RIB, IBAN…deciphering your bank details

IBAN, RIB, SWIFT… the abbreviations used in the banking world can be confusing. But don’t worry! N26 is here to help you decipher the various elements used to identify your bank account.
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What is a RIB?

A RIB (“relevé d'identité bancaire” in French) is a document that has information about a person’s identity and bank details. Your RIB lets you share your bank details with others—for example, so that you can receive transfers or pay bills by direct debit
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How do I get a RIB?

Traditionally, you would request a RIB over the counter at your local bank branch or from the dedicated machines in your local branch. However, it’s becoming more common for customers to download an RIB from their bank's website and print it off themselves. If you have an N26 account, you can get your RIB by going to the web app and generating your RIB in PDF format from there.
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What is included in my bank details?

Bank Code

The bank code is used to distinguish one banking establishment from another. It consists of five digits—these are the first five numbers of your IBAN.

Branch Code

The branch code is used to identify the various branches operated by a single bank. It also consists of five digits.

Account Number

This is the number that is used to identify your bank account within your bank’s systems. It usually consists of 11 digits.

RIB Key

This is a two-digit number between 01 and 97 that comes after your bank account number. The RIB key is used to validate your account number.

What is the difference between a RIB and an IBAN?

IBAN stands for “International Bank Account Number.” It’s a sequence of letters and numbers that is used to identify a bank account and the bank account holder and it ensures that money can be securely transferred internationally. A RIB (relevé d'identité bancaire) is a document that is used to identify a specific bank account. Nowadays, “RIB” and “IBAN” are often used interchangeably.

Your RIB and IBAN with N26

Your RIB and IBAN with N26

With N26, you can find your RIB in the web app and you can easily view your IBAN in the My Account tab of the app. You can use your IBAN to receive transfers or your salary, for example, and you can even share it with service providers to set up direct debits for paying your bills!

The N26 account with a French RIB

Now, when you open an N26 account, you’ll get French bank details (known as a RIB) that are valid for all standard banking transactions. With a French IBAN, your N26 account can receive your incoming payments and easily manage all your standing orders and direct debits.
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N26 Standard

The free* online bank account

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€0.00/month

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N26 Smart

The bank account that gives you more control

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€4.90/month

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N26 You

The debit card for everyday and travel

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€9.90/month

  • Up to 5 free withdrawals in the Eurozone

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N26 Metal

The premium account with a metal card

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€16.90/month

  • An 18-gram metal card

  • Up to 8 free withdrawals in the Eurozone

  • Purchase protection

  • Phone insurance

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FAQ

    Your RIB contains both your bank account details and your personal details. Your account number won’t change while your account remains open. If your address changes, you have to let your bank know so that your file can be updated and your most up-to-date details can be entered in your RIB.

    Depending on your bank, you can get your RIB in a number of ways: over the counter at your local bank branch, from the dedicated machines in your local branch, in your checkbook (if you have one), or online in your bank’s web app.

    The easiest way to get your RIB is to download it from your bank’s web app. It will usually be downloaded in PDF format, so you can share it easily if needed.

Premium Insurance package may differ for N26 You, Business You, Metal, and Business Metal customers who have opened their N26 account before 18.04.2023. You can find an overview of those benefits here. By mid-May 2023 all existing N26 You, Business You, Metal, and Business Metal customers will receive individual communication regarding changes to their insurance benefits.