Can you get an IBAN with TD Bank? A closer look

An International Bank Account Number (IBAN) is a bank code used to identify cross-border payments. You can use an IBAN to receive money in euros without an intermediary.

However, you can’t get an IBAN at TD Canada Trust®.¹ We’ll take a look at some helpful alternatives, including how to send money to and from Europe.

We’ll also look at Wise – your digital money transfer partner, which offers you an IBAN in Canada when you opt for EUR account details. Let’s dive in!

What is an IBAN and why do Canadians need one?

Getting an IBAN can help you send money to and from Europe, including payments in countries like Turkey, Norway and Germany. Let’s take a closer look.

Why you might want an IBAN in Canada

You may want an IBAN to:

• make direct payments to and from Europe
• pay international suppliers
• send money in euros – avoid hefty exchange rate costs

Canada hasn’t yet adopted the IBAN transfer system, which means you may need to use an intermediary to send and receive money to Europe from Canada. This can be a little inconvenient!

Does TD Canada Trust provide an IBAN?

You can’t get an IBAN at TD Canada Trust. However, you can still use your TD Bank account to send money to and from Europe. Let’s take a closer look.

IBAN availability at TD Bank

TD Bank doesn’t issue IBANs. Instead, you’ll get a Bank Identifier Code (BIC) or SWIFT code to help identify your account and receive money from abroad.

Unlike IBAN, SWIFT is used to pinpoint a bank and branch, rather than an individual account. Both are used for global transactions, but they contain different information and serve different functions.

How to send or receive EUR payments via TD

You can send a EUR payment via TD Bank using TD Global Transfer. This service lets you send money to over 150 countries and territories in 1 to 5 business days.²

However, you’ll pay exchange rate costs and hidden fees to use Global Transfer. For example, TD charges its own exchange rate to convert your US dollars into euros. This may include a markup on the standard rate.²

You can also open a TD Bank account in euros. This account costs 1.75 EUR per month. You won’t be able to deposit or withdraw euros from your account – you can only use it to issue drafts and make or receive transfers.³

Alternatives to TD Bank for accessing an IBAN in Canada

There are a few alternative ways to get your IBAN in Canada. You can open a foreign-currency account with an international bank, for example.

You can also use a money transfer provider like Wise to get an IBAN. Open a multi-currency account to send and receive direct payments in euros.

This can help you save on currency conversion fees – and you can make quick payments in Europe, the EU and further afield.

How to use Wise to get an IBAN and receive EUR in Canada

You can use your Wise account to get an IBAN. This is an easy way to receive euros into your digital account.

Simply follow these steps to get an IBAN in Canada:

Step 1. Navigate to “Add another currency to your account”
Step 2. Open a EUR balance
Step 3. Select “Get your account details”
Step 4. Follow the on-screen prompts to verify your account

Share your IBAN with others to receive euros into your EUR account – all without paying hidden fees for your transfers.

What Wise offers for business and personal customers:

• Low-fee multi-currency transfers to 160 countries
• Advanced security features, including 2-factor authentication
• Spend in over 150 countries using your physical or virtual Wise card

Wise Business benefits:

• Connect accounting software like QuickBooks® and Xero®
• Track all your transactions in one place
• Send batch payments to clients and suppliers

Whether you’re sending money to France or paying suppliers in the UK, use Wise to get your own IBAN and start paying people across the world.

Fees and considerations: TD vs Wise for international EUR transfers

Let’s take a look at how much it costs to use TD Bank vs Wise to send EUR payments to Europe and the EU.

TD vs Wise for EUR transfers

Transaction speed claimed depends on funds availability, approval by Wise’s proprietary verification system and systems availability of our partners’ banking system, and may not be available for all transactions

Conclusion

TD Bank doesn’t offer IBANs, which can be inconvenient if you want to send and receive direct transfers in Europe.

Use a digital money transfer provider like Wise to get your own IBAN. You can receive easy EUR payments in your digital account – all at the mid-market exchange rate.

To explore your global spending options, check out Wise.

Sources:

1. TD Bank - What is the TD Bank IBAN code for a foreign wire?
2. TD Bank - TD Global Transfer
3. TD Bank - Navigate international transactions with ease