New to Spain and often find yourself puzzled by a string of letters and numbers when trying to make or receive a bank transfer? What are IBAN, BIC, and SWIFT? It can feel more complicated than a math problem. But don’t worry, today we’re going to break down what these Spanish bank codes are all about. We guarantee you’ll have it all figured out by the end!
What are IBAN and BIC/SWIFT?
Simply put, these two codes are like an ‘international ID’ for your bank account, primarily used for bank-to-bank transfers, especially cross-border ones.
IBAN
IBAN stands for International Bank Account Number. In Spain, an IBAN is a 24-character code starting with ES. Its purpose is to precisely identify your individual bank account for transfers within the European Union. The format is typically:
ES + 2 check digits + 4-digit bank code + 4-digit branch code + 2 control digits + 10-digit account number
The account number you usually see in your banking app or online portal is your full IBAN. When transferring money to someone, you can’t afford to get a single digit wrong!
BIC / SWIFT Code
BIC, also known as a SWIFT Code, is the bank’s ‘international identifier,’ mainly used for international wire transfers to identify a specific bank. It consists of 8 or 11 characters. For example, CaixaBank’s is CAIXESBBXXX. If you’re receiving a wire transfer from abroad (e.g., from your home country), the sending bank will definitely ask for this code.
How to Find Your Bank Codes?
Finding your own IBAN and BIC/SWIFT is actually very simple. Here are a few ways:
- Log into your mobile banking app or online banking: This is by far the easiest and quickest method. You can usually find your IBAN and the bank’s BIC/SWIFT clearly listed on your account details page.
- Check your bank statements: Your monthly bank statements will clearly list your complete account information, including your full IBAN. This is a fundamental piece of information among all Spanish bank codes.
- Ask at the bank counter: If you’re not comfortable with the two methods above for finding your Spanish bank codes, simply go to a branch. Bring your residence card (TIE/NIE) and bank card, and the staff will help you find the information and print it out for you.
Quick Reference Chart for BIC/SWIFT Codes of Common Spanish Banks
To make things easier, I’ve compiled a list of BIC/SWIFT codes for major Spanish banks. Do note, however, that the code for a specific branch may differ slightly, but using the main code for international transfers is generally acceptable. These are some of the most common Spanish bank codes you’ll need.
| Bank Name | BIC / SWIFT Code |
|---|
| CaixaBank | CAIXESBBXXX |
| Santander | BSCHESMMXXX |
| BBVA | BBVAESMMXXX |
| Sabadell | BSABESBBXXX |
| Bankinter | BKBKESMMXXX |
| ING | INGDESMMXXX |
P.S. The information above is compiled from online sources and personal experience and is for reference only. When making a transfer, always confirm the details with the information provided in your banking app or on official bank documents! I hope this guide helps everyone, so you won’t have to stress about bank codes anymore! If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment below for discussion.
