A bank identification code is a standardized number that identifies which bank issued your account
A bank identification code (BIC) is a unique set of characters assigned to a specific bank or branch. It tells the financial system which institution holds your account, similar to how a routing number works in the United States. The code is used to route money correctly during international transfers, wire payments, and some domestic transactions.
The BIC is also called a SWIFT code because the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication (SWIFT) maintains the system. You may see these terms used interchangeably, though technically a BIC is the code itself and SWIFT is the network that uses it.
Banks outside the United States rely on BICs as their primary identifier for international payments. Inside the US, banks use routing numbers instead, but if you are sending money to or receiving money from another country, you will need the recipient's BIC.
Key Takeaways
- A bank identification code identifies the specific bank or branch that holds an account, and is required for international wire transfers and some cross-border payments.
- BICs are eight or eleven characters long and follow a standardized format: four letters for the bank, two for the country, two for the location, and optionally three for the branch.
- You can find your bank's BIC on your account statements, the bank's website, or by calling customer service.
- US banks use routing numbers for domestic payments but still maintain a BIC for international transactions.
How a bank identification code is structured
A BIC always contains eight or eleven characters. The first four are letters that identify the bank itself. For example, DEUTDEFF is the BIC for Deutsche Bank in Frankfurt, Germany — DEUT identifies Deutsche Bank, and DEFF identifies the Frankfurt branch.
The next two characters are the country code, using the same two-letter system as internet domain names. Germany is DE, the United Kingdom is GB, and Canada is CA. The following two characters identify the city or region where the bank is located.
If the code is eleven characters long, the final three characters specify a particular branch. An eight-character code (called the bank code) refers to the bank's main office or primary clearing center. Either version is valid; the longer code simply narrows down to a specific location.
When you need a bank identification code
You need a BIC when sending money internationally via wire transfer. Your bank will ask for the recipient's BIC along with their account number (called an IBAN in most countries outside the US). Without the correct BIC, the transfer may be delayed or rejected.
Some international ACH transfers, SEPA payments (used in Europe), and cross-border business payments also require a BIC. If you are receiving money from abroad, you will need to provide your own bank's BIC to the sender.
Domestic US payments do not use BICs. Instead, they use nine-digit routing numbers. If you are paying a US bill or sending money to another US account, you will never need a BIC.
How to find your bank's bank identification code
The fastest way is to check your bank statements or account documents. Many banks print the BIC on the first page or in the account details section. If it is not there, log into your online banking portal and look for international transfer information or wire instructions.
Call your bank's customer service line and ask for the BIC. Have your account number ready. They can provide it immediately and confirm it is correct for your specific branch.
Your bank's website usually has a BIC lookup tool or lists the code in the international payments section. Search the site for "SWIFT code" or "BIC" along with your bank's name. Some banks also publish this information in their fee schedules or wire transfer guides.
Bank identification codes versus routing numbers
A routing number is a nine-digit code used only for US domestic payments. A BIC is an eight or eleven-character code used internationally. Both identify a bank, but they serve different payment systems and are not interchangeable.
If you are sending money within the United States, use the routing number. If you are sending money to another country, use the BIC. Some large US banks maintain both codes because they process both types of transactions.
A routing number tells the Federal Reserve and US banks where to send the money. A BIC tells SWIFT and international banks the same thing. The systems do not communicate with each other, which is why both exist.
What happens if you provide the wrong bank identification code
If you enter an incorrect BIC, the receiving bank may reject the transfer outright, and the money will be returned to your account. This can take several business days. Some banks will attempt to deliver the payment anyway if the account number is correct, but this is not may provide.
A wrong BIC can also cause the payment to be sent to the wrong bank entirely, where it may sit in a suspense account until someone notices the error. The sender's bank is usually responsible for verifying the BIC before sending, but mistakes do happen.
Always double-check the BIC with the recipient before initiating a transfer. Ask them to confirm it in writing, or verify it yourself using your recipient's bank's official website. A few seconds of verification can save you days of waiting for a returned payment.
Bank identification codes for different countries
Every country that participates in SWIFT has banks with BICs. The code format is the same everywhere, but the country code changes. Here are examples from major financial centers:
| Country | Example Bank | Example BIC |
|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | HSBC | HBKAGB22 |
| Canada | Royal Bank of Canada | ROYCCA2S |
| Australia | Commonwealth Bank | CTBKAU2S |
| Japan | Mitsubishi UFJ | BOTKJPJT |
| Mexico | Banco Santander | BMSXMXMM |
If you are sending money to a country not listed here, search for "[Bank Name] BIC" or "[Country Name] SWIFT codes" to find the correct format. SWIFT maintains a public directory, though it requires you to know the bank name to search it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do US banks have bank identification codes?
Yes, US banks have BICs for international transactions, but they use routing numbers for domestic payments. If you are sending money to a US account from another country, you will need the US bank's BIC. If you are sending money within the US, use the routing number instead.
Is a bank identification code the same as an account number?
No. A BIC identifies the bank itself. An account number identifies your specific account at that bank. You need both pieces of information to complete an international transfer — the BIC tells the system which bank to send to, and the account number tells that bank which account to deposit into.
Can I use a bank identification code for domestic US payments?
No. US domestic payments use routing numbers, not BICs. If you try to use a BIC for a US domestic transfer, the payment will be rejected. Always use the nine-digit routing number for payments within the United States.
What if my bank does not have a bank identification code?
All banks that participate in the SWIFT network have a BIC. If your bank says it does not have one, it may not process international wire transfers, or it may use a correspondent bank to handle them. Ask your bank which institution's BIC you should use for international payments.
How long does an international transfer take if I have the correct bank identification code?
Having the correct BIC speeds up routing, but international transfers typically take three to five business days depending on the receiving country's banking system. The BIC ensures the money reaches the right bank, but processing times vary by institution and country.