This review summarizes research on biostratigraphic application of Carboniferous marine and non-marine bivalves worldwide, with focus at the southern margin of Laurussia and the Palaeotethys. Preliminary and established biostratigraphic zonations based on marine and non-marine bivalves are compiled and, if possible, correlated. Bivalve taxa of potential biostratigraphic significance are discussed and possible limitations of bivalve zonations are outlined. Although marine and non-marine bivalves did not receive primary attention for biostratigraphic purposes, a wealth of as yet idle data exists nearly worldwide, able to assist and complement the more favoured brachiopod, foraminiferid, ammonoid and conodont biozonations.