Understand the specific numerical value formats and numbering standards for Spanish banks…
As with most countries in continental Europe, written numerical values in Spain are different from their “Anglo-Saxon” equivalent. Decimal points are represented as commas, whereas the separator for thousands is a full-stop. For example:
- One million euros appears as: €1.000.000,00
- Twenty three point seven percent appears as: 23,7%
Current Account Numbering Standard
Spanish bank account numbers are made up of 20 digits and follow a specific numbering convention. The account details will always appear in this format on bank statements and other documentation.
- Entity (entidad) = The bank with whom the account is held. Always four digits
- Branch (sucursal or oficina) = The number of the branch where the account is held. Always four digits
- Control Digit (Dígito Control, or D.C.) = An internal bank code. Always two digits
- Account Number (número de cuenta) = The personal account number. Always ten digits
IBAN (International Bank Account Number) Numbering Standard
The bank account number will also “convert” to the IBAN standard. IBAN is the globally recognised standard adopted by almost all financial institutions in the world, and is particularly important when making international money transfers. The Spanish IBAN has 24 characters. The number format is as follows (using the above current account number as an example):
- ES66 – 1234 – 0123 – 1201 – 2345 – 6789
The first two digits of the IBAN correspond to the country where the account is held: ES = Spain. The next two digits are calculated internally, based on a pre-determined formula and using the digits that actually comprise the account number. The remaining digits are the bank account number details, separated into “blocks” of four.
This information is usually printed on bank statements. If not, these details are available from the branch, Internet or telephone