A SWIFT code and a BIC code are the same thing—a standardized identifier that tells banks which financial institution to send your money to when you make an international transfer.

SWIFT stands for Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication. BIC stands for Bank Identifier Code. Banks use these codes to route money across borders accurately, the same way your home address routes mail to your house. Without one, an international payment can be delayed, sent to the wrong bank, or rejected entirely.

The code itself is eight or eleven characters long—a mix of letters and sometimes numbers. The first four characters identify the bank, the next two identify the country, the next two identify the city or region, and the final three (if included) identify a specific branch. For example, a code might look like CHASUS33 (Chase Bank in the United States) or CHASUS33NYC (Chase's New York branch specifically).

Key Takeaways

  • SWIFT and BIC are interchangeable terms for the same eight- or eleven-character code that identifies a specific bank and branch worldwide.
  • You need the recipient's SWIFT/BIC code to send money internationally; without it, the transfer may be delayed or rejected.
  • The code is structured so the first four characters identify the bank, the next two identify the country, and the remaining characters narrow down to a specific branch.
  • You can find your own bank's SWIFT/BIC code on your bank statement, the bank's website, or by calling customer service.
  • A transfer sent to the wrong SWIFT/BIC code may reach a different bank or country entirely, and recovery can take weeks.

Where to find a SWIFT or BIC code

Your bank's SWIFT/BIC code is printed on your bank statements, usually near your account number. You can also find it on your bank's website—most banks have a dedicated page for international transfers that lists the code prominently. If you cannot locate it online, call your bank's customer service line and ask for the SWIFT code for international wire transfers.

If you are sending money to someone else, you need their bank's SWIFT/BIC code, not yours. Ask the recipient directly, or they can get it from their bank the same way you got yours. Many banks also publish searchable directories of SWIFT codes on their websites, though these are usually for reference only—always confirm the code with the recipient's bank before sending a large transfer.

How banks use SWIFT codes to route money

When you initiate an international wire transfer, your bank reads the SWIFT code you provide and uses it to identify the recipient's bank and branch. Your bank then sends the payment instruction through the SWIFT network—a secure messaging system that connects thousands of banks worldwide. The receiving bank's system reads the code, confirms it matches their institution, and deposits the money into the recipient's account.

The entire process typically takes one to three business days, though some transfers complete within hours. The speed depends on whether the receiving bank is in the same country as your bank, whether both banks are open during business hours, and whether the transfer requires additional verification. If the SWIFT code is incorrect, the receiving bank may reject the transfer or send it to the wrong account, and your bank will have to trace it—a process that can take two to four weeks.

SWIFT codes versus account numbers and routing numbers

A SWIFT/BIC code is different from a routing number or account number, and you typically need all three for an international transfer. Your routing number (in the United States) or sort code (in the United Kingdom) identifies your bank domestically. Your account number identifies your specific account within that bank. The SWIFT/BIC code identifies the bank internationally and is required for transfers that cross borders.

When sending money internationally, you will usually provide the recipient's name, their account number, their bank's SWIFT/BIC code, and sometimes their bank's address. Some countries also require an IBAN (International Bank Account Number), which is a longer code that combines country, bank, and account information in one string. Ask the recipient's bank which codes and numbers are required before you send the transfer.

What happens if you use the wrong SWIFT code

If you send money to an incorrect SWIFT code, the transfer may be rejected by the receiving bank, or it may be sent to a different bank or country entirely. Some banks will catch the error and return the money to you within a few days. Others will deposit it into an account at the wrong bank, and the recipient will never see it.

If this happens, contact your bank immediately and provide them with the transaction reference number and the incorrect SWIFT code you used. Your bank can file a trace request with the receiving bank to locate the funds. This process typically takes two to four weeks, and there is no may provide the money will be recovered. For this reason, always double-check the SWIFT code with the recipient before sending a transfer, especially for large amounts.

SWIFT codes for major international banks

Most large multinational banks have multiple SWIFT codes—one for each country or major branch where they operate. For example, Bank of America has different codes for transfers sent to its New York office versus its London office. When you request a SWIFT code from a bank, always specify which country or branch you are sending money to, because using the wrong branch code can delay the transfer.

If you are sending money to a smaller bank or a bank in a developing country, the bank may not participate in the SWIFT network at all. In those cases, you may need to use an alternative method such as a money transfer service, a correspondent bank arrangement, or a cash pickup service. Ask your bank whether the recipient's bank is SWIFT-enabled before you attempt the transfer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a SWIFT code to send money domestically?

No. Domestic transfers within the United States use routing numbers instead. Transfers within the European Union may use IBAN codes. SWIFT codes are required only for transfers that cross international borders.

Can I look up someone's SWIFT code if I know their bank name?

You can search online directories, but you should always confirm the code directly with the recipient or their bank before sending money. A wrong code found online could send your transfer to the wrong institution or country.

How long does a transfer take if I use the correct SWIFT code?

Most international transfers complete within one to three business days. Transfers between banks in the same country or region may complete within hours. Delays can occur if the receiving bank is closed, if additional verification is needed, or if the transfer requires conversion between currencies.

What if my bank does not have a SWIFT code?

All banks that participate in international transfers have a SWIFT code. If your bank tells you it does not have one, it may not offer international wire transfers. Ask whether they can send money through a correspondent bank or recommend an alternative method.

Is a SWIFT code the same as an IBAN?

No. A SWIFT code identifies the bank and branch. An IBAN is a longer code that includes the country, bank, and account number all in one. Some countries require both; others require only one. Always ask the recipient's bank which codes you need.