A SWIFT code is an 8 or 11-character code that identifies a specific bank branch anywhere in the world

When you send money to someone in another country, your bank needs to know exactly which bank and which branch to send it to. A SWIFT code (also called a BIC code) is the address label for that bank. It works like a postal code for international banking — it tells the sending bank where the money should go.

SWIFT stands for the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication, the organization that assigns and manages these codes. Every bank that handles international transfers has one. If a bank has multiple branches, each branch may have its own SWIFT code, or the bank may use a single code for the whole institution.

You'll need a SWIFT code whenever you receive a wire transfer from outside the United States, or when you send money internationally. It works alongside your account number and routing number — those identify your account within the U.S. banking system, while the SWIFT code identifies your bank to the rest of the world.

Key Takeaways

  • A SWIFT code is an 8 or 11-character identifier that tells international banks which institution and branch to send money to.
  • The first four characters identify the bank, the next two identify the country, and the remaining characters identify the branch or location.
  • You need a SWIFT code to receive international wire transfers or to send money to accounts outside the United States.
  • Your bank can provide your SWIFT code, or you can search for it on your bank's website or through the official SWIFT directory.

How a SWIFT code is structured

SWIFT codes follow a consistent pattern that tells you something about the bank and where it is located. An 8-character code is the minimum; an 11-character code includes additional detail about a specific branch.

Here is how to read one: The first four letters identify the bank itself. The next two characters are the country code (for example, US for the United States, GB for the United Kingdom, CA for Canada). The next two characters identify the city or region where the bank is located. If the code is 11 characters long, the final three characters identify a specific branch.

For example, a SWIFT code might look like CHASUS33 (8 characters) or CHASUS33XXX (11 characters). The first four letters tell you which bank it is, US tells you it is in the United States, and the remaining characters narrow it down further. The XXX at the end of an 11-character code often means the main office or headquarters.

Where to find your bank's SWIFT code

Your bank can tell you your SWIFT code in seconds. Call the customer service number on the back of your debit card or credit card, or log into your online banking account and look for international transfer information. Many banks list their SWIFT code on the wire transfer or international payment page.

If you cannot find it online or by phone, you can search the official SWIFT directory at swift.com. Type in your bank's name and location, and the directory will return the correct code. You can also ask your bank to provide it in writing if you need it for a formal document.

When someone sends you money from abroad, they will ask you for your SWIFT code along with your account number. Make sure you give them the code for the specific branch where your account is held, not just any code for your bank. If the codes differ between branches, using the wrong one could delay the transfer.

SWIFT codes versus routing numbers

A routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies your bank within the U.S. banking system. A SWIFT code does the same thing, but for international transfers. They serve the same purpose in different contexts.

When you receive a domestic wire transfer from another U.S. bank, the sending bank uses your routing number. When you receive a wire transfer from a bank in another country, that bank uses your SWIFT code. Some banks use the same underlying number for both, but formatted differently — your routing number might be the last nine digits of your SWIFT code, or it might be completely separate.

You do not need to choose between them or convert one to the other. If someone is sending you money from within the United States, give them your routing number. If they are sending from outside the United States, give them your SWIFT code. Your bank can tell you both.

What information you need to receive an international wire transfer

To receive money from abroad, you will need to provide the sender with several pieces of information. The sender's bank will ask for all of it before processing the transfer.

You need your SWIFT code, your account number, and your full name as it appears on your account. Some banks also ask for the name and address of your bank branch. A few banks ask for an IBAN (International Bank Account Number) instead of or in addition to the account number — this is more common in Europe. Ask your bank which information the sender should request.

Write down all of this information and double-check it before giving it to the sender. A single wrong digit in your account number or SWIFT code can send the money to the wrong bank or the wrong account, and recovering it takes weeks.

How long an international transfer takes with a SWIFT code

A SWIFT transfer typically takes three to five business days, though it can take longer depending on the banks involved and whether the transfer crosses multiple time zones. The sending bank initiates the transfer, which then moves through one or more intermediary banks before reaching your bank.

Each bank in the chain must process the transfer during its business hours. If the sending bank is in Asia and your bank is in the United States, the transfer may sit in a queue overnight before your bank even receives it. Weekends and holidays add extra days.

Some banks offer faster international transfers using services like SWIFT Express, but these usually cost more. Ask your bank whether a faster option is available if you need the money urgently.

What can go wrong with a SWIFT transfer

The most common problem is a typo in the SWIFT code or account number. If the code is wrong, the sending bank may reject the transfer before it leaves, or it may send the money to a different bank entirely. If the account number is wrong, your bank may reject it or send it to the wrong account holder.

If money lands in the wrong account, recovery is difficult. The receiving bank has to contact the account holder and ask them to return it voluntarily, or the sending bank has to file a formal dispute. This process can take weeks or months. Always verify the SWIFT code and account number with your bank before giving them to a sender.

Another issue is intermediary banks. If the sending bank and your bank do not have a direct relationship, the transfer may route through one or more intermediary banks. Each intermediary may take a cut of the transfer as a fee, and each one adds a day or two to the timeline. Ask your bank whether there is a direct route available.

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 are used interchangeably. SWIFT is the organization that assigns them, so SWIFT code is the more common term in the United States.

Do I need a SWIFT code to send money internationally?

Yes, if you are sending money to a bank account outside the United States, you will need the recipient's SWIFT code. You will also need their account number and full name. Your bank can walk you through the process.

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

No. Each account holder needs to provide their own SWIFT code and account number. Using someone else's code will send the money to their account, not yours. Always use the code for your own bank and branch.

What if my bank does not have a SWIFT code?

Nearly all banks that handle international transfers have a SWIFT code. If your bank says it does not, it may not offer international wire transfers, or it may use a different system. Ask whether they can receive money from abroad and what information the sender needs to provide.

Can I look up someone else's SWIFT code?

Yes, you can search the SWIFT directory at swift.com if you know their bank name and location. However, you should always ask the person directly for their SWIFT code and account number rather than looking it up yourself, to avoid sending money to the wrong place.