A bank identification code is a set of numbers and letters that tells the financial system which bank holds your account

A bank identification code (BIC) is a standardized identifier assigned to each bank by the International Organization for Standardization. It works like a postal address for your bank — it routes money to the right institution when you send or receive funds internationally. The code is also called a SWIFT code because it is managed by the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication, the organization that runs the global payment network.

You will need a BIC when sending money to someone outside the United States, or when a foreign sender needs to deposit money into your U.S. bank account. Domestic transfers within the U.S. use a different routing number instead, so you will not encounter BICs for regular bill payments or peer transfers at home.

The code itself is 8 or 11 characters long. The first four letters identify the bank, the next two identify the country, the following two identify the city or region, and the last three (if included) identify the specific branch. For example, a BIC might look like CHASUS33 or CHASUS33NYC, where CHAS identifies Chase Bank, US identifies the United States, and the remaining characters narrow down the location.

Key Takeaways

  • A bank identification code is required for international wire transfers but not for domestic U.S. payments.
  • The code is 8 or 11 characters and combines the bank name, country, city, and sometimes branch into a single identifier.
  • You can find your bank's BIC on your bank's website, by calling customer service, or by asking your bank directly.
  • A BIC is different from a routing number; routing numbers handle domestic transfers while BICs handle international ones.

Where to find your bank's BIC

Your bank publishes its BIC on its website, usually in a section labeled "International Transfers," "Wire Transfer Information," or "SWIFT Code." Start there first — it is the fastest route and the code will be correct.

If you cannot find it online, call your bank's customer service line and ask for the SWIFT code or BIC for your account. Have your account number ready, though most banks will give you the code without it since the BIC is the same for all customers at that bank, regardless of account type.

Some banks list different codes for different branches or services. If you are sending money to a specific branch or using a particular service (like a correspondent bank), confirm with your bank that you have the right code for that transaction.

How a BIC is used in international transfers

When you initiate an international wire transfer, you provide the recipient's bank with their BIC along with their account number or IBAN (International Bank Account Number). The sending bank uses the BIC to route the payment through the SWIFT network to the correct receiving bank, which then deposits the money into the recipient's account.

If you are receiving money from abroad, you give the sender your bank's BIC and your own account number or IBAN. The sender's bank uses your BIC to find your bank in the SWIFT system and deliver the funds to you. Without the correct BIC, the transfer may be delayed, sent to the wrong bank, or rejected entirely.

The SWIFT network processes millions of transactions daily using BICs. The system is reliable, but accuracy matters — a single wrong digit can send money to a different bank or branch, which may take days to correct.

BIC versus routing number

A routing number is a nine-digit code used only for transfers within the United States. It identifies your bank to the domestic payment system (ACH, Federal Reserve wire transfers, and check clearing). A BIC is used internationally and follows a different format and naming convention.

If you are sending money to someone in the U.S., you use a routing number. If you are sending money outside the U.S., or receiving money from outside the U.S., you use a BIC. Some banks will accept either code for certain transactions, but the BIC is the international standard and the safest choice for cross-border payments.

You can have both codes for the same bank account — they serve different payment systems and do not conflict with each other.

What happens if you use the wrong BIC

If you provide an incorrect BIC, the sending bank may reject the transfer before it leaves, or the SWIFT network may route it to a different bank than intended. If the money reaches the wrong bank, that bank will usually notice the mismatch between the BIC and the account number and return the funds to the sender. This process can take five to ten business days.

In rare cases, a wrong BIC combined with a valid account number at the wrong bank can result in the money being deposited into someone else's account. Recovery in this scenario is slower and requires the receiving bank to investigate and reverse the transaction. Always double-check the BIC before sending an international transfer.

Some banks offer a verification service where you can confirm the recipient's name and account details before the transfer completes. If your bank offers this, use it — it catches mismatches before money moves.

BICs for branches and subsidiaries

Large banks operate multiple branches and subsidiaries, and some of these may have different BICs. A bank's main office might have one BIC, while a subsidiary or international branch has another. When sending money internationally, confirm whether you need the BIC for the main bank or for a specific branch.

If you are unsure, ask the recipient which BIC their bank gave them, or contact your bank and describe the recipient's bank and location. Your bank can tell you the correct code to use for that specific destination.

Smaller banks and credit unions may share a BIC with a larger correspondent bank that handles their international transfers. In these cases, the money routes through the correspondent bank first, then to your actual bank. The process still works, but it may add a day to the transfer time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a BIC the same as an IBAN?

No. An IBAN (International Bank Account Number) is the account number itself, formatted for international use. A BIC identifies the bank. You typically need both for an international transfer — the BIC tells the system which bank, and the IBAN tells it which account at that bank.

Do I need a BIC for transfers between U.S. banks?

No. Domestic transfers use a routing number instead. BICs are only for international payments or when a foreign bank is involved.

Can I find someone else's BIC if I have their bank name and country?

Yes. SWIFT maintains a public directory, and several websites let you search for a bank's BIC by name and location. However, always confirm the code with the recipient or their bank before sending money, since some banks have multiple codes.

What if my bank does not have a BIC?

All banks that participate in international transfers have a BIC. If your bank says it does not, ask whether it uses a correspondent bank for international payments — in that case, you would use the correspondent bank's BIC instead.

How long does an international transfer take if I use the correct BIC?

Typically three to five business days, though some transfers complete in one to two days. The BIC itself does not determine speed — the receiving bank's processing time and any intermediate banks do. A correct BIC ensures the money reaches the right place; it does not speed up the process.