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Posted on Oct 17, 2025
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Key Takeaways
HDFC Bank does not use IBAN Numbers for international transactions since India follows the SWIFT code system instead.
IBAN (International Bank Account Number) is mainly used in Europe, the Middle East, and parts of Africa.
To receive international payments in India through HDFC Bank, you’ll need details like SWIFT code, account number, and branch address, not an IBAN.
Infinity simplifies cross-border payments for Indian businesses, making it faster and easier than traditional banking routes.
When you're dealing with international payments, whether you're sending money abroad or receiving it from overseas clients, banking codes become very important. They're what help banks figure out exactly where the money needs to go across different countries. A lot of people get confused between IBAN numbers and SWIFT codes, and it's easy to see why—the whole system can feel pretty overwhelming, especially when you're just trying to get paid or pay someone.
If you have an account with HDFC Bank, one of India's most trusted private banks, it's worth understanding how IBANs work and why India doesn't actually use them. Getting a handle on this can save you from unnecessary headaches, awkward conversations with clients, and those frustrating payment delays that nobody wants to deal with.
What is an IBAN Number?
An IBAN (International Bank Account Number) is a standardized code that identifies your bank account for international transactions. Think of it as your account's global address—it tells banks exactly where to send your money, no matter which country is involved.
Your IBAN combines several elements: a two-letter country code, two check digits for verification, your bank's identifier, and your account number. Together, they create a unique code like GB29NWBK60161331926819 for the UK or DE89370400440532013000 for Germany.
More than 70 countries use IBANs, including all EU nations, the UK, Switzerland, and Middle Eastern countries like the UAE and Saudi Arabia. The system is also growing in popularity across Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
IBANs really simplify international payments. Instead of dealing with different account formats for every country, you've got one code that works everywhere. Banks know exactly where to send your money, so there are fewer errors, faster transfers, and way less stress. Whether you're getting paid by overseas clients, shopping internationally, or sending money to family abroad, your IBAN just makes it happen without the usual cross-border hassles.
Does HDFC Bank Use IBAN Numbers?
No, HDFC Bank doesn't use IBAN numbers because India hasn't adopted the IBAN system. Instead, Indian banks, including HDFC, rely on SWIFT/BIC codes for international transactions, which is the standard format used across most of Asia, the Americas, and other non-IBAN regions.
IBANs make international money transfers so much easier by acting like a universal ID for your bank account. It’s a simple, standardized code that tells banks exactly where your money needs to go, no matter which country you’re dealing with. That means fewer errors, faster transfers, and way less stress.
Whether you’re getting paid by overseas clients, shopping from international stores, or sending money to family abroad, your IBAN quietly does all the hard work to make sure your funds reach the right place without any hassle.
Read more: How to Receive International Payments with HDFC Bank
Essential Information Required for Receiving International Payments in HDFC Bank
When someone's sending you money from abroad through HDFC Bank, you'll need to give them a few key details to make sure everything goes through smoothly.
Here's what they'll need:
Your Account Details: Share your complete HDFC Bank account number, and triple check it before sending. One wrong digit and your money could get stuck or even land in the wrong account.
HDFC Bank's SWIFT Code: This is the unique ID for HDFC Bank in the international banking system. It varies by branch, so confirm the exact code from your bank or account statement.
Bank Name and Branch Address: Provide the full bank name (HDFC Bank) and your specific branch address so the payment gets routed correctly.
IFSC Code: While this is primarily used for domestic transfers in India, some international banks may ask for it as additional verification. Your IFSC code is an 11 character code that identifies your specific branch.
Your Name: This should match exactly as it appears on your bank account. Any mismatch can trigger security holds or rejection of the transfer.
Beneficiary Address: Some banks require your residential address for compliance and verification purposes.
It's always a good idea to contact your HDFC branch directly or check your online banking portal to gather all this information accurately before sharing it with someone sending you money from abroad.
How to Receive International Payments in Your HDFC Bank Account Without an IBAN Number?
Receiving money from abroad into your HDFC Bank account is straightforward, even without an IBAN. All you need to do is share a few key details with the person or business sending you the payment:
Your Full Name: Make sure it matches exactly as it appears in your HDFC Bank records to avoid any processing delays.
HDFC Bank Account Number: Your complete account number is essential for the funds to reach you correctly.
Branch Address: Provide the full address of your HDFC Bank branch where your account is held.
SWIFT Code: This is the international identifier for HDFC Bank. The code may vary depending on your branch or region, so check with your bank to get the right one.
Purpose Code: This is required under RBI regulations to specify the reason for receiving the payment, such as freelance income, business services, or personal remittances.
IBAN Number vs SWIFT Code: Understanding the Difference
Both IBAN and SWIFT codes play crucial roles in international money transfers, but they serve distinct purposes. Here's how they differ:
Feature | IBAN Number | SWIFT Code |
Purpose | Identifies a specific individual bank account | Identifies the bank itself during global transfers |
Used In | Europe, Middle East, and parts of Africa | Globally, including India and most countries worldwide |
Format | Up to 34 alphanumeric characters | 8 or 11 alphanumeric characters |
Example | GB33BUKB20201555555555 | HDFCINBBXXX |
To put it simply, the IBAN tells the banking system exactly which account the money should land in, while the SWIFT code tells it which bank that account belongs to. When sending money internationally, you might need one or both, depending on which countries are involved in the transaction.
Read more: Is IFSC and SWIFT code same?
HDFC Bank SWIFT Code for International Payments
When receiving international payments, you'll need to provide HDFC Bank's SWIFT code. The standard SWIFT code for HDFC Bank is HDFCINBB.
Here's a more natural, conversational version:
Some branches actually use a longer version of the SWIFT code with three extra letters tacked on at the end. These help pinpoint the exact branch location within HDFC's network. So you might see things like:
HDFCINBBXXX for certain branches
HDFCINBBCAL for branches in Kolkata
HDFCINBBBOM for Mumbai branches
HDFCINBBDEL for Delhi branches
Before you give out your SWIFT code to someone who's sending you money, it's worth double-checking which one your specific branch uses. You can usually find it on your bank statement, in your online banking portal, or just give customer service a quick call to confirm. Better to be sure than to deal with delayed payments later
This code is what ensures your international payment is routed correctly through HDFC Bank's global network, making sure the money reaches your account securely and without delays.
How Infinity Helps You Receive International Payments Without an IBAN?
Infinity makes getting paid from abroad genuinely easy. No confusing hoops to jump through, no crazy fees, and you stay compliant without having to stress about it. Here's what makes it different:
Lowest Transaction Fee
Just 0.5% per transaction, and that's it. No surprise currency conversion charges or hidden fees popping up down the line.
Fastest Settlement
Your money shows up within 24 hours instead of the usual 2 to 5 day wait you'd deal with through traditional banks.
Automatic FIRC Generation
Every time you receive money, your FIRC (Foreign Inward Remittance Certificate) gets generated instantly and for free. You stay on the right side of RBI rules without any hassle.
Multi-Currency Support
Get paid in over 50 different currencies from clients around the world, all managed through one simple multi-currency account.
No IBAN Required
Infinity handles all the complicated banking stuff in the background, so your clients abroad can pay you without getting confused by account codes and formats.
Infinity is designed to handle global payments much faster and with way more transparency, minus the usual banking headaches. It's really about making things smoother for you so you can spend less time dealing with payment logistics and more time actually doing your work.
Conclusion
So, bottom line: even though HDFC Bank doesn't use IBAN numbers, receiving international payments is pretty straightforward. As long as you've got the correct SWIFT code and the necessary paperwork in order, your money should reach you just fine.
That said, if you're a freelancer working with clients abroad, an exporter dealing with international buyers, or running a business with customers around the world, you might notice that traditional banking can feel a bit slow and tedious. That's where platforms like Infinity can make a real difference.
