and the provider’s current rules always come first.