IBAN, SWIFT and routing numbers: understanding international banking codes

9 digits. IBAN, SWIFT and routing numbers, international payment systems use different identifiers. Here is what each means for your LLC.

The US routing number has 9 digits, the Spanish IBAN has 24 characters, and the SWIFT code runs 8 to 11 — all three are needed at once on any international transfer with your LLC.

IBAN, SWIFT, and Routing numbers: international payment systems use different identifiers in different countries. Understanding them prevents payment errors and ensures your money arrives quickly. Here's what each one is and when you need which.

Routing Number (ABA Number)

What it is: A 9-digit code identifying a US bank in the ACH and wire transfer systems.

When you use it: For receiving US domestic payments (ACH transfers and domestic wires).

Mercury's routing number: 117201490 (Mercury's partner banks (Choice Financial Group / Evolve Bank & Trust)ing partner)

Important: Mercury has two routing numbers — one for ACH and one for wire transfers. They may be different. Check your Mercury account area for the specific wire routing number.

Format: Always 9 digits, example: 117201490

Account Number

What it is: The specific number identifying your account at the bank.

When you use it: Combined with the routing number for ACH and domestic wire transfers.

For Mercury: You receive a unique account number when your account is approved. Never share this publicly, only with specific clients who need to pay you.

SWIFT/BIC Code

What it is: An 8-11 character code identifying a bank for international transfers. "SWIFT" (Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication) and "BIC" (Bank Identifier Code) are the same thing.

When you use it: For receiving international wire transfers from outside the US.

Mercury's SWIFT details: Mercury uses Column NA's SWIFT code for incoming international transfers. The specific code is provided in your Mercury account settings.

Format: Usually looks like "ABCDUS33". first 4 letters are bank code, next 2 are country code (US), last 2 are location code.

IBAN (International Bank Account Number)

What it is: A standardized international account number format used primarily in Europe, Middle East, and other regions.

The important thing to know: The US does not use IBAN. US banks have routing numbers + account numbers instead of IBANs.

For your Mercury account: There is no IBAN. If someone asks for your IBAN and you're providing Mercury details, explain that US banks use routing number + account number instead.

If you need an IBAN: Wise Business provides IBAN account numbers in EUR, GBP, and other currencies. If European clients prefer to send to an IBAN, give them your Wise IBAN, then convert and send to Mercury.

Providing payment details: the cheat sheet

To receive USD via ACH from US clients:

• Bank name: Mercury's partner banks (Choice Financial Group / Evolve Bank & Trust)
• Routing number: 117201490
• Account number: [your Mercury account number]
• Account type: Checking

To receive USD via domestic wire:

• Bank name: Column NA
• Routing number (wire): [see Mercury settings]
• Account number: [your Mercury account number]

To receive USD via international wire:

• Bank name: Column NA
• SWIFT/BIC: [see Mercury account settings]
• Routing number: [see Mercury settings]
• Account number: [your Mercury account number]
• Bank address: Mercury's partner bank as shown in your Mercury settings (typically Choice Financial Group, Fargo, ND or Evolve Bank & Trust, West Memphis, AR)

To receive EUR, GBP, etc, from European clients:

• Use your Wise Business IBAN for that currency
• Convert to USD and send to the US operating account through the available domestic rail after checking current terms

Number formats that send payments to the wrong rail

• Giving ACH routing number for wire transfers: They can be different. Check Mercury settings.
• Providing IBAN when asked for routing number: The US doesn't use IBAN. Provide routing + account number.
• Sharing account details publicly: Only share with specific clients who need to pay you.
• Not specifying bank address for international wires: Always include "Mercury's partner bank as shown in your Mercury settings (typically Choice Financial Group, Fargo, ND or Evolve Bank & Trust, West Memphis, AR)" for international wires.

Quick reference table

How each payment method works in practice

Receiving a wire from a US client

1. Client asks for your payment details
2. You share: Bank name (Mercury/Column NA), Routing number, Account number, LLC name
3. Client initiates domestic wire ($0 fee on your end)
4. Funds arrive same day or next business day
5. Mercury sends you push notification

Receiving an international wire from a European client

1. Client asks for payment details
2. Option A: Share Mercury SWIFT details (USD wire, 1-3 days, client pays ~$25-50 in bank fees)
3. Option B: Share Wise EUR account details (client pays locally in EUR, you convert to USD at 0.4% fee)
4. Option C: Send Stripe invoice (client pays by card, 2.9% + $0.30 fee, funds arrive in 2 days)
5. Best option depends on amount: wires for $5K+, Stripe for smaller amounts

Collecting via Stripe payment link

1. Create payment link in Stripe account (amount, description, currency)
2. Share link with client via email
3. Client pays with card in their local currency
4. Stripe converts to USD and deposits to Mercury in 2 business days
5. Net received: invoice amount minus 2.9% + $0.30 (+ 1.5% for international cards)

If something in this structure left you wanting more detail, <a href="/en/blog/ach-vs-wire-llc-payment-timing-and-cash-flow">ACH vs wire transfer: payment timelines and what they mean for your LLC cash flow</a> and <a href="/en/blog/scale-your-digital-business-cleanly-with-a-us-llc">How to scale your digital business with a US LLC</a> dive into neighbouring pieces of the puzzle we usually keep for separate write-ups.

Payment method decision matrix

At Exentax we configure all your collection channels from day one and prepare a payment details sheet you can share with clients. Book your strategic consultation.

Choose the identifier from the payment route

IBAN, SWIFT and routing are not technical decoration; each identifier changes what you can receive, from where and with what traceability:

• Mercury: useful when the LLC needs US account and routing details, but it does not replace understanding when an IBAN, SWIFT/BIC or local account number is actually required by the payer.

Payment identifiers look technical, but they affect real operations: how money arrives, how banks read the transfer and how the company explains its account stack. Clean payment architecture starts by knowing which rail you are actually using.

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• Mercury: as a US account, it helps explain routing and account numbers, but it does not give the LLC a European IBAN. Match the rail to the payer before promising collection details.

• Payoneer operates through European entities (Payoneer Europe Ltd, Ireland) that are also in scope for CRS for clients resident in participating jurisdictions.

Place IBAN, SWIFT and routing numbers in the payment map

Thousands of freelancers and entrepreneurs already operate their US LLC legally, with documentation and a clear compliance file. At Exentax we handle the entire process: formation, banking, payment gateways, bookkeeping, <a href="https://www.irs.gov" target="_blank" rel="noopener">IRS</a> filings and compliance in your country of residence. Book a strategic review and we will tell you honestly whether the LLC makes sense for your case, with no absolute promises.

IBAN, SWIFT and routing numbers are not interchangeable labels. The right rail depends on account jurisdiction, currency, counterparty, settlement time, compliance review and how the payment will be documented.

_More on this topic: LLC in the United States: complete guide for non-residents._

How Exentax chooses the right banking identifier for each payment

At Exentax, IBAN, SWIFT, routing number and account number are not treated as vocabulary trivia. We map which rail the client actually needs, which entity holds the account, what the payer can send, and how the movement will be documented before recommending a banking setup.