How To Fix BF00038 - Bank key in table BNKA contains invalid characters

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: BF00 - FI: Application base reports

• Message number: 038

• Message text: Bank key in table BNKA contains invalid characters

What causes this issue?

The bank key in table BNKA contains characters that are not allowed for
this program. The bank key may only be a numerical value.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message BF00038 - Bank key in table BNKA contains invalid characters ?

  The SAP error message BF00038 indicates that there is an issue with the bank key in the table BNKA (which stores bank master data). Specifically, the error suggests that the bank key contains invalid characters that are not acceptable according to the system's validation rules.
  Cause:
  
  Invalid Characters: The bank key may contain special characters, spaces, or other non-alphanumeric characters that are not allowed.
  Incorrect Format: The bank key may not conform to the expected format for bank keys in your country or region.
  Data Entry Error: The bank key may have been entered incorrectly during data entry or data migration processes.
  
  Solution:
  
  Check the Bank Key: Review the bank key in the BNKA table to ensure it only contains valid characters. Typically, bank keys should consist of numeric characters or specific alphanumeric formats depending on the country.
  Correct the Format: If the bank key is in the wrong format, correct it to match the expected format for your region. For example, in some countries, bank keys may need to be a specific length or follow a specific pattern.
  Data Validation: Implement data validation checks during data entry to prevent invalid characters from being entered in the future.
  Use Transaction Codes: Use transaction codes like FI01 (Create Bank) or FI02 (Change Bank) to enter or modify bank data correctly.
  Consult Documentation: Refer to SAP documentation or your organization's guidelines for the correct format and valid characters for bank keys in your specific context.
  
  Related Information:
  
  Table BNKA: This table contains bank master data, including bank keys, bank names, and other relevant information.
  Country-Specific Formats: Different countries have different formats for bank keys (e.g., IBAN, BIC). Ensure you are aware of the specific requirements for your country.
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or updates related to bank key validation that may provide additional insights or solutions.
  
  If the issue persists after checking and correcting the bank key, consider reaching out to your SAP support team or consulting with an SAP expert for further assistance.