What does an IBAN look like?

• The IBAN is a series of alphanumeric characters that uniquely identifies an account held at a bank
• Most countries have standard account numbering systems. For example, in the UK, an account number can be specified by a bank code, a branch sort code and an 8-digit account number
• An IBAN is not replacing the national numbering systems. It is a way of representing national account numbers in an internationally recognised standard format

• An IBAN adds a country code and check digits to the front of the domestic account number format
• The country code identifies the country in which the IBAN was issued. It also indicates the national account structure to be used when deciphering the account number contained within the IBAN
• The check digits are calculated by the financial institution issuing the IBAN, using a formula applied to the whole IBAN
• One of the benefits of IBANs is that they have a built-in check, which can detect keying errors. An IBAN contains check digits, which can be tested with a mathematical formula when the payment instruction is processed. The validation provides a check that digits in the account addresses have not been omitted or transposed or entered incorrectly (although the check cannot guarantee that the payee account is correct, there is a greater degree of certainty because the check digits are verified before the payment is sent).

You should not attempt to create your own IBAN or a beneficiary's IBAN from account details held. Please contact your Branch or Relationship Manager if you cannot locate your own IBAN.

Please read the important legal information