Where to find your bank identification code

Your bank identification code (BIC) is an eight or eleven-character code that identifies your specific bank or credit union. You need it when you send or receive international wire transfers, set up cross-border payments, or work with certain financial platforms that require it. The code appears on your bank's website, in your online banking portal, on statements, or by calling your bank directly.

The fastest way is to log into your online banking account and look for account details or wire transfer information. Most banks display the BIC prominently in a section labeled "Wire Instructions," "International Transfers," or "Account Information." If you cannot find it there, call your bank's customer service line — they can give you the code in under a minute.

Some banks print the BIC on paper statements, usually near the routing number and account number. If you have a recent statement, check the bottom or the section that lists account details. For international transfers, your bank may also send you a separate document with wire instructions that includes the BIC.

Key Takeaways

  • Your bank identification code is an eight or eleven-character code that identifies your bank for international transfers and cross-border payments.
  • The fastest source is your bank's online portal under wire instructions or account details, where most banks display it automatically.
  • If you cannot find it online, call your bank's customer service line and they will provide it immediately.
  • The BIC is different from your routing number and account number, though all three are often listed together on wire instruction documents.
  • Some banks use the terms SWIFT code or BIC interchangeably, so do not be confused if you see either name.

The difference between BIC, SWIFT code, and routing number

A BIC and a SWIFT code are the same thing — banks use both names. SWIFT stands for the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication, the organization that assigns these codes. When someone asks for your SWIFT code, they are asking for your BIC.

Your routing number is different. It identifies your bank within the United States only and is used for domestic transfers like ACH payments and checks. Your BIC is used for international transfers. Both appear on wire instruction documents, but they serve different purposes. If you are sending money within the United States, you need the routing number. If you are sending money outside the United States, you need the BIC.

How to read a bank identification code

A BIC has a specific structure. The first four characters are the bank code — letters that identify your bank. The next two characters are the country code (for example, US for the United States, GB for the United Kingdom). The final two characters identify the branch or location, though some codes stop at eight characters and omit the branch code.

For example, a code might look like CHASUS33 or CHASUS33NYC. CHAS identifies Chase Bank, US is the country code, and 33 or 33NYC identifies the specific branch or processing center. You do not need to memorize or decode it yourself — you only need to copy it correctly when you use it for a transfer.

Finding your BIC if your bank is outside the United States

If your bank is located outside the United States, the process is the same: check your online banking portal first, then call customer service. International banks display BIC information in the same places as US banks do.

If you know your bank's name but not the BIC, you can search the SWIFT directory at swift.com. Enter your bank name and country, and the directory will return the correct code. This is useful if you are receiving money from someone abroad and they ask you for your BIC but your bank has not provided it clearly.

What to do if your bank does not have a BIC

Most banks worldwide have a BIC, but some smaller credit unions or regional banks in certain countries may not. If your bank does not have one, ask your bank whether they can receive international transfers through a correspondent bank — a larger bank that handles transfers on their behalf. Your bank will provide you with the correspondent bank's BIC instead.

Alternatively, some international payment platforms like Wise or OFX can route transfers through their own banking partners if your bank lacks a BIC. Ask your bank which method they recommend for receiving international payments.

Common mistakes when using a bank identification code

The most common error is confusing your BIC with your routing number or account number. Double-check which code the person requesting payment actually needs. If they ask for international transfer details, they need your BIC. If they ask for domestic US transfer details, they need your routing number.

Another mistake is copying the code incorrectly. BICs are case-insensitive, so CHASUS33 and chasus33 are the same. However, a single wrong letter or number will route your transfer to the wrong bank or cause it to fail. Copy the code directly from your bank's official source rather than typing it from memory, and paste it into the transfer form rather than retyping it.

Do not assume all banks use the same BIC for all branches. Some large banks have different BICs for different locations or departments. If you are sending a large amount or a time-sensitive transfer, confirm with your bank that you have the correct BIC for the specific branch or service you are using.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my BIC the same as my SWIFT code?

Yes. BIC and SWIFT code are two names for the same thing. SWIFT is the organization that assigns the codes, so people sometimes call it a SWIFT code. Your bank will use both terms interchangeably.

Do I need my BIC for domestic transfers within the United States?

No. Domestic US transfers use your routing number, not your BIC. You only need your BIC for international transfers or payments to banks outside the United States.

What if I give someone the wrong BIC?

The transfer may fail or be delayed while the sending bank tries to match the code to the correct recipient. Contact your bank immediately and provide the correct BIC. The sending bank can usually correct the transfer before it completes, but delays of one to three business days are common.

Can I find someone else's BIC if I know their bank name?

Yes, you can search the SWIFT directory at swift.com with the bank name and country. However, if you are sending money to someone, ask them directly for their BIC rather than searching for it yourself — this ensures you have the correct code for their specific branch or account type.

Does my BIC change if I switch branches or move?

Not usually. Your BIC identifies your bank, not your specific branch location. However, some large banks assign different BICs to different processing centers or service lines. If you move or change branches, confirm with your bank that your BIC remains the same before using it for a transfer.