Hi,
I am trying to submit a compensation request for a train delay online with the Deutsche Bahn. I purchased the tickets online from the US. For the compensation it is asking for IBAN/BIC numbers. I have a US bank account. I am still in Germany.
Can anyone help?
Thanks,
Mary
Certainly in Europe, all banks have IBAN/BIC numbers which enable international payments to be made.
The US does not use this system. Give them your bank's SWIFT code and account number instead.
My bank, (Charles Schwab Bank, in the US), has specific instructions for such transfers that are perhaps a little more complicated than simply replacing IBAN with Swift code. I suggest that you do an internet search for “Your Bank Name IBAN.” Chances are you will find instructions from your bank. Comply with those instructions.
Look into how much your bank is going to charge you for an incoming wire transfer. It may not be worth it. I received a $7 refund in Italy for the train and then got charged $15 from my US bank.
Hi Mary,
Last September, we had a couple trains cancelled by DB. I went to one of the DB ticket offices and asked about the same issue as you, not having an IBAN. They said if I did not have an IBAN, there was not another solution. I searched around online and found similar conclusions. Our trip insurance ended up covering those loses. Perhaps trip insurance will cover your delays. Sorry to not have a solution for you!
Look into setting up an account with Wise, especially if you expect any Euro transactions in the future.
Wise accounts come with an IBAN number you can use for transfers.
Look into how much your bank is going to charge you for an incoming wire transfer. It may not be worth it. I received a $7 refund in Italy for the train and then got charged $15 from my US bank.
I would second double checking this. My bank also have pretty higher fees for incoming transfers, luckily I have friends in Germany and just had them send refunds to the and we settled up later with some beer.
DJ
