BLZ vs BIC
The BLZ is a national (Germany) bank code; the BIC is an international one. This guide explains the difference and the relationship between them.
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Quick answer
The BLZ is a national (Germany, 8 digits) bank code; the BIC is an international (8/11 character) one.
A German bank has both a BLZ and a BIC, and it is possible to reach the BIC from the BLZ. Within Germany the BLZ is used; for international transactions the BIC is used.
Two concepts that people interested in German bank codes often confuse are the BLZ and the BIC. Both identify a bank, but at different levels. In this guide we clarify the difference and the relationship between them.
The basic difference: national vs international
| Feature | BLZ | BIC |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Germany only (national) | International |
| Length | 8 digits (numeric) | 8 or 11 characters |
| Published by | Bundesbank (Germany's central bank) | SWIFT / ISO |
| Where it is used | Within Germany, in the German IBAN | International/SWIFT transactions |
The relationship: from BLZ to BIC
A German bank has both a BLZ and a BIC, and they are linked to each other. It is possible to find the bank from the BLZ, and from there the BIC. To do this, use the BLZ lookup tool to find the bank name and BIC from a BLZ, or the German IBAN parser tool to see the BLZ, account number and bank information directly from the IBAN. For more information about the BLZ itself, see What is a BLZ; for the BIC, see What is a BIC.
Which do you use when?
For transactions within Germany, the BLZ (and account number) was traditionally used; today this has largely been replaced by the IBAN. For international or SWIFT transactions, a BIC is needed. In SEPA payments the IBAN alone is often enough; a BIC is requested only in some situations.
Summary
The BLZ is a national (Germany only, 8 digits) bank code, while the BIC is an international (8/11 character) one. A German bank has both, and it is possible to reach the BIC from the BLZ. Within Germany the BLZ/IBAN is used; for international transactions the BIC is used.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a BLZ and a BIC?
The BLZ (Bankleitzahl) is an 8-digit national bank code valid only within Germany. The BIC is an international bank code (8 or 11 characters). A German bank has both a BLZ and a BIC.
Can a BIC be found from a BLZ?
Yes. For German banks it is possible to reach the BIC from the BLZ. Our BLZ lookup or German IBAN parser tool does this.
Which one should I use?
For transactions within Germany, the BLZ (or IBAN) is enough; for international/SWIFT transactions the BIC is used. In SEPA, the IBAN alone is often enough.
Sources
Confidence is graded from A (official document) to E (unverified).
Bankleitzahlen (BLZ) data file
Deutsche Bundesbank (Germany's central bank)
- Document date:
- 2025
- Last checked:
- 2026-07-16