What a SWIFT code is and why you need it
A SWIFT code is an eight- or eleven-character identifier that tells the international banking system which bank you use and, in some cases, which branch. SWIFT stands for the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication. When you send or receive money across borders, the receiving bank uses your SWIFT code to route the funds to the correct institution.
Unlike a routing number, which works only within the United States, a SWIFT code works globally. If someone outside the U.S. is sending you money, or if you are sending money abroad, you will need to provide your bank's SWIFT code. Some banks use the terms interchangeably with "BIC code" (Bank Identifier Code)—they mean the same thing.
The SWIFT code is different from your account number and routing number. All three pieces of information may be needed for an international wire transfer, but each serves a different purpose in the transaction.
Key Takeaways
- Your bank's SWIFT code appears on your bank's website, usually in the international wire transfer or contact section.
- You can call your bank's customer service line and ask for the SWIFT code; they will provide it in seconds.
- The SWIFT code is eight or eleven characters long and is the same for all customers at that bank, though some large banks have different codes for different branches.
- Online SWIFT code directories let you search by bank name and location if you cannot find it through your bank directly.
- Do not confuse your SWIFT code with your routing number; international transfers require the SWIFT code, while domestic transfers use the routing number.
Finding your SWIFT code on your bank's website
Start by visiting your bank's official website. Look for a section labeled "International Wire Transfer," "Wire Transfer Instructions," "International Banking," or "Contact Us." Most banks post their SWIFT code prominently in these sections because they know customers need it for cross-border payments.
If you use a major bank like Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, or Citibank, search the website for "SWIFT code" using your browser's search function (Ctrl+F on Windows, Cmd+F on Mac). The code will usually appear alongside instructions for sending or receiving international wires. Some banks also list it in their fee schedules or on pages about international services.
If your bank is smaller or regional, the SWIFT code may be harder to find on the website. In that case, move to the next method rather than spending time searching.
Calling your bank to ask for the SWIFT code
Pick up the phone and call your bank's customer service number. This is the fastest and most reliable way to get the correct code. Tell the representative you need your bank's SWIFT code for an international wire transfer. They will give it to you immediately—it is public information that banks provide freely.
When you call, have your account number ready, though you may not need it. Ask the representative to spell out the code letter by letter so you write it down correctly. SWIFT codes can look similar (for example, CHASUS33 versus CHASUS33XXX), so accuracy matters.
If you are calling from outside the U.S., use your bank's international customer service line. The number is usually on your debit card or bank statements.
Using online SWIFT code directories
If you cannot reach your bank or find the code on their website, use a free SWIFT code directory. Websites like swift.com (the official SWIFT registry), bankswiftcode.com, and wise.com all let you search for a bank's SWIFT code by entering the bank name and country or city.
Type in your bank's name and the city where your branch is located. The directory will return the SWIFT code. Some directories also show you what each part of the code means—the first four characters identify the bank, the next two identify the country, and the remaining characters identify the branch or location.
Be cautious with directories that ask you to enter personal information or that redirect you to sign up for a service. Stick to well-known directories like the ones listed above. Your SWIFT code is public information; you should never have to pay for it or provide sensitive details to find it.
Understanding SWIFT codes for large banks with multiple branches
Large banks often have different SWIFT codes for different branches or departments. For example, Chase may have one SWIFT code for its New York headquarters and a different one for its Los Angeles office. When you search for your bank's SWIFT code, you may see multiple results.
If your bank has multiple codes, ask your bank which one to use for your specific transaction. In most cases, the main headquarters code works for all branches, but some international transfers require the code for the specific branch where your account is held. Your bank's customer service line can tell you which code applies to your account.
If you are receiving money from abroad, give the sender the code your bank recommends. If you are sending money out, your bank will tell you which code to use when you initiate the wire.
What to do if you cannot find your bank's SWIFT code
If your bank does not appear in online directories and you cannot reach customer service, contact your bank through their online banking portal or visit a branch in person. Bring a form of identification and ask for the SWIFT code in writing if possible.
Some very small banks or credit unions may not have a SWIFT code because they do not handle international transfers directly. In that case, ask your bank whether they partner with a larger bank to process international wires. That larger bank will have a SWIFT code, and your bank can direct the transfer through them.
If you are trying to receive money from abroad and your bank cannot provide a SWIFT code, ask the sender's bank for help. They may be able to route the transfer through a correspondent bank that does have a SWIFT code.
SWIFT code versus routing number: which one to use
A routing number is a nine-digit code used only for transfers within the United States. A SWIFT code is used for international transfers. If someone in the U.S. is sending you money, they need your routing number and account number. If someone outside the U.S. is sending you money, they need your SWIFT code and account number.
Some international transfers also require an IBAN (International Bank Account Number), which is used mainly in Europe and some other regions. The IBAN is a longer code that includes your account number and bank information in a single string. Ask your bank whether you need an IBAN for the specific transfer you are making.
When in doubt, provide all three pieces of information to the sender: your routing number, SWIFT code, and account number. The sender's bank will use whichever one is appropriate for the transfer route.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my SWIFT code the same as my bank's SWIFT code?
Yes. The SWIFT code belongs to your bank, not to your individual account. All customers at the same bank use the same SWIFT code (or one of a few codes if the bank has multiple branches). Your account number is what identifies your specific account within the bank.
Can I find my SWIFT code on my debit card or bank statement?
Not usually. Most debit cards and statements show your routing number and account number but not your SWIFT code. You will need to contact your bank or check their website to find the SWIFT code.
What if I give the sender the wrong SWIFT code?
The transfer may be rejected or delayed. If the SWIFT code does not match a real bank, the sender's bank will bounce the transfer back. If the code matches a different bank, the money may go to the wrong institution, and you will have to contact both banks to retrieve it. Always double-check the code before giving it to someone.
Do credit unions have SWIFT codes?
Some credit unions have SWIFT codes, but not all. If your credit union does not have one, ask whether they partner with a larger bank for international transfers. That bank's SWIFT code can be used to route money to your credit union account.
How long does an international wire transfer take if I have the correct SWIFT code?
Having the correct SWIFT code does not may provide speed, but it does prevent delays caused by routing errors. International wires typically take one to three business days, depending on the banks involved and the countries. Your bank can give you a more specific timeline when you initiate the transfer.