A SWIFT number is a standardized code that identifies your bank when you send or receive money internationally

A SWIFT number (also called a SWIFT code or BIC code) is an 8 or 11-character alphanumeric code assigned to your bank by the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication. When you wire money to someone in another country, or when someone sends you money from abroad, the sending bank uses your SWIFT number to route the payment to the correct financial institution. Without it, the receiving bank cannot process the transfer.

The code itself contains information about the bank: 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 characters (if included) identify the specific branch. For example, a SWIFT code might look like CHASUS33 or CHASUS33NYC, where CHAS identifies Chase Bank, US identifies the United States, and the remaining characters narrow down the location.

SWIFT numbers are different from routing numbers. A routing number is a nine-digit code used only for domestic transfers within the United States. A SWIFT number is used for international transfers and is recognized worldwide. You may need both when sending money across borders.

Key Takeaways

  • Your bank's SWIFT number is required to receive international wire transfers and is used by the sending bank to route money to your institution.
  • SWIFT codes are 8 or 11 characters long and contain information about the bank, country, city, and sometimes the specific branch.
  • You can find your bank's SWIFT number on your bank's website, by calling customer service, or by asking in person at a branch.
  • SWIFT numbers are different from routing numbers; routing numbers are for domestic US transfers only, while SWIFT codes work internationally.
  • If you provide an incorrect SWIFT number, the transfer may be delayed, rejected, or sent to the wrong bank, so verify it before sharing.

How to find your bank's SWIFT number

The easiest way to find your SWIFT number is to visit your bank's official website and search for "SWIFT code" or "BIC code." Most banks list this information in their international wire transfer section or in the FAQ area. The code is public information and your bank publishes it openly.

If you cannot find it online, call your bank's customer service line and ask for the SWIFT number associated with your account or branch. Have your account number ready, because some banks maintain different SWIFT codes for different branches or departments. When you call, confirm whether you need the main bank code or a branch-specific code—this matters if you are receiving a transfer.

You can also ask in person at your bank branch. A teller can provide the correct code and may print it on a slip for your records. This is especially useful if you plan to receive multiple international transfers and want to give the code to family members or business contacts abroad.

When you need to provide a SWIFT number

You need to provide your SWIFT number when someone outside the United States is sending you money via international wire transfer. The sender's bank requires it to identify where the money should go. This is common for international business payments, family transfers, inheritance distributions, or payments from overseas employers.

You do not need a SWIFT number for domestic transfers within the US—use your routing number and account number instead. You also do not need it for transfers between accounts you own at the same bank, or for most peer-to-peer payment apps like Venmo or PayPal, which use different routing systems.

If you are sending money internationally, you will need the recipient's SWIFT number. Ask them directly or have them provide it in writing, because a single digit wrong will cause the transfer to fail or go to the wrong bank.

What happens if you provide the wrong SWIFT number

If the SWIFT number is incorrect, the sending bank may reject the transfer outright and return the money to the sender. This can take several days or weeks, and the sender may incur fees for the failed transfer. Some banks will attempt to deliver the payment anyway if the error is minor, but it may arrive at the wrong financial institution.

If the money reaches a different bank by mistake, recovery is difficult and time-consuming. The receiving bank has no obligation to forward the funds, and you may need to contact the sending bank to initiate a trace. This process can take weeks and may require documentation from both banks. Always verify the SWIFT number with the recipient before initiating a large transfer.

To avoid errors, copy and paste the SWIFT code directly from your bank's website or official communication rather than typing it by hand. Ask the sender to confirm receipt of the code before they send the money.

SWIFT numbers versus other bank identification codes

A routing number is a nine-digit code used only for domestic transfers within the United States. It identifies the bank and the specific branch. You use it for ACH transfers, checks, and domestic wire transfers. A SWIFT number serves the same identification purpose but works internationally and is recognized by banks worldwide.

An IBAN (International Bank Account Number) is used in Europe and some other regions to identify a specific bank account. It is longer than a SWIFT code and includes the country code and account number. Some countries require both SWIFT and IBAN for international transfers; others use only one. Ask the recipient which code their bank requires.

A correspondent bank code is sometimes needed for transfers to countries where the recipient's bank does not have a direct relationship with the sending bank. The sending bank uses a correspondent bank as an intermediary. Your bank can tell you if a correspondent code is needed for your specific transfer.

How international wire transfers use SWIFT numbers

When you receive an international wire transfer, the sending bank submits your SWIFT number to the SWIFT network along with the amount, currency, and recipient details. The SWIFT network routes the message to your bank, which verifies that the account exists and accepts the deposit. Your bank then credits your account, usually within one to three business days, depending on the time zone and whether it is a business day in both countries.

The SWIFT network itself does not move the money—it only transmits the payment instructions. The actual transfer of funds happens through correspondent banking relationships between the sending bank and your bank, or through intermediary banks if the two institutions do not have a direct relationship. This is why international transfers take longer than domestic ones and may involve multiple banks.

Some transfers are faster than others. A transfer from a major bank in one developed country to a major bank in another may clear in one business day. A transfer to a smaller bank, a developing country, or a bank with limited correspondent relationships may take three to five business days or longer.

Fees and costs associated with international transfers

Your bank may charge a fee for receiving an international wire transfer, typically between $10 and $50 depending on the bank and the amount. Some banks charge a flat fee; others charge a percentage of the transfer amount. Check your bank's fee schedule or ask customer service what you will be charged.

The sending bank also charges a fee, usually $15 to $50. In some cases, intermediary banks charge additional fees, which are deducted from the amount you receive. If the sender says they are sending $1,000, you may receive less because fees were subtracted along the way. Ask the sender whether they will cover all fees or whether you will receive a reduced amount.

Some banks offer lower-cost international transfer options through partnerships with money transfer services or through their own international payment platforms. Ask your bank whether alternatives to wire transfer are available for your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a SWIFT number the same as a bank account number?

No. A SWIFT number identifies the bank itself; an account number identifies your specific account within that bank. You need both to receive an international wire transfer. The SWIFT number tells the sending bank which bank to send the money to, and the account number tells that bank which account to deposit it into.

Can I use the same SWIFT number for all my accounts at the same bank?

Usually yes, but not always. Most banks use one SWIFT code for the entire institution, so all accounts at that bank share the same code. However, some large banks maintain separate SWIFT codes for different branches or business units. If you have accounts at multiple branches, ask your bank whether they all use the same SWIFT code or whether you need a different one for each account.

What if my bank does not have a SWIFT number?

All banks that participate in international wire transfers have a SWIFT number. If your bank says it does not, it may mean the bank does not offer international wire transfer services, or it may be a very small institution that uses a correspondent bank to handle international transfers. Ask your bank for the SWIFT number of the correspondent bank they use, or consider opening an account at a larger bank if you need to receive international transfers regularly.

Do I need a SWIFT number to send money internationally?

Yes, you need the recipient's SWIFT number to send money internationally. You do not provide your own SWIFT number when sending; you provide the recipient's. Ask the person receiving the money for their bank's SWIFT code before you initiate the transfer.

How long does an international transfer take if I provide the correct SWIFT number?

Most international wire transfers take one to three business days once the sending bank processes the payment. Transfers between major banks in developed countries often clear in one business day. Transfers to smaller banks, developing countries, or banks with limited correspondent relationships may take three to five business days or longer. Weekends and holidays add time because banks do not process transfers on those days.