What is the difference between UETR and TRN?
A UETR (Unique End-to-end Transaction Reference) is a 36-character global identifier that travels with the payment through every bank in the chain. A TRN (Transaction Reference Number) is a bank-specific reference assigned by each individual bank — different at the sender's bank, the correspondent, and the beneficiary's bank. For end-to-end tracking, always use the UETR.
Details
UETR — 36 characters, hex, format 8-4-4-4-12. Generated by the originating bank and mandatory on every SWIFT payment since November 2018. Found in MT103 field 121 / pacs.008 <UETR>. The same UETR works at every bank in the chain.
TRN — bank-assigned, typically up to 16 characters, format varies by bank. Found in MT103 field 20 (Sender's Reference) or pacs.008 <EndToEndId> / <InstrId>. Each bank in the chain may have its own TRN for the same payment.
When you track on Ohmyfin, you can paste either a UETR or a bank reference. The UETR gives you the full end-to-end status across the chain. The TRN may only return the leg known to that specific bank.
If you only have a TRN and no UETR, ask the sender's bank to look up the corresponding UETR — every TRN at the originating bank maps 1-to-1 to a UETR.
Key facts
- UETR = global, 36 chars, same across all banks
- TRN = bank-specific, ~16 chars, different at each bank
- UETR = MT103 field 121; TRN = MT103 field 20
- Always prefer UETR for end-to-end tracking
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between UETR and TRN?
A UETR (Unique End-to-end Transaction Reference) is a 36-character global identifier that travels with the payment through every bank in the chain. A TRN (Transaction Reference Number) is a bank-specific reference assigned by each individual bank — different at the sender's bank, the correspondent, and the beneficiary's bank. For end-to-end tracking, always use the UETR.
Is Ohmyfin tracking really free?
Yes. Ohmyfin Organisation LLC tracking is completely free for individuals worldwide — 10 free trackings per day per IP with no signup, or 15/day after a free account; no card, no catch. Ohmyfin Organisation LLC never charges individuals.
Do I need a bank login to use Ohmyfin?
No. Ohmyfin queries the SWIFT GPI network directly via the UETR — no credentials at any bank required.
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