What is an IBAN? A Freelancer's Guide to International Bank Numbers
If you've received an email from a European client asking for your IBAN and you're based in India or the Philippines, you might be confused — your country doesn't use IBANs. Here's everything you need to know.
Quick summary
What is an IBAN?
IBAN stands for International Bank Account Number. It's a standardised format used across 79 countries to identify bank accounts for international transfers. An IBAN looks like: GB29 NWBK 6016 1331 9268 19 (UK) or DE89 3704 0044 0532 0130 00 (Germany).
- IBANs are primarily used in Europe (SEPA zone), Middle East, and some African countries.
- India, USA, Canada, Australia, Philippines, and most of Asia do NOT use IBANs — they use account number + routing number (US), BSB (Australia), IFSC (India), or SWIFT BIC.
- When a European client asks for your IBAN, they want to send you money via SEPA — which is free and instant within Europe.
How to get a free EUR IBAN
Even if you're based in India, Philippines, or Nigeria, you can get a free EUR IBAN from Wise or Airwallex:
- Wise Business: gives you a EUR IBAN (held with a European banking partner). Your EU client sends SEPA to this IBAN. Wise converts at 0.45% to your local currency.
- Airwallex: EUR IBAN available in 25+ countries.
- Revolut Business: EUR IBAN for EU/UK registered businesses.
IBAN format by country: quick reference
IBAN formats are standardised but the length and structure vary by country. Here are the formats for the most common payment corridors:
- Germany (DE): 22 characters. DE89 3704 0044 0532 0130 00. Format: DE + 2 check digits + 18-digit BBAN.
- UK (GB): 22 characters. GB29 NWBK 6016 1331 9268 19. Format: GB + 2 check digits + 4-letter sort code + 14-digit account.
- France (FR): 27 characters. FR76 3000 6000 0112 3456 7890 189.
- Netherlands (NL): 18 characters. NL91 ABNA 0417 1643 00.
- Spain (ES): 24 characters.
- IBAN validator: Use any IBAN validator (iban.com or tools in Wise) to verify an IBAN before sending. Invalid IBANs result in returned transfers and fees.
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