Question 1

What is an IBAN number?

Accepted Answer

An International Bank Account Number (IBAN) is a standardised code that uniquely identifies a bank account for international transfers. It contains a 2-letter country code, 2 check digits, and a country-specific Basic Bank Account Number (BBAN) encoding the bank code, branch, and account number — all verified by a MOD-97 checksum.

Question 2

How do I validate an IBAN?

Accepted Answer

Paste your IBAN into the Validate tab. The calculator instantly applies the international MOD-97 algorithm: it rearranges the IBAN, converts letters to numbers, and checks that the result modulo 97 equals 1. A green badge confirms the IBAN is structurally valid.

Question 3

Can I generate an IBAN from my account number?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Switch to Generate mode, select your country, and enter your bank code and account number as printed on your bank statement. The tool assembles the BBAN and computes the correct 2-digit check digits automatically using the MOD-97 algorithm.

Question 4

What is the difference between IBAN and SWIFT/BIC?

Accepted Answer

An IBAN identifies a specific bank account. A SWIFT/BIC identifies the bank itself (not the account). Within SEPA (Europe), IBAN alone is sufficient. For transfers outside SEPA — such as USD wires — both IBAN and BIC may be required. BIC starts with the bank's letter code (e.g., NWBK for NatWest); IBAN starts with the country code.

Question 5

Is it safe to share my IBAN?

Accepted Answer

Yes. An IBAN is not a secret credential like a password or PIN. It is designed to be shared with employers, suppliers, and overseas contacts to receive payments. However, be cautious about sharing it with untrusted parties, as it can theoretically be used to set up direct debits in some countries.

Question 6

Does passing the MOD-97 check guarantee the IBAN is correct?

Accepted Answer

No. MOD-97 validates the mathematical structure and catches most typos — but a valid checksum does not guarantee the account exists or belongs to the intended recipient. Always confirm the recipient's IBAN directly with them or their bank before sending funds.

Question 7

How long is an IBAN?

Accepted Answer

IBAN length is fixed per country and ranges from 15 characters (Norway) to 34 characters (some Middle Eastern countries). Germany uses 22, UK uses 22, France uses 27, UAE uses 23, and Kuwait uses 30. Entering the wrong number of characters is one of the most common mistakes and is flagged immediately by our validator.

Question 8

Is the IBAN calculator free?

Accepted Answer

Yes. CalcTools AI's IBAN Calculator is completely free, with no registration required. You can validate unlimited IBANs, generate IBANs for 20 countries, get AI explanations, and download PDF reports — all at no cost.

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