A SWIFT code is an eight or eleven-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 (Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication) is the international standard way to identify that destination. It works like a postal address for banks — it tells the sending bank where the money should go.
SWIFT codes are used only for international transfers, not for domestic ones within the United States. If you are sending money to a U.S. account, you use a routing number instead. But if the recipient's bank is outside the U.S., you will need their SWIFT code.
The code itself is made up of letters and numbers in a specific pattern. An eight-character code identifies the bank and country. An eleven-character code adds the specific branch location. For example, a SWIFT code might look like CHASUS33 (eight characters) or CHASUS33XXX (eleven characters, with the branch code at the end).
Key Takeaways
- A SWIFT code identifies a specific bank or bank branch internationally, similar to how a routing number works for U.S. transfers.
- SWIFT codes are required only for international wire transfers; domestic U.S. transfers use routing numbers instead.
- The code breaks down into four parts: a four-letter bank code, a two-letter country code, a two-letter location code, and optionally a three-character branch code.
- You can find a bank's SWIFT code on their website, by calling them, or through an online SWIFT code directory.
- Providing an incorrect SWIFT code can delay your transfer or send money to the wrong bank, so verify it before sending.
How a SWIFT code breaks down
Each SWIFT code follows the same structure, and understanding it helps you verify you have the right one. The first four characters are the bank code — letters that identify the bank itself. The next two characters are the country code — the ISO two-letter code for the country where the bank is located (for example, GB for the United Kingdom, DE for Germany, JP for Japan).
The next two characters are the location code, which identifies the city or region where the bank's main office is. The final three characters, if included, are the branch code — they identify a specific branch of that bank. Many banks use XXX as a placeholder for the branch code if they do not require a specific branch to be named.
For example, in the code DEUTDEDD500, DEUT is the bank code (Deutsche Bank), DE is Germany, DD is Dresden, and 500 is the specific branch. If you see DEUTDEDDXXX, the XXX means no specific branch is required — the transfer will go to Deutsche Bank's main processing center in Germany.
Where to find a SWIFT code
The easiest place to find a SWIFT code is to ask the person receiving the money. They can get it from their bank statement, their online banking portal, or by calling their bank directly. Most banks print the SWIFT code on statements or make it visible in the account details section of their website.
You can also search for it yourself using an online SWIFT code directory. Websites like swift.com (the official SWIFT organization) and third-party directories let you search by bank name and country. Type in the bank name and location, and the directory will return the correct code.
If you are sending money through your own bank, you can also ask your bank's wire transfer department. They can look up the recipient's SWIFT code for you and verify it is correct before the transfer goes through. This is a good safeguard — your bank can catch errors before money leaves your account.
SWIFT codes versus routing numbers
In the United States, domestic transfers use a routing number instead of a SWIFT code. A routing number is nine digits and identifies a U.S. bank or credit union. It works the same way as a SWIFT code — it tells your bank where to send the money — but it is only used within the U.S. financial system.
If you are sending money to another U.S. bank account, you provide the routing number and account number. If you are sending money internationally, you provide the SWIFT code and the account number (or IBAN, which is the international account number format used in many countries outside the U.S.).
Some international transfers require both pieces of information. For example, if you are sending money to a European bank, you might need to provide the SWIFT code and the IBAN. Always ask the recipient or your bank which information they need for the specific transfer you are making.
What happens if you provide the wrong SWIFT code
If you enter an incorrect SWIFT code, the transfer may be delayed or sent to the wrong bank entirely. Your bank will attempt to route the money based on the code you provided, and if that code does not match a real bank or branch, the transfer can get stuck in the system.
In some cases, the receiving bank will reject the transfer and send it back to your bank, which then returns it to you. This process can take several days to several weeks. During that time, your money is in limbo, and you may be charged a fee by your bank for the failed transfer.
To avoid this, always double-check the SWIFT code before you send the transfer. Verify it with the recipient, confirm it on the bank's official website, or ask your bank to look it up for you. Taking an extra minute to verify the code can save you time and money.
SWIFT codes for major international banks
Different banks have different SWIFT codes, and large banks often have multiple codes for different branches or departments. Here are examples of SWIFT codes for some major international banks, though these can vary by branch and location:
| Bank Name | Country | Example SWIFT Code |
|---|---|---|
| HSBC | United Kingdom | HBKAGB |
| Deutsche Bank | Germany | DEUTDE |
| ING | Netherlands | INGBNL |
| Barclays | United Kingdom | BARSGB |
| BNP Paribas | France | BNPAFRPP |
These are examples only and may not be current or complete. Always verify the SWIFT code with the bank directly or through an official SWIFT directory before sending money. Bank codes change, and using an outdated code can cause delays.
SWIFT codes and wire transfer fees
International wire transfers that use SWIFT codes typically cost more than domestic transfers. Your bank may charge a flat fee (often $15 to $50 depending on the bank), a percentage of the amount sent, or both. Some banks also charge a fee to receive international transfers on your behalf.
The SWIFT code itself does not determine the fee — the fee is set by your bank based on their pricing for international transfers. However, providing the correct SWIFT code ensures the transfer goes through on the first attempt, which means you avoid paying extra fees for a failed or delayed transfer.
Before you send an international transfer, ask your bank what fees apply and whether there are ways to reduce them. Some banks offer lower rates for larger transfers or for transfers to certain countries. Getting this information upfront helps you understand the true cost of sending money internationally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a SWIFT code to receive money from abroad?
No, you do not need to do anything. The person sending you money will need your SWIFT code and your account number (or IBAN if you have one). You provide this information to them, and they give it to their bank. Your bank receives the money automatically once the transfer clears.
Can a SWIFT code change?
SWIFT codes are generally stable, but they can change if a bank merges, relocates, or restructures. If you have an old SWIFT code for a bank, it is worth verifying it is still current before using it for a transfer. Always check the bank's official website or call them directly to confirm.
Is a SWIFT code the same as an IBAN?
No, they are different. A SWIFT code identifies the bank. An IBAN (International Bank Account Number) identifies the specific account within that bank. Many international transfers require both pieces of information — the SWIFT code tells the money where to go, and the IBAN tells it which account to deposit into.
What if the bank does not have a SWIFT code?
All banks that participate in international transfers have a SWIFT code. If a bank does not appear in SWIFT directories, it may not handle international transfers, or it may use a different system. Contact the bank directly to ask how to send money to or receive money from their accounts.
Can I use a SWIFT code for a domestic U.S. transfer?
No. U.S. domestic transfers use routing numbers, not SWIFT codes. If you try to use a SWIFT code for a domestic transfer, your bank will reject it or ask you to provide the routing number instead. Always use the routing number for transfers within the United States.