Skip to main content

IBAN's and routing codes

The International Bank Account Number (IBAN) is an international standard for identifying bank accounts across national borders. It was originally adopted by the European Committee for Banking Standards, and was later adopted as an international standard. There is enough information in an IBAN to identify the bank and account number.

For example for Great Britain an IBAN would look like GBkk BBBB SSSS SSCC CCCC CC where:

  1. GB identifies the country
  2. B = alphabetical bank code,
  3. S = sort code (often a specific branch),
  4. C = account No.

So the IBAN of GB29 NWBK 6016 1331 9268 19 indicates:

  1. Sort Code of 601613
  2. Account Code of 31926819

In this instance the Sort Code is also a routing number.

A routing code is more a United States and Canada term but it is possible to do European payments with a routing code and account number combination. Other words for routing code could be Transit Number, ABA, Fedwire Number, and Sort Code.

So what to use?

If you have an IBAN use this. If you only have a routing code and account number it is possible to use this and still have the payment settle successfully (but generally only to the United States and Canada).

Westpac Privacy Statement

Privacy Statement (for individuals whose personal information may be collected - in this clause referred to as "you"). All personal information we collect about you is collected, used and disclosed by us in accordance with our Privacy Statement which is available at Privacy Statement or by calling us through your relationship manager or Westpac representative. Our Privacy Statement also provides information about how you can access and correct your personal information and make a complaint. You do not have to provide us with any personal information but, if you don't, we may not be able to process an application or a request for a product or service.