What is a CLABE?
A CLABE stands for Clave Bancaria Estandarizada, which means "Standardised Banking Code" in Spanish.
- A CLABE is an 18-digit number used to identify a bank account in Mexico.
- It is made up of numbers only.
- A CLABE identifies the recipient’s bank, branch and account. This means you usually do not need a separate bank code or branch number for payments to a Mexican bank account.
When you'll need a CLABE in Send
You may be asked for a CLABE when adding a recipient with a bank account in Mexico. You'll need a CLABE regardless of the currency you're sending.
What does the code mean?
A CLABE is always 18 digits.
It includes:
- A short bank code (the digits that identify the bank).
- A short branch code (the digits that identify the branch).
- An account number (the digits that identify the account).
- A final check digit used to validate the code.
This breakdown is included for general reference only. You do not need to split the CLABE into separate parts when entering it in Send.
Enter the full 18-digit CLABE exactly as your recipient provides it.
Always 18 digits
A CLABE is always 18 digits. If the number you've been given is shorter or longer, it may not be a CLABE.
For example:
- A 16-digit number is usually a debit or credit card number ("número de tarjeta").
- A shorter number may be the bank's own internal account number.
If you are unsure, ask the recipient for their CLABE interbancaria (18 digits).
What you'll need to send money to Mexico
Send supports international transfers to Mexico in MXN, AUD, USD, GBP and EUR.
When adding a recipient in Mexico, you may need:
- The recipient's CLABE (18-digit account code).
- The recipient's full residential address.
- The recipient's bank's SWIFT/BIC code (an 8 or 11 character code that identifies the bank). For details, see Information on SWIFT BIC numbers.
- Any other information needed by Send
Use the details provided by your recipient and follow the on-screen prompts in Send.
Where to get the CLABE
Your recipient is the best person to provide this code. If they aren't sure where to find it, common sources include:
- Their online banking. Most Mexican banks show the CLABE in the account details section, often under headings such as "CLABE interbancaria", "Datos de la cuenta", or "Transferencias".
- A recent bank statement. The CLABE is usually printed near the account holder's name and account number.
- Their bank directly.
Steps to adding a recipient’s CLABE
Step 1: Open the Add recipient screen
- Log in to your Send account.
- Go to the Recipients page.
- Select Add recipient.
- Select Mexico as the recipient's country.
[Suggested visual: add a screenshot showing the matched bank name and country appearing under the CLABE field after a valid code is entered.]
Step 2: Enter the CLABE
Type the 18-digit code into the CLABE field.
- Enter the CLABE exactly as your recipient has provided it.
- Take care to copy every character without adding spaces at the start or end.
- Don't add spaces or dashes.
Step 3: Check the codes match
Before continuing, check that the CLABE matches the details provided by your recipient.
You should also check the recipient’s name, address and any other bank details before saving.
What happens next
Send may check that the CLABE is in the correct format.
This format check does not confirm that the account belongs to the recipient or that all recipient details are correct.
Incorrect or incomplete recipient details may delay the payment or cause it to be rejected or returned.
For more information, see Can you confirm account details are correct?
Common questions
My code is only 16 or 17 digits
A CLABE is always 18 digits.
- A 16-digit number is usually a debit or credit card number ("número de tarjeta"), not a CLABE.
- A shorter number may be the bank's own internal account number, not a CLABE.
- Ask the recipient for the CLABE interbancaria (18 digits).
I have a card number (Tarjeta), not a CLABE
Send needs a CLABE to pay to a Mexican bank account. A debit or credit card number cannot be used.
- Ask your recipient to find the 18-digit CLABE in their online banking, bank statement or by contacting their bank.
The recipient gave me a SWIFT code instead of a CLABE
For payments to Mexican bank accounts, Send requires the recipient’s CLABE.
- Ask the recipient for their 18-digit CLABE and follow the fields shown in Send
For more on SWIFT codes, see Information on SWIFT BIC numbers.
I entered the CLABE but the payment was rejected or returned
A payment may be rejected or returned for different reasons, including incorrect or incomplete recipient details.
- Check the CLABE and other recipient details with the recipient.
- If your payment has been returned, contact our support team for help with the next steps.
Is the CLABE the same as a SWIFT code, IBAN, or BSB?
No. They identify different things:
- A CLABE is used for bank accounts in Mexico.
- A SWIFT/BIC code identifies a bank for international payments.
- An IBAN is used in many countries to identify a specific account.
- Routing, sort, and BSB codes are domestic banking codes used in specific countries.
For details on the other codes, see:
- Information on SWIFT BIC numbers
- CBU codes (Argentina)
- IBAN (Multiple countries)
- Clearing Codes (Multiple countries)
- Account number (New Zealand)
- ABA codes (United States)
- Account type (India)
- Agency codes (Brazil)
- Bank code (South Africa)
- Sort numbers (United Kingdom)
- Can you confirm account details are correct?
- How to add a new recipient
Contact us
Call Us
Phone: 1800 982 418
International: +61 7 5619 5700
Hours: 8:30am - 5:30pm AEST/AEDT, Monday - Friday