Where to find your SWIFT code right now

Your bank's SWIFT code is an eight or eleven-character identifier that tells international wire transfers which bank to send money to. 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 monthly statement if it lists international transfer details.

The fastest route is your bank's website. Search for "SWIFT code" or "international wire instructions" on their site, and you'll usually land on a page that lists it alongside routing numbers and other transfer details. If your bank doesn't publish it online, call the number on the back of your debit card and ask for the SWIFT code—customer service can tell you in under a minute.

Write down the exact code as it appears. SWIFT codes are case-insensitive, but they must be typed correctly or the transfer will fail or be delayed. If you're sending money internationally and the recipient asks for your SWIFT code, give them your bank's code, not a personal code—individuals don't have SWIFT codes, only banks do.

Key Takeaways

  • Your bank's SWIFT code is an eight or eleven-character code that identifies your bank for international wire transfers.
  • You can find it on your bank's website under international transfer instructions, by calling customer service, or on your monthly statement.
  • SWIFT codes belong to banks, not individuals—you provide your bank's code when receiving international money.
  • The code must be entered exactly as written or the transfer may fail, though the characters are not case-sensitive.

The difference between SWIFT codes and routing numbers

Routing numbers are used for domestic transfers within the United States, while SWIFT codes are used for international transfers. A routing number is nine digits; a SWIFT code is eight or eleven characters. Your bank has both, and they serve different purposes.

When you send money to someone in another country, you need the recipient's bank's SWIFT code. When someone abroad sends money to you, they need your bank's SWIFT code. Domestic transfers—moving money between U.S. banks—never use SWIFT codes at all.

What happens if you give the wrong SWIFT code

If you enter an incorrect SWIFT code, the transfer will either be rejected outright or sent to the wrong bank. Some banks catch the error immediately and return the money to you within a few days. Others may take weeks to figure out the mistake and reverse the transfer.

If money lands in the wrong account, recovering it becomes much harder. The receiving bank has to contact the wrong recipient and ask them to send it back—a process that can take weeks or months if the recipient is uncooperative. Always double-check the SWIFT code before you send.

SWIFT codes for major U.S. banks

Large banks publish their SWIFT codes openly because they receive international transfers constantly. If you bank with one of the largest U.S. institutions, a quick search for "[Bank Name] SWIFT code" will usually show it immediately. Smaller regional banks may not publish theirs online, which is why calling customer service is sometimes faster.

Some banks have multiple SWIFT codes depending on which branch or department handles the transfer. When you call or visit the website, make sure you're getting the code for international wire transfers specifically, not for other banking services.

When you need a SWIFT code versus an IBAN

Outside the United States, many countries use IBAN (International Bank Account Number) instead of or in addition to SWIFT codes. An IBAN is a longer code—up to 34 characters—that includes the country, bank, and account information in one string.

If you're sending money to Europe, the Middle East, or parts of Asia, you may need both the SWIFT code and the IBAN. If you're sending to Canada, Australia, or other countries outside the IBAN system, you'll need the SWIFT code and the recipient's account number. Always ask the recipient which codes they need—they'll know what their bank requires.

How to confirm you have the right code

Before you send a large transfer, send a small test amount first—$10 to $50—and confirm it arrives in the correct account. This costs a few dollars in fees but saves you from discovering a wrong code after sending thousands of dollars.

You can also ask the recipient to confirm the SWIFT code you have. If they're expecting money from you, they can check with their bank to make sure the code matches. This extra step takes five minutes and prevents most transfer errors.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. The person sending you money needs your bank's SWIFT code to route the transfer correctly. Give them your bank's code, not a personal code—you don't have one. They'll also need your account number and possibly your full name and address.

Can I use my routing number for international transfers?

No. Routing numbers work only for domestic U.S. transfers. International transfers require a SWIFT code. If you give someone your routing number for an international wire, the transfer will fail.

What if my bank doesn't have a SWIFT code?

All banks that handle international transfers have a SWIFT code. If your bank says it doesn't, they may not offer international wire services. In that case, you'd need to use a money transfer service like Western Union or a wire transfer specialist.

Is the SWIFT code the same for all branches of my bank?

Usually yes, but not always. Large banks sometimes assign different SWIFT codes to different branches or departments. When you get the code from your bank, confirm it's for international wire transfers specifically, not for other services.

Can someone steal money from my account if they have my SWIFT code?

No. A SWIFT code alone cannot be used to pull money from your account. Someone would also need your full account number, and even then they'd need authorization from your bank. SWIFT codes are meant to be shared—they're public information.