A SWIFT code is an 8 or 11-character identifier that banks use to send money internationally

A SWIFT code (also called a BIC code) is a standardized bank identifier used for international wire transfers. When you send money from a U.S. bank to an account outside the country, the sending bank uses the recipient's SWIFT code to route the payment to the correct financial institution. The code tells the banking system which bank to send the money to and, in some cases, which branch.

SWIFT stands for Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication. It is not a payment system itself — it is a messaging network that banks use to communicate transfer instructions to each other. Your bank uses your SWIFT code the same way a postal service uses a ZIP code: to make sure the money reaches the right destination.

Unlike a routing number, which is specific to U.S. domestic transfers, a SWIFT code works across borders and is recognized by banks worldwide. If you are receiving a refund, tax payment, or insurance settlement from abroad, or sending money internationally, you will need to provide a SWIFT code.

Key Takeaways

  • A SWIFT code is an 8 or 11-character code that identifies a specific bank or branch for international transfers.
  • SWIFT codes are required for wire transfers between countries but not for domestic U.S. transfers, which use routing numbers instead.
  • You can find your bank's SWIFT code on your bank's website, by calling the bank directly, or by searching an online SWIFT directory.
  • The first four characters identify the bank, the next two identify the country, and the remaining characters identify the branch or location.

How a SWIFT code is structured

SWIFT codes follow a consistent format that tells the receiving bank exactly where to send the money. An 8-character code is the minimum; an 11-character code includes the branch location.

Here is how the characters break down:

  • Characters 1–4: The bank code — a four-letter abbreviation of the bank's name.
  • Characters 5–6: The country code — the two-letter ISO code for the country where the bank is located (for example, US for United States, GB for United Kingdom, CA for Canada).
  • Characters 7–8: The location code — identifies the city or region where the bank's main office is located.
  • Characters 9–11 (optional): The branch code — identifies a specific branch if the transfer is going to a particular location rather than the main office.

For example, a SWIFT code for a major U.S. bank might look like CHASUS33 (8 characters) or CHASUS33XXX (11 characters). The first four letters identify the bank, the next two (US) identify the United States, and the remaining characters pinpoint the location.

When you need a SWIFT code versus a routing number

The key difference is geography. A routing number is used only for transfers within the United States — between U.S. banks or from a U.S. bank to another U.S. bank. A SWIFT code is used for international transfers, meaning money moving from one country to another.

If you are receiving a tax refund from the IRS, a state tax authority, or an insurance company within the United States, you will not need a SWIFT code. You will need your routing number and account number instead. However, if you are receiving a refund from a foreign government, a foreign employer, or an international organization, you will need to provide your bank's SWIFT code along with your account number.

Some banks require both pieces of information for international transfers. When in doubt, ask your bank which identifier the sending institution needs. Providing the wrong code will delay the transfer or cause it to be rejected and returned to the sender.

How to find your bank's SWIFT code

Your bank's SWIFT code is public information and is easy to locate. Start with your bank's official website — most banks list their SWIFT code in the international wire transfer section or in the FAQ about sending money abroad. Look for a page titled "International Transfers," "Wire Transfer Information," or "SWIFT Code."

If you cannot find it online, call your bank's customer service line and ask for the SWIFT code. Have your account number ready, though you do not need to provide it — the SWIFT code is the same for all customers at that bank (or for a specific branch if you are using an 11-character code). You can also search online SWIFT directories such as swift.com or bankswiftcodes.com, which maintain searchable databases of codes by bank and country.

Write down the code exactly as it appears. SWIFT codes are case-insensitive, but accuracy matters — a single wrong character can route the money to the wrong bank or branch. If you are unsure, verify the code with your bank before giving it to the sender.

What happens if you provide the wrong SWIFT code

If the SWIFT code is incorrect, the sending bank's system may reject the transfer outright, or the money may be routed to the wrong financial institution. In either case, the transfer will be delayed. The sending bank will typically return the funds to the sender, who then has to resubmit with the correct information.

This process can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on how quickly the error is caught and how the sending bank handles reversals. If you are waiting for a refund and suspect the SWIFT code was wrong, contact your bank immediately with the sender's name and the approximate transfer date. Your bank can investigate whether the money arrived at another institution and help retrieve it.

To avoid this problem, always confirm the SWIFT code with your bank before the sender initiates the transfer. If the sender asks you for your SWIFT code, verify it yourself rather than relying on memory or an old document.

SWIFT codes for U.S. banks receiving international transfers

If you have a U.S. bank account and are receiving money from abroad, your bank will have a SWIFT code. U.S. banks use SWIFT codes for international incoming transfers, even though domestic transfers use routing numbers. The SWIFT code format for U.S. banks always includes "US" in positions 5–6.

Large U.S. banks such as Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, and Citibank all have published SWIFT codes. Smaller regional banks and credit unions also have SWIFT codes, though they may be less commonly known. If you bank at a smaller institution, the SWIFT code may be harder to find online, which is why calling your bank directly is often the fastest route.

Some international senders may ask for an IBAN (International Bank Account Number) instead of or in addition to a SWIFT code. The United States does not use IBANs — that system is standard in Europe and some other regions. If a foreign sender asks for an IBAN, explain that U.S. banks use SWIFT codes and routing numbers instead, and provide those two pieces of information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a SWIFT code the same as a routing number?

No. A routing number is used for domestic U.S. transfers only, while a SWIFT code is used for international transfers. Both identify a bank, but they serve different purposes and are formatted differently. A routing number is nine digits; a SWIFT code is 8 or 11 characters.

Do I need a SWIFT code to receive a domestic tax refund?

No. U.S. tax refunds from the IRS or state tax authorities use routing numbers and account numbers, not SWIFT codes. You only need a SWIFT code if you are receiving money from outside the United States.

Can I use the same SWIFT code for all international transfers?

Yes, as long as you are using the same bank account. Your bank's SWIFT code does not change based on who is sending you money or what the transfer is for. However, if you have multiple accounts at different banks, each bank will have its own SWIFT code.

What if my bank does not have a SWIFT code listed online?

Call your bank's customer service line and ask directly. Every bank that handles international transfers has a SWIFT code, even if it is not prominently displayed on the website. Credit unions and smaller regional banks sometimes require a phone call to retrieve this information.

Can the sender use my SWIFT code to access my account?

No. A SWIFT code only identifies which bank to send money to — it does not grant access to your account. You need your account number and routing number (or IBAN in some countries) to complete a transfer, and even then, the sender cannot withdraw money or view your balance. A SWIFT code is public information.