Where to find your bank's SWIFT Code

Your bank's SWIFT code is an eight or eleven-character identifier that international banks use to route money to your account. You can find it in four places: your bank's website (usually under "international transfers" or "wire instructions"), your monthly statement, a call to your bank's customer service line, or a letter from your bank. The code is always the same for your bank's main office, regardless of which branch you use.

If you need the code quickly, the fastest route is your bank's website. Most banks list it prominently on the page where they explain how to receive international transfers. If your bank does not publish it online, call the number on the back of your debit card and ask for the SWIFT code — customer service can tell you in under a minute.

Some banks use different SWIFT codes for different departments or regions, so if you are receiving a transfer for a specific purpose (payroll, insurance refund, business payment), confirm with your bank that you have the right code for that transaction type.

Key Takeaways

  • Your bank's SWIFT code is an eight or eleven-character code used for international transfers and is the same regardless of which branch you bank at.
  • Check your bank's website first under "international transfers" or "wire instructions" — most banks post the code there.
  • Your monthly statement or any letter from your bank may also display the SWIFT code.
  • Call your bank's customer service line if you cannot find it online; they can confirm the code in one call.
  • Some banks maintain separate SWIFT codes for different departments, so confirm you have the right one for your specific transfer.

What a SWIFT code looks like and what each part means

A SWIFT code has a predictable structure. The first four characters are the bank code (letters only), the next two are the country code (letters), the next two are the location code (letters and numbers), and the last three characters (if present) identify a specific branch or department (letters and numbers). For example, a code might read CHASUS33 — CHAS is the bank code, US is the country, and 33 identifies a particular office.

The eleven-character version includes that final branch identifier; the eight-character version is the bank's main code and works for most transfers. If you are sending money to a specific branch, ask whether you need the full eleven-character code or whether the eight-character code is sufficient.

How SWIFT codes differ from routing numbers and account numbers

A SWIFT code is for international transfers only and identifies your bank globally. A routing number (also called an ABA number in the United States) is a nine-digit code used for domestic transfers within the US. Your account number is unique to your individual account and is separate from both.

When you are receiving money from outside the US, the sender needs your SWIFT code and account number. When money is coming from another US bank, the sender needs your routing number and account number. Some international transfers also ask for your bank's address, so have that ready if you are providing transfer instructions to someone sending you money from abroad.

Finding SWIFT codes for banks outside the United States

If you need to send money to someone at a foreign bank, you can search for their SWIFT code using the SWIFT directory at swift.com. Enter the bank name and country, and the directory will return the code. Many international money transfer services (like Wise, OFX, or your own bank's international transfer service) also have SWIFT code lookup tools built into their websites.

Foreign banks structure their codes the same way US banks do, but the country code will be different. If you are unsure whether you have the right code, contact the recipient's bank directly or ask the recipient to confirm it with their bank — sending money to the wrong SWIFT code can delay the transfer or route it to the wrong institution.

What to do if your bank does not have a SWIFT code

Very small banks, credit unions, and some regional institutions may not have a SWIFT code because they do not participate in the international SWIFT network. If your bank does not have one, ask customer service whether they can receive international transfers through a correspondent bank — a larger bank that acts as an intermediary.

Your bank will provide you with the correspondent bank's SWIFT code and your account number at the correspondent bank, which the sender will use instead. This adds a step to the transfer process and may take longer, but it allows you to receive money from abroad even if your own bank is not on the SWIFT network.

Common mistakes when using SWIFT codes

The most common error is transposing digits or letters when copying the code — SWIFT codes are case-insensitive, but a single character wrong will route the money to the wrong bank. Always copy the code directly from your bank's official source (website, statement, or customer service) rather than typing it from memory. If you are giving the code to someone else, read it aloud character by character to confirm.

Another mistake is using an outdated code. Banks occasionally change their SWIFT codes when they merge, reorganize, or update their systems. If you saved a SWIFT code from several years ago, verify it with your bank before using it for a transfer. Do not rely on codes you find in old emails or documents.

When you need more than just the SWIFT code

International transfers often require additional information beyond the SWIFT code. The sender may ask for your bank's full address, your account number in IBAN format (if you are in Europe or another region that uses IBAN), or a reference number for the transfer. Ask your bank what information they need from the sender and provide all of it upfront — incomplete information is the most common reason international transfers are delayed.

If you are receiving a refund from abroad (insurance, business payment, tax refund from another country), contact the organization sending the money and ask what information they need. Provide your SWIFT code, account number, and bank address all at once so the sender does not have to ask for each piece separately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the SWIFT code the same for every branch of my bank?

The eight-character SWIFT code is the same for all branches. The eleven-character version may differ by branch or department, so if you are sending money to a specific location, confirm with your bank whether you need the branch-specific code or whether the main code works.

Can I find someone else's bank SWIFT code if I need to send them money?

Yes. Use the SWIFT directory at swift.com, enter the bank name and country, and it will return the code. You can also ask the person receiving the money to provide their bank's SWIFT code — they should have it on their statement or can get it from their bank in seconds.

What happens if I use the wrong SWIFT code?

The transfer will either be rejected or routed to the wrong bank. If rejected, the money returns to the sender. If routed to the wrong bank, it may take weeks to trace and recover. Always verify the code with your bank before the sender initiates the transfer.

Do I need a SWIFT code to receive money from another US bank?

No. Domestic US transfers use a routing number instead. You only need a SWIFT code for international transfers or transfers from banks outside the United States.

How long does an international transfer take once I provide the SWIFT code?

Most international transfers take three to five business days, though some take up to ten. The timeline depends on the banks involved, the countries, and whether the transfer goes through a correspondent bank. Ask your bank for an estimate when you provide the SWIFT code.