A SWIFT number is a 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 that tells the global banking system which bank you use. When you send money to someone in another country, the sending bank uses your recipient's SWIFT number to route the payment to the correct bank, then to the correct branch, then to the correct account. Without it, an international transfer cannot reach its destination.
SWIFT stands for Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication. It is not a payment system itself — it is a messaging standard that banks use to communicate with each other about transfers. The SWIFT network connects more than 11,000 financial institutions in over 200 countries.
You need a SWIFT number only for international transfers. Domestic transfers within the United States use routing numbers instead. If you are sending money to or receiving money from outside the US, you will need the recipient's SWIFT number, or you will need to provide your own SWIFT number to the person sending you money.
Key Takeaways
- A SWIFT number identifies a specific bank and branch in the international banking system and is required for all cross-border wire transfers.
- SWIFT codes are 8 or 11 characters long and include the bank code, country code, city code, and sometimes a branch code.
- You can find your bank's SWIFT number on your bank's website, by calling customer service, or by asking at a branch in person.
- Domestic US transfers use routing numbers, not SWIFT numbers, so you only need a SWIFT code when sending or receiving money internationally.
- A wrong SWIFT number will cause a transfer to fail or be delayed, and recovery can take several weeks.
How a SWIFT code is structured
A SWIFT code has four parts, and understanding the structure helps you verify you have the right one. The first four characters are the bank code — a unique identifier for the bank itself. The next two characters are the country code (for example, US for the United States, GB for the United Kingdom, CA for Canada). The next two characters are the city code, which identifies the city where the bank's main office is located. If the code is 11 characters instead of 8, the last three characters identify a specific branch.
For example, a SWIFT code might look like CHASUS33XXX. CHAS is the bank code (Chase), US is the country, 33 is the city code, and XXX means it refers to the main office, not a specific branch. If you are sending to a particular branch, that branch may have its own three-character code at the end instead of XXX.
The SWIFT system is maintained by a cooperative owned by the banks themselves, and codes are assigned and updated regularly. You cannot choose or create your own SWIFT code — your bank has one, and it is fixed.
Where to find your bank's SWIFT number
Your bank's SWIFT number is public information and is easy to find. Start with your bank's website — most banks list their SWIFT code in the international transfers section, often under "wire transfer information" or "international payments." If you cannot find it online, call your bank's customer service line and ask for the SWIFT code. They will give it to you immediately.
You can also visit your bank in person and ask a teller. If you are receiving money from someone outside the US and they ask for your SWIFT number, you can give them your bank's code — it is the same for all customers of that bank. You do not have an individual SWIFT number; you share your bank's code with everyone who needs to send you money internationally.
A third option is to search online directories like SWIFT's official code lookup tool or third-party sites that maintain SWIFT code databases. These are free and do not require you to log in. Type in your bank's name and country, and the directory will return the code. Verify the code matches what your bank publishes on its own website before you use it.
SWIFT numbers versus routing numbers and IBAN codes
A routing number is a nine-digit code used only for transfers within the United States. It identifies which bank and branch holds your account. If you are sending money to another US bank account, you use the routing number, not the SWIFT code. Routing numbers are specific to the US banking system and are not recognized internationally.
An IBAN (International Bank Account Number) is a longer code used in Europe and some other regions to identify a specific account at a specific bank. Some countries require an IBAN instead of or in addition to a SWIFT code. An IBAN can be 15 to 34 characters long and includes the country code, check digits, bank code, and account number all in one string. If you are sending money to Europe, you may need both the SWIFT code and the IBAN.
When you are setting up an international transfer, the sending bank will tell you which codes you need. If you are unsure, ask the recipient what information they use to receive international transfers in their country. Different countries have different standards, and the recipient's bank will know what works.
What happens if you use the wrong SWIFT number
If you provide an incorrect SWIFT code, the transfer will either fail or be delayed. Some banks catch the error immediately and reject the transfer before it leaves, which means the money stays in your account and you can correct the code and try again. This usually takes one business day.
If the transfer goes through to the wrong bank, the receiving bank will notice the account number does not match and may reject it. The money then bounces back to your bank, which can take 5 to 10 business days. During this time, your money is in transit and you cannot access it. Once it returns, you can resubmit with the correct code.
In rare cases, a transfer reaches the wrong bank but that bank accepts it anyway and credits it to an account that happens to match the account number you provided. This is a serious problem because the money goes to the wrong person, and recovering it requires the receiving bank to reverse the transaction and contact the account holder — a process that can take weeks or may not succeed at all. This is why it is critical to verify the SWIFT code with the recipient before you send the money.
SWIFT codes for major US banks
Most large US banks have a single SWIFT code for international transfers, though some have multiple codes for different branches or business lines. Here are the SWIFT codes for some of the largest US banks. Always verify the code on your bank's official website before using it, as codes can change.
| Bank | SWIFT Code |
|---|---|
| Bank of America | BOFAUS3N |
| Chase (JPMorgan) | CHASUS33 |
| Wells Fargo | WFBIUS6S |
| Citibank | CITIUS33 |
| US Bank | USBKUS44 |
If your bank is smaller or regional, you may not find it in a quick list. Use the methods above — your bank's website, a phone call to customer service, or an official SWIFT directory — to locate your code. Do not guess or use a code you are not certain about.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a SWIFT number to send money to someone in Canada?
Yes. Canada uses SWIFT codes for international transfers. You will need the recipient's bank's SWIFT code, which starts with the country code CA. You may also need their account number and the bank's address, depending on the sending bank's requirements.
Is a SWIFT number the same as an account number?
No. A SWIFT code identifies the bank and branch. An account number identifies your specific account within that bank. You need both pieces of information to complete an international transfer — the SWIFT code tells the money which bank to go to, and the account number tells that bank which account to deposit it into.
Can someone steal money from my account if they have my SWIFT number?
No. A SWIFT number alone cannot be used to withdraw money or access your account. Someone would also need your account number and, depending on the bank, additional verification. SWIFT numbers are public information and are safe to share.
What if the person sending me money asks for my SWIFT number but I do not know it?
Contact your bank and ask for your bank's SWIFT code. You can give the sender your bank's code — it is the same for all customers. You do not have an individual SWIFT number. Provide the code, your full name, and your account number so the sender can complete the transfer correctly.
How long does an international transfer take if I have the correct SWIFT number?
A transfer with the correct SWIFT code typically takes 3 to 5 business days, though some banks process them faster. The exact timeline depends on the receiving bank, any intermediary banks involved, and whether the transfer crosses multiple time zones. Ask your bank for an estimate when you initiate the transfer.