What is IBAN Discrimination?

IBAN discrimination is when local service companies and even governmental institutions, from city councils to a Ministry’s office, can claim that they are incapable of receiving any payment from you from your EU account.

It is a more common phenomenon than it may seem, especially in some EU countries.

This discrimination is especially annoying when it affects your business. Either because you want to set a payment for temporary services (Eg. a coworking fee) or one-off charges (Eg. a new laptop).

The good news is that this discrimination is illegal, and this is what you can do:

• Inform them that they are obliged to accept the IBAN of any other SEPA country.
• Ask for the complaints form or file a formal written complaint.
• If everything else fails, you can submit a case thanks to the initiative created by Wise called “Accept my IBAN”.
• Finally, there are companies that can help you take legal action against the discriminating business or entity.

Updated on: 21/11/2023