Where to find your SWIFT code

Your bank's SWIFT code is an eight or eleven-character identifier that tells international money transfer systems which bank you use and where. You can find it in three places: your bank's website (usually under "international transfers" or "wire instructions"), a call to your bank's customer service line, or your most recent bank statement.

The fastest route is your bank's website. Search for "SWIFT code" or "international wire instructions" on their site, and you will see it listed alongside routing numbers and other wire details. If your bank operates in multiple countries, make sure you are looking at the code for the specific branch or country where your account is held.

If you cannot find it online, call your bank's main customer service number and ask for the SWIFT code associated with your account. Have your account number ready. Some banks also print it on statements or in account documentation mailed to you.

Key Takeaways

  • SWIFT codes are eight or eleven characters long and identify your specific bank and branch for international transfers.
  • Your bank's website is the fastest source; look under international transfers, wire instructions, or SWIFT/BIC code sections.
  • If you cannot find it online, call your bank's customer service line with your account number ready.
  • SWIFT codes vary by country and sometimes by branch, so confirm you have the code for the correct location.
  • You will need your SWIFT code when sending or receiving money internationally, but not for domestic transfers within the United States.

SWIFT codes versus routing numbers

A routing number is used for domestic transfers within the United States. A SWIFT code is used for international transfers. They serve different purposes and are not interchangeable.

If you are sending money to someone in another country or receiving money from abroad, you need the SWIFT code. If you are transferring money between two accounts in the United States, you need only the routing number and account number. Some banks list both on their wire instruction pages so you can grab whichever one you need.

What information you need to provide with a SWIFT code

A SWIFT code alone is not enough to complete an international transfer. You will also need the recipient's full name, account number, and the amount being sent. Some countries require additional information such as an IBAN (International Bank Account Number) or a bank address.

When you initiate an international transfer through your bank, the form will ask for all required fields. Your bank can tell you what information is needed for the specific country you are sending to. Different countries have different standards, so do not assume the same details work everywhere.

How SWIFT codes are structured

A SWIFT code breaks down into four parts. The first four characters are the bank code (letters only). The next two characters are the country code (letters only). The next two characters are the location code (letters and numbers). The final three characters, if present, identify the specific branch (letters and numbers).

For example, a SWIFT code might look like CHASUS33NYC, where CHAS is the bank, US is the country, 33 is the location, and NYC identifies the New York City branch. If a code has only eight characters, it refers to the bank's main office rather than a specific branch.

Finding a SWIFT code for a bank in another country

If you need to send money to someone at a bank outside the United States, you can find their SWIFT code using the same methods: their bank's website, a call to their bank, or a SWIFT code directory online. Many international banks list their SWIFT codes prominently on their websites under international transfer information.

SWIFT code directories exist online, but verify the code with the recipient's bank directly before sending money. A wrong SWIFT code can delay a transfer or send it to the wrong institution. Ask the person receiving the money to confirm their bank's SWIFT code rather than relying on a directory alone.

What to do if your bank does not have a SWIFT code

Most banks in developed countries have SWIFT codes. However, some smaller banks, credit unions, or banks in certain countries may not participate in the SWIFT network. If your bank does not have a SWIFT code, ask your bank whether they can process international transfers through a correspondent bank.

A correspondent bank is a larger institution that handles international transfers on behalf of smaller banks. Your bank can provide you with the correspondent bank's SWIFT code and instructions for routing money through that institution. This adds a step to the process but allows you to send and receive international transfers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a SWIFT code the same as a BIC code?

Yes. BIC stands for Bank Identifier Code, and SWIFT code and BIC code refer to the same thing. Banks and transfer services use both terms interchangeably. When a form asks for a BIC code, provide your SWIFT code.

Do I need a SWIFT code to receive money from abroad?

Yes. The person sending you money will need your bank's SWIFT code, your account number, and your full name. Provide all three pieces of information to anyone sending you an international transfer.

Can I use the same SWIFT code for all my accounts at the same bank?

Usually yes, but confirm with your bank. If all your accounts are at the same branch, they share one SWIFT code. If you have accounts at different branches or in different countries, each may have a different code. Check your bank's wire instructions for each account.

What happens if I use the wrong SWIFT code?

The transfer may be delayed, rejected, or sent to a different bank. Contact your bank immediately if you realize you used an incorrect code. They can attempt to recall the transfer or redirect it to the correct institution, but this is not always possible.

How long does an international transfer take with a SWIFT code?

Most international transfers take three to five business days, though some may take longer depending on the receiving country and bank. Weekends and holidays can add time. Your bank can give you a more specific timeline based on the destination country.