What is an IBAN number?

An IBAN is a standardised bank-account identifier used by participating countries. SWIFT maintains the official ISO 13616 IBAN Registry for national formats.

A valid IBAN identifies an account structure; it does not prove who owns the account.

What does a sample IBAN number look like?

A standard UK example is:

GB29NWBK60161331926819
Every IBAN begins country code → check digits → country-specific BBAN (Basic Bank Account Number).

Sample IBAN numbers by country

The current SWIFT registry is Release 102, June 2026. The table below covers common markets rather than every IBAN jurisdiction.
These are format examples, not payment instructions. Check SWIFT's latest registry before building payment or validation logic.

Does India have an IBAN number?

No. India does not use the IBAN system for domestic bank accounts.

For a conventional international transfer into India, the sender may need the beneficiary name, account number, bank/branch details, SWIFT/BIC, and any other routing information requested by the bank.

An Indian bank's IFSC is primarily a domestic routing code. Do not assume a foreign bank needs it unless the transfer instructions specifically ask for it.

How do you validate an IBAN?

1. Check the country

The first two letters must correspond to a registered IBAN country.

2. Check the length

Each country has one fixed IBAN length. A UK or German IBAN, for example, has 22 characters.

3. Check the characters

The electronic IBAN is an alphanumeric string. Spaces are normally used only when displaying an IBAN for readability.

4. Run the checksum

The two digits after the country code are validated using the IBAN's modulo-97 checksum.

A structurally valid IBAN fits the registered format and checksum. It does not prove that the account is open, belongs to the intended beneficiary, or is safe from fraud.

Common IBAN mistakes

Common mistakes include wrong country length, copying display spaces into electronic fields, confusing 0/O or 1/I, using a sample IBAN, and assuming a valid checksum verifies the payee.

For new or changed bank details, verify the beneficiary independently.

IBAN vs SWIFT/BIC

Collecting internationally without asking every client to send a SWIFT wire

For Indian exporters and service businesses, PayGlocal's Multi-Currency Accounts provide local receiving details in supported currencies so eligible customers can pay through local bank rails rather than a traditional SWIFT wire.

Current capabilities include 33+ currencies from 180+ countries, local receiving details in USD, GBP, EUR, CAD, AUD and other supported currencies, INR settlement, automated FIRA, tracking/reconciliation, and applicable EDPMS/e-BRC support.

These are collection accounts, not overseas bank accounts.