There are several reasons why you may need to find your counter code. Whether you’re sending money to celebrate a friend’s birthday, help out your family or support someone travelling around another country, you always need certain details to ensure the money transfer is successful. One of these is your bank counter code.
Although a bank counter code may sound confusing, it’s actually very straightforward. This is simply a number assigned to a specific bank branch. It makes it easy to identify which bank is used for your financial transfers.
Bank counter codes are important to properly track your finances. They’re also essential for some types of money transfers.
This guide explains how to find your counter code, when you need to use one and why they’re so important.
In this article
- What is a counter code?
- Why do you need a counter code?
- How to find the counter code
- FAQs and guides
What is a counter code?
A counter code is an important identifier when you make a money transfer – both within France and internationally. Also referred to as a branch code, it’s a selection of numbers used to identify two important things:
- The name of your bank.
- The specific branch where you first opened your account.
The counter code is made up of five numbers that form part of an IBAN (International Bank Account Number). An IBAN contains up to 34 characters that identify individual bank accounts across the world – in France, an IBAN has 27 digits.
For example, a French IBAN:
- FR 14 20041 01005 0500013M026 06
The counter code is 01005 in this IBAN.
The counter code identifies the particular branch that manages your financial accounts. It helps differentiate between branches in the same region.
Does a counter code vary between countries?
Yes, counter codes are different in each country. For example, in the UK it consists of a string of six numbers, whereas in France it’s only made up of five numbers.
Why do you need a counter code?
The purpose of a counter code is to identify the branch that manages your accounts. It refers to an individual bank counter and is a vital piece of information for certain money transfers. You may need this code to make both domestic and international money transfers.
Your counter code is included in your bank identity statement (RIB). This statement is a document containing your account number, sort code and IBAN. You often require it to make payments, cash deposits, and pay bills.
To send money online, in person or via an app, for both domestic and international money transfers in France, you need an IBAN. This will include your branch code, essential to make these money transfers.
Your branch code is important when making money transfers in the SEPA (Single Euro Payments Area) zone. There are 36 countries in total – the 27 members of the European Union (EU) and nine non-EU countries and territories, including:
- Switzerland
- Norway
- Iceland
- Monaco
- Liechtenstein
- San Marino
How to find the counter code
Whether you want to transfer money to family, send a gift, or pay someone overseas, it’s useful to know how to find your counter code. This helps you quickly transfer money when required. Knowing where to locate the branch code may save you precious time and make it easier to send and receive money from your loved ones.
It’s simple to find your counter code. Contact your bank advisor and request the code or try to locate it yourself. Download your bank details via your online banking account or check your bank’s website or app for more information. Remember to check your account statements and cheque book too.
You can also find your counter code within your IBAN number, or on your RIB statement. Look in your cheque book or visit your online banking account to find your RIB.
FAQs and guides
- IBAN number in France
- Send a money order
- How to make a bank transfer
