Where to find your bank's SWIFT Code

Your bank's SWIFT code is an eight or eleven-character identifier that tells international payment systems which bank to send money to. You can find it in four places: your bank's website (usually under "International Transfers" or "Wire Instructions"), your monthly bank statement, a call to your bank's customer service line, or a letter from your bank that came with your account opening materials.

The fastest route is your bank's website. Log in to your online banking portal and look for a section labeled "Wire Instructions," "International Transfers," or "SWIFT Information." Many banks display it prominently because they know customers need it regularly. If you cannot find it there, search the bank's main website for "SWIFT code" — most banks have a dedicated page.

If you do not have online access or prefer to call, your bank's customer service team can give you the code in under a minute. Have your account number ready when you call, though you do not need to provide it — the code is the same for all customers at your bank, regardless of account type.

Key Takeaways

  • Your bank's SWIFT code is the same for all customers and all account types at that bank, so you only need to find it once.
  • The fastest source is your bank's website, usually under a section labeled "Wire Instructions" or "International Transfers."
  • Your monthly bank statement or account opening paperwork often includes the SWIFT code without you having to search for it.
  • If you cannot locate it online, calling your bank's customer service line will get you the code within minutes.

What a SWIFT code looks like

A SWIFT code has either eight or eleven characters and follows a predictable pattern. The first four letters are your bank's code, the next two letters are your country code, the next two are a location code, and the last three (if present) identify a specific branch. For example, a SWIFT code might look like CHAUSUSXX (Chase Bank in the United States) or CHAUSUSNYXXX (Chase Bank in New York specifically).

The eight-character version (called the "bank code") works for most international transfers because it routes money to your bank's main processing center. The eleven-character version (called the "branch code") specifies an exact location and is sometimes required by the sending bank or the receiving country. If you are unsure which one to provide, ask the person or organization sending you money — they will tell you which format they need.

Finding your SWIFT code on your bank statement

Many banks print the SWIFT code directly on your monthly statement, usually in a section labeled "Account Information" or "Wire Instructions" near your routing number and account number. Check the first or last page of your statement before you search online or call.

If your statement does not include it, you may have an older account or a bank that does not print it routinely. In that case, your bank's website or a phone call is your next step. Do not assume the code has changed — it has not. Your bank's SWIFT code remains the same from year to year.

Using your bank's website to locate the code

Log into your online banking portal and look for a link or menu item related to international transfers, wire instructions, or account information. The exact wording varies by bank — some use "Send Money Internationally," others use "Wire Transfer Instructions," and still others use "SWIFT and Routing Information."

If you cannot find it in your account dashboard, go to your bank's main website (not the login portal) and use the search function to look for "SWIFT code." Most banks have a public page that lists this information without requiring you to log in. This page often includes instructions for international transfers as well, which can be helpful if you are sending money abroad.

Calling your bank for the SWIFT code

The customer service number is on the back of your debit card, on your bank statement, or on your bank's website. When you call, tell the representative you need your bank's SWIFT code for an international transfer. They will give it to you immediately — this is one of the fastest customer service calls you can make.

You do not need to provide personal information beyond confirming you are a customer. The SWIFT code is public information that does not change based on your account. If the representative asks for your account number, you can provide it, but it is not necessary for them to give you the code.

SWIFT codes for major U.S. banks

If you need the code right now and cannot reach your bank, here are the eight-character SWIFT codes for some of the largest U.S. banks. These are the main codes used for most international transfers:

Bank NameSWIFT Code
Chase BankCHAUSUSXX
Bank of AmericaBOFAUS3X
Wells FargoWFBIUS6S
CitibankCITIUS33
U.S. BankUSBKUS44
PNC BankPNCCUS33
TD BankTDOMCATT
Capital OneCOUSUSX1

If your bank is not on this list, use the search methods above. Smaller regional banks and credit unions have their own SWIFT codes, and your bank's website or customer service line will have the correct one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the SWIFT code the same as the routing number?

No. Your routing number is a nine-digit code used for domestic transfers within the United States. Your SWIFT code is used for international transfers. They are different numbers, and you may need both depending on where the money is going. Your bank can provide both if you ask.

Do I need the eleven-character SWIFT code or the eight-character one?

Most of the time, the eight-character code works fine. Ask the person or organization sending you money which format they need — they will know based on their bank's system. If they do not specify, start with the eight-character version.

Can I use someone else's bank's SWIFT code if they use the same bank as me?

Yes. If you and another person both have accounts at Chase, for example, you both use the same SWIFT code. The code identifies the bank, not the individual account. The receiving bank uses your account number (which you provide separately) to deposit the money into your specific account.

What if I cannot find my bank's SWIFT code anywhere?

Call your bank's customer service line. This is the most reliable method if online searches do not work. Have your account number ready, though you may not need to provide it. The representative can confirm the code in under a minute.

Does the SWIFT code change if I move to a different branch?

The eight-character code stays the same. If you need the eleven-character branch code for a specific location, that may change if you move branches, but most international transfers use the eight-character code, which does not change.