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 code assigned to your bank by the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication. When you wire money to another country or receive an international transfer, the sending bank uses your SWIFT number to route the payment to the correct financial institution. Without it, the transfer cannot reach your bank.

The code itself contains information about your bank: the first four letters identify the bank, the next two identify the country, the next two identify the city or region, and the last three (if included) identify the specific branch. For example, a SWIFT code might look like CHASUS33 or CHASUS33NYC. You do not need to understand how to read it — you just need to provide it when asked.

SWIFT numbers are required for wire transfers, international ACH transfers, and some other cross-border payments. They are not used for domestic transfers within the United States, credit card payments, or peer-to-peer transfers like Venmo or PayPal.

Key Takeaways

  • A SWIFT number identifies your specific bank to foreign financial institutions and is required for most international wire transfers.
  • SWIFT codes are 8 or 11 characters long and are assigned by your bank, not by you or any government agency.
  • You can find your bank's SWIFT number on your bank's website, by calling customer service, or by asking at a branch.
  • Different branches of the same bank may have different SWIFT codes, so confirm you have the correct one for your location.
  • SWIFT numbers are only needed for international transfers; domestic U.S. transfers use routing numbers instead.

How to find your bank's SWIFT number

The fastest way is to log into your online banking portal and look for account details or wire transfer information. Most banks display the SWIFT code there. If you do not see it, call your bank's customer service line and ask for the SWIFT code for your account or branch — they can tell you in seconds.

You can also visit your bank's website and search for "SWIFT code" or "international wire transfer." Many banks publish this information in their help section or wire transfer guide. If you are at a physical branch, any teller can write it down for you.

If your bank is small or regional, you may need to ask whether they participate in SWIFT transfers at all. Some smaller institutions do not, and in those cases you may need to use a correspondent bank (a larger bank that handles international transfers on your behalf) or a money transfer service instead.

SWIFT numbers versus routing numbers

A routing number is a nine-digit code used only for transfers within the United States. A SWIFT code is used for international transfers. They serve the same purpose — identifying your bank — but they are different codes and are used in different situations.

If you are sending money to someone in the U.S., you need the receiving bank's routing number. If you are sending money to someone outside the U.S., you need their bank's SWIFT code. Some banks require both if the transfer crosses through multiple countries or uses a correspondent bank.

What information you need to provide for an international wire

When you initiate an international wire transfer, you will typically need to provide the recipient's bank SWIFT code, the recipient's full name, their account number, and sometimes their address. The sending bank uses the SWIFT code to find the correct receiving bank, then routes the payment to the specific account within that bank.

Some transfers also require an IBAN (International Bank Account Number), which is a standardized account number used in Europe and some other regions. If the recipient's bank is outside the U.S., ask them whether they need a SWIFT code, an IBAN, or both. Providing incomplete information will delay or reject the transfer.

Double-check the SWIFT code before you send the transfer. A typo in the code can send your money to the wrong bank, and recovering it can take weeks or may not be possible at all.

SWIFT transfers and timing

International wire transfers using SWIFT typically take one to five business days, depending on the receiving country, the time of day you send it, and whether the receiving bank is open. Transfers sent after business hours or on weekends will not process until the next business day.

Some countries have faster systems (like SEPA transfers within Europe), but SWIFT is the standard for most international transfers. The sending bank will give you an expected delivery date when you initiate the transfer, though this is not may provide.

Fees for SWIFT transfers vary by bank. Some charge a flat fee (often $15 to $50), others charge a percentage of the amount, and some charge both. Ask your bank about fees before you send the transfer, because they are usually not refundable once the payment has been processed.

What happens if you provide the wrong SWIFT code

If the SWIFT code is incorrect, the sending bank may reject the transfer outright, or it may send the money to a different bank. If it goes to the wrong bank, that bank will usually reject it and send it back to the originating bank, which then returns it to you. This process can take two to four weeks.

In rare cases, money sent to the wrong SWIFT code may be deposited into another customer's account. Recovering it requires the receiving bank to identify the account holder and request they return the funds — a process that is slow and not always successful. This is why verifying the SWIFT code with the recipient before sending is essential.

If a transfer goes to the wrong place, contact your bank immediately and provide them with the transaction details. They can file a trace to locate the payment and attempt recovery, but the sooner you report it, the better the chances of success.

SWIFT codes for U.S. banks receiving international transfers

If someone outside the U.S. is sending you money, they will need your U.S. bank's SWIFT code. Most major U.S. banks have SWIFT codes, though some smaller banks do not. If your bank does not have one, you may need to use a correspondent bank or ask the sender to use a money transfer service instead.

When you give your SWIFT code to someone sending you money, also provide your full account number and routing number. Some senders may ask for your address as well. Make sure the sender has the correct information before they initiate the transfer, because correcting errors after the fact is difficult.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a SWIFT code the same as a BIC code?

Yes. BIC stands for Bank Identifier Code, and SWIFT code and BIC code are used interchangeably. They are the same thing — an 8 or 11-character code that identifies your bank for international transfers.

Do I need a SWIFT code for domestic transfers in the U.S.?

No. Domestic transfers within the U.S. use routing numbers, not SWIFT codes. SWIFT codes are only for international transfers. If you are sending money to another U.S. bank account, ask for the routing number instead.

Can I look up someone else's bank SWIFT code?

Yes. If you know the name of the bank and the country, you can search for the SWIFT code online using a SWIFT code directory or the bank's website. However, you should always confirm the code directly with the recipient or their bank to avoid sending money to the wrong place.

What if my bank says they do not have a SWIFT code?

Some smaller banks do not participate in SWIFT. In that case, ask your bank whether they use a correspondent bank for international transfers — a larger bank that handles the transfer on their behalf. You may need to provide the correspondent bank's SWIFT code instead of your own bank's code.

How long does a SWIFT transfer take?

Most SWIFT transfers take one to five business days, depending on the receiving country and whether both banks are open. Transfers sent after hours or on weekends will not process until the next business day. The sending bank will provide an expected delivery date when you initiate the transfer.