Tilinumerointi

Tilinumerointi refers to the system of numbering bank accounts within a financial institution. In Finland, the standard for account numbers has evolved over time, but a common structure has been in place for many years. These numbers are crucial for facilitating financial transactions, ensuring that funds are directed to the correct recipient.

The typical Finnish account number consists of a series of digits, often grouped into parts. The initial digits usually identify the bank, followed by a number that uniquely identifies the customer's account. This structure allows for efficient processing of payments by both banks and the clearing house systems.

For many years, Finnish account numbers followed a specific format, often consisting of 14 digits. The first two digits identified the bank, and the subsequent digits were used for the account itself. However, with the advent of the IBAN (International Bank Account Number) system, Finnish account numbers have been standardized to conform to this international format.

IBAN provides a consistent way to identify bank accounts across different countries, simplifying international transactions. A Finnish IBAN starts with the country code "FI" followed by a check digit, then the bank code, and finally the original account number. This standardization has made cross-border banking more streamlined and secure. While the underlying account number still exists, the IBAN is now the primary identifier used for international transfers.