IBAN Calculator and Validator
Standard Modulo-97 validation for all supported countries.
Report Bug While the United States uses "Routing Numbers" for domestic transfers, the rest of the world relies on the IBAN (International Bank Account Number). For a US business or individual sending a "Wire Transfer" to Europe or the Middle East, a single wrong digit in the IBAN means the money will bounce. The IBAN Validator uses the Modulo-97 algorithm to mathematically verify if the account number is valid before you click "Send" at your bank.
This tool acts as a pre-flight check for your money, preventing the dreaded "Unable to Apply" rejection message from intermediary banks.
🌐 The Anatomy of an IBAN (ISO 13616)
An IBAN is not just a random string of numbers; it is a precise routing code up to 34 characters long. Here is the structure used globally:
Decoding the Sequence:
- Country Code (DE): 2 Letters identifying the country (e.g., Germany).
- Check Digits (89): The security key calculated via Mod-97 to prevent typos.
- Bank Code: Identifies the specific bank (like a Routing Number).
- Account Number: The individual's account ID.
💸 Scenario: The "Failed Wire" Cost
You are sending $5,000 to a supplier in France. Let's compare the outcome of sending to a Valid IBAN versus a Typo (Invalid) IBAN.
US Banking Warning: US Banks (Chase, Wells Fargo, BoA) do NOT have their own IBANs. If a form asks for your IBAN, use your ABA Routing Number and Account Number, or ask the sender if they support standard US wire instructions.
US Standards for International Wires
- SWIFT (BIC) Code: While the IBAN identifies the account, the SWIFT code (8 or 11 characters) identifies the bank. You usually need BOTH to send money from the US.
- Intermediary Banks: Since US banks aren't directly connected to the local European payment systems (SEPA), transfers often go through a "Correspondent Bank," which may deduct a "Lifting Fee" from the principal amount.
- Mod-97 Check: The validation system converts letters to numbers (A=10, B=11...) and performs a division. If the remainder is 1, the IBAN is valid.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why doesn't the US use IBAN?
The US banking system is massive and predates the IBAN standard (created in Europe). The US relies on the 9-digit ABA Routing Number system for domestic transfers. Migrating thousands of US banks to IBAN would be incredibly expensive and complex.
Can I calculate an IBAN from an Account Number?
Yes, but it is risky. While the algorithm is standard, different countries have different rules on how to pad zeros or position the branch code. It is always safer to ask the beneficiary for their official IBAN document.
Does a valid IBAN mean the account exists?
No. The validator checks the format and checksum (mathematical validity). It cannot check if the account is open, closed, or belongs to the person you think it does. That requires a "Confirmation of Payee" check, which is not yet global.
What is the difference between SWIFT and SEPA?
SWIFT is the global messaging network used for most US international wires (expensive, slower). SEPA is the Euro-zone specific network (cheap, fast). US banks send via SWIFT; European banks settle via SEPA.
How long is an IBAN?
It varies by country. Norway has one of the shortest (15 characters), while Malta has one of the longest (31 characters). The standard max length is 34 characters.
