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What is an IBAN number?
4 minutes read
If you've recently opened a French bank account - or you're in the process of setting one up - you'll quickly come across the term "IBAN". It's one of those things that can feel a bit confusing at first, but it's actually quite straightforward once you know what it is and why it matters. Here's everything you need to understand about how it works.
What does IBAN stand for?
IBAN stands for International Bank Account Number. It's a standardised way of identifying bank accounts across international borders, making it easier and more secure to send and receive international payments.
An IBAN consists of up to 34 characters, beginning with a two-letter country code, followed by two check digits, and then a series of numbers (and sometimes letters) that identify your specific bank and account.
For example, a French IBAN will always start with "FR" followed by 25 additional characters. A UK IBAN will begin with "GB" followed by 20 more characters.
It's important to know that the IBAN doesn't replace your regular bank account number — it works alongside it to ensure that international payments are routed correctly.
Why are IBANs important for expats in France?
As a British or Irish expat in France, IBANs are part of everyday banking life. France was one of the early adopters of the IBAN system, and you'll need your French IBAN for a wide range of purposes:
- Receiving salary payments or pension transfers from the UK
- Setting up direct debits for French bills (electricity, insurance, internet, and so on)
- Receiving international money transfers into your French account
- Making payments to other accounts within France and across Europe
The IBAN system was originally developed by the European Committee for Banking Standards to make cross-border payments within Europe simpler and more reliable. Today, more than 75 countries worldwide use the system.
Beyond convenience, IBANs also serve as a security measure. The check digits built into every IBAN help verify that the account details are correct before a transaction is processed, reducing the risk of payments going astray.
Where do I find my IBAN?
Your IBAN will be provided when you open your Britline account. You can usually find it:
- On your bank statements
- In your online banking portal
- On your RIB (Relevé d'Identité Bancaire), a French banking document you'll use regularly
Your RIB is particularly useful in France. You'll be asked to provide it when setting up direct debits, receiving salary payments or giving your bank details to anyone who needs to send you money. It contains your IBAN along with your BIC/SWIFT code.
What's the difference between an IBAN and a SWIFT/BIC code?
While IBANs identify your individual bank account, SWIFT codes (also known as BIC codes - Bank Identifier Codes) identify the bank itself.
SWIFT stands for the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication. It's a global network that enables banks to communicate securely with one another when processing international payments.
When you're making or receiving an international transfer, you'll typically need both your IBAN (to identify your specific account) and your bank's SWIFT/BIC code (to identify the bank). Together, they ensure your money reaches exactly the right place.
Do UK banks use IBANs?
Yes. UK banks do use IBANs for international payments, even though the UK is no longer part of the EU. If you're transferring money from the UK to your French account, you'll need both the UK account's IBAN and the receiving French IBAN.
Some countries, such as the United States and Canada, don't use the IBAN system domestically. However, they still recognise and process payments that include IBANs from other countries. If you ever need to send money to or receive money from these countries, your provider can help you navigate the different requirements.
Making international transfers easier
Having the right account details is the first step towards a smooth international transfer. Once you have your IBAN and SWIFT/BIC codes in order, transferring money between the UK and France becomes straightforward.
With the Britline International Payments Service, you can manage your transfers quickly and easily. Whether you're making a one-off payment, setting up a regular transfer for your mortgage or bills or locking in a rate with a forward contract for a larger purchase.
If you're not sure about any of the details you need, our team is always happy to help. We've been through the same process ourselves and we know that navigating banking across two countries can feel daunting at first. But with the right support, it quickly becomes second nature!
Need help setting up your French bank account or understanding your banking documents? Our English speaking team team is here to support you every step of the way.
CA Britline - the bank that speaks your language
Our friendly and bicultural team of English-speaking advisors have been helping our customers with all their banking needs in France since 1999. Most of the team have lived both in the UK and France, so they can understand what life is like both sides of the Channel.
Feel reassured that you will always have access to real people who understand you and speak your language: Contact our friendly team of English-speaking advisors who will help you set up your bank account including access to BIPS.
We look forward to hearing from you!
First published: 23rd July 2026