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Ask for the IBAN instead of converting it yourself

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Illustration with the text “switch to IBAN” where the letters I-B-A-N are each in a green circular area and slightly overlapping; simple, graphic style on a white background.

The Netherlands completed its transition to IBAN on 1 August 2014. Using an IBAN for payments is mandatory for everyone, and banks no longer convert old account numbers automatically. The IBAN BIC Service (www.ibanbicservice.nl) will remain available until 1 March 2015, allowing consumers and businesses to convert an old domestic account number into an IBAN. However, it is better to ask the beneficiary for their IBAN instead of converting an old account number yourself.

Incorrect transfer due to a typing error

Particularly with short legacy account numbers of seven digits or fewer, the IBAN BIC Service may not detect typing errors or other mistakes made by the user. In that case, the converted IBAN will also be incorrect. From 1 October 2014, a warning on the IBAN BIC Service website will draw users’ attention to this risk.

Customers should be aware that they are responsible for entering the correct IBAN when making a transfer. If a mistake is made, they must ask the recipient of the incorrect transfer to return the money. If the money is not returned voluntarily, the bank can assist by providing the name and address of the unintended beneficiary after 21 days.

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