Transfer without IBAN: These tricks are still possible

From February 1st, 2016 there is an IBAN obligation: transfers without the 22-digit IBAN are then no longer possible. But at many banks you can trick and still make your transfers without the long IBAN. We show how it's done.

Make transfers without IBAN: No problem for many banks

• As of February 1, 2016, no transfer will be possible without an IBAN. Nevertheless, you can still transfer money without having to enter the 22-digit IBAN. The tricks are completely free and are already used by many bank customers.
• At Sparkassen and Volksbanken, the anti-IBAN strategy is called "QR code". ING Diba, DKB and the Volks- und Raiffeisenbanken offer a "photo proof". Deutsche Bank customers can use the "Smart Transfer". If you use PayPal, you only need an email address.
• We will explain all anti-IBAN strategies to you in the next sections.

Transfer without IBAN: Volksbanken and Sparkassen offer QR codes

1. You will find a QR code on many invoices. If you scan with the VR app (Android and iOS) or the Sparkassen app (Android and iOS), you can pay the amount directly.
2. All necessary data is stored in the QR code: IBAN of the recipient, amount and purpose.
3. For security, you only have to enter the TAN to legitimize the transfer.

Instead of IBAN: Photo transfer - works at ING DiBa, DKB, Commerzbank and the Volks- und Raiffeisenbanken

When transferring with a QR code, you always need to have a QR code on the invoice. Photo transfer, on the other hand, is more practical and even more convenient:

1. With the apps from ING DiBa (Android and iOS), Commerzbank (Android and iOS) or DKB (Android and iOS), you only have to photograph the transfer form or the invoice. The Volksbank also plans to introduce the method this year.
2. The app recognizes all the information you need and enters it in the transfer form.
3. Then you only have to confirm the transfer.
4. Tip: Some multibanking apps also master transfers via QR code or photo transfers - for example the "Outbank DE" app for iOS.

Pay bills like a boss: Deutsche Bank brings a secretary

With SmartBanking, a secretary takes care of typing the invoice details for you:

1. You simply have to drag the invoice as a PDF into a folder in the Deutsche Bank banking portal - done.
2. Other file formats are also no problem: you simply copy the entire text and paste it at Deutsche Bank.
3. Whether PDF or inserted text - the Deutsche Bank tool reads the required information from the invoice and enters it in the transfer form. Then you only have to approve the transfer.

Transfer money without IBAN: PayPal makes proofs easier

• Reimburse money for the grandson's birthday or expenses? Private transfers also work without an IBAN - namely with PayPal.
• In this guide, we show step by step how to transfer money with PayPal. All you need is an email address.
• The service is currently free and also works with a smartphone.

On the next page we show you 7 tips for secure online banking.