What is an IBAN and why do I need one?
International Bank Account Numbers (IBAN) is a system of identifying bank accounts across national borders. An IBAN helps to facilitate international transactions and are required by certain payment providers (such as Apple) to receive payouts.
How do I find my IBAN?
Most banks display your IBAN in your online account or mobile app. If you can't find your IBAN, contact your bank and they can provide it to you.
Bank accounts without IBAN
Whilst most major banks support IBAN, there are a few that don't. Fortunately there are a few options.
Can I use a different bank account?
Yes, you can use a different bank account. Many other banks support IBAN, so if you have another account this is the easiest way to get around the issue. You can change the bank account connected for payments by following these steps:
Log in to App Store Connect.
Click the Business module.
Select the entity you wish to update.
In the Bank Accounts section, click the plus button to add a new account or on the existing account to edit your banking information.
Complete the process outlined by Apple and remember to save at the end.
Can I generate an IBAN?
Yes, for bank accounts without IBAN you will need to use generate it using an IBAN calculator or use a money transfer service as an intermediary. Either of these options should work, but they come with different levels of risk.
What is an IBAN calculator?
In certain regions your bank is required to assign your account an IBAN, but they may not display it if they are not fully connected to international payment networks such as SWIFT. This is because banks that are not connected to those payment networks cannot guarantee your payments will arrive on time, or at all. If you plan on using a calculator, please proceed with caution and use a reputable calculator such as Wise.
Can I use a money transfer service to generate an IBAN?
Some money transfer services can generate an IBAN for you, allowing you to receive payments from Apple and then send it securely to your account. If your bank does not provide you with an IBAN they will likely have a preferred partner to generate one, for example Monzo partners with Wise.
Money transfer services can incur additional set up costs, though some transfer costs can be lower than traditional banks. Unfortunately you wont receive this benefit for your app payouts as currencies are converted by Apple before transferring to you in your currency.
Warning
We've used Wise as an example of a money transfer service with low fees. This is not an endorsement of Wise and we receive no referral fee from them. Our advice is to speak to your bank to find out if you have an IBAN or if they have a preferred money transfer partner before proceeding.