If you've ever tried to send money internationally or set up a direct deposit, you've probably been asked for an IBAN, a routing number, or a SWIFT code — and had no idea which one applies to your situation. Here's a clear breakdown with free tools for each.
The Short Answer
IBAN — identifies a specific bank account internationally (mostly Europe and Middle East) → What is an IBAN?
Routing Number — identifies a specific bank within the US → What is a Routing Number?
SWIFT Code — identifies a specific bank globally for international wire transfers → What is a SWIFT Code?
They solve different problems. You often need more than one at the same time.
What is an IBAN?
An IBAN (International Bank Account Number) is a standardised format for identifying bank accounts across borders. It was created to make cross-border payments within Europe faster and less error-prone.
An IBAN looks like this: GB29 NWBK 6016 1331 9268 19
It contains:
Country code (2 letters) — GB for United Kingdom
Check digits (2 numbers) — used to validate the IBAN format
Domestic account details — the actual bank and account number formatted for that country
IBANs are used in 80+ countries, mostly in Europe, the Middle East, and parts of Africa. The US, Canada, and Australia do not use IBANs.
Free tools:
👉 Validate any IBAN instantly — IBAN Validator — supports 80+ countries, runs entirely in your browser
👉 Full guide — What is an IBAN? Complete Guide
What is a Routing Number?
A US ABA Routing Number is a 9-digit code that identifies a specific financial institution within the United States. Every US bank and credit union has at least one.
A routing number looks like this: 021000021 (JPMorgan Chase)
It is used for:
ACH transfers — direct deposits, bill payments, payroll
Wire transfers — domestic US bank-to-bank transfers
Check processing — printed at the bottom left of every US check
Routing numbers are US-only. If you're sending money internationally from the US, you'll need a SWIFT code alongside the routing number.
Free tools:
👉 Look up any US bank by routing number — ABA Routing Number Lookup — covers 19,500 US banks from the Federal Reserve directory
👉 Full guide — What is a Routing Number? Complete Guide
What is a SWIFT Code?
A SWIFT code (also called a BIC — Bank Identifier Code) is an 8 or 11 character code that uniquely identifies a bank anywhere in the world. It is the global standard for identifying banks in international wire transfers.
A SWIFT code looks like this: BARCGB22 (Barclays Bank, United Kingdom)
The structure:
4 letters — bank code (BARC = Barclays)
2 letters — country code (GB = United Kingdom)
2 characters — location code
3 characters (optional) — specific branch
SWIFT codes are used whenever money crosses borders — regardless of which country you're in.
Free tools:
👉 Look up any SWIFT / BIC code — SWIFT Code Lookup — 112,165 codes across 192 countries
👉 Full guide — What is a SWIFT Code? Complete Guide
What About UK Sort Codes?
If you're dealing with UK domestic transfers, you'll encounter sort codes — 6-digit codes formatted as XX-XX-XX that identify a specific UK bank and branch. Sort codes are used for Faster Payments, BACS Direct Debits, and CHAPS high-value transfers within the UK.
A sort code looks like this: 20-00-00 (Barclays)
Free tools:
👉 Validate and look up UK sort codes — UK Sort Code Lookup — covers 9,272 UK sort codes
👉 Full guide — What is a Sort Code? Complete Guide
What About BIN Numbers and Card Validation?
If you're a developer building payment systems, you'll also deal with BIN numbers — the first 6–8 digits of any card number that identify the issuing bank, card network, card type and country.
Free tools:
👉 BIN Checker — look up any BIN number instantly
👉 Credit Card Validator — validate card numbers using the Luhn algorithm
👉 Free BIN Lookup — no signup, no limits
👉 Visa BIN Checker · Mastercard BIN Lookup · Amex BIN Lookup · Discover BIN Lookup
👉 Full guide — What is a BIN Number? · How BIN Lookup Works
When Do You Need Each One?
Receiving a salary from a US employer (you're outside the US):
→ Give them your IBAN + your bank's SWIFT code
Sending money from the US to Europe:
→ You need the recipient's IBAN + their bank's SWIFT code
Setting up direct deposit with a US bank:
→ Routing number + account number
Paying an overseas supplier:
→ Their IBAN (if European) or account number + SWIFT code
Receiving a UK domestic bank transfer:
→ Sort code + account number
Processing a payment card online:
→ BIN lookup + card validation
All Free Tools in One Place
CardValidator Pro covers everything — free, no signup, no limits:
Banking tools:
IBAN Validator — 80+ countries
ABA Routing Number Lookup — 19,500 US banks
SWIFT Code Lookup — 112,165 codes, 192 countries
UK Sort Code Lookup — 9,272 UK sort codes
Card tools:
BIN Checker — all card networks
Credit Card Validator — Luhn algorithm
Free BIN Lookup — no registration
Visa BIN Checker · Mastercard · Amex · Discover · JCB · UnionPay · Diners Club
By region:
UK BIN Checker · US BIN Checker · Indian Bank BIN Checker
Learn:
What is a BIN Number?
What is an IBAN?
What is a SWIFT Code?
What is a Routing Number?
What is a Sort Code?
Visa Card Types · Mastercard Card Types
How BIN Lookup Works
Building a payment system or have a specific scenario you're unsure about? Drop it in the comments.
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