What a SWIFT code is and why you need it
A SWIFT code is an eight- or eleven-character identifier that banks use to send money internationally. The acronym stands for Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication. When you send money to someone outside the United States, or receive money from abroad, the receiving bank uses this code to route the payment to the correct institution.
SWIFT codes are different from routing numbers. A routing number identifies a U.S. bank for domestic transfers; a SWIFT code does the same job for international transfers. Many banks have multiple SWIFT codes depending on the branch or the type of transaction, so finding the right one matters.
You will need a SWIFT code if you are sending money out of the country, receiving a wire transfer from overseas, or setting up an international payment through your bank's online system. Some money transfer services also ask for it when you are moving funds between countries.
Key Takeaways
- Your bank's website usually lists the SWIFT code in the international wire transfer section or in a help article about sending money abroad.
- Call your bank's customer service line and ask for the SWIFT code associated with your specific account or branch — the code may vary by location.
- The SWIFT code is typically eight or eleven characters long and often appears in your bank statements or account documents.
- If your bank does not have a SWIFT code, it may use a different system for international transfers, and customer service can direct you to the right alternative.
Finding the code on your bank's website
Start by logging into your bank's website and looking for a section labeled "International Transfers," "Wire Transfers," or "Send Money Abroad." Most banks post the SWIFT code prominently in these sections because customers need it frequently.
If you cannot find it in the obvious place, try the Help or FAQ section and search for "SWIFT code" or "international wire." Many banks have a dedicated page that lists the code for each branch or region. Some banks also include it in the terms and conditions for international transfers.
Write down the exact code as it appears — SWIFT codes are case-insensitive, but accuracy matters for the transfer to go through. If the website shows multiple codes for different branches or transaction types, note which one applies to your situation.
Calling your bank directly
If you cannot find the code online, call the customer service number on the back of your debit or credit card. Tell the representative you need the SWIFT code for your account. They will give you the code over the phone and can confirm whether it is the right one for the type of transfer you are making.
Have your account number ready when you call. Some banks ask for it to pull up your account and confirm the correct code. If you are sending money to a specific country or using a particular branch, mention that — the representative may direct you to a different code than the main one.
Customer service can also tell you if your bank uses an alternative system for international transfers. Some smaller or regional banks do not participate in the SWIFT network and instead use other methods like correspondent banking or money transfer partnerships.
Checking your bank statements and account documents
Your SWIFT code may already appear in documents you have on file. Check recent bank statements, especially any that mention international activity. Some banks print the code on account opening documents or in the welcome packet you received when you opened the account.
If you have old wire transfer confirmations from money you sent or received internationally, the SWIFT code is usually listed there. This is especially useful if you are repeating a transfer to the same country or bank — you can use the same code from before.
Account statements sometimes include a section titled "Bank Information" or "Account Details" that lists routing numbers, account numbers, and the SWIFT code all in one place. If you cannot find it there, the international transfers section of your statement often has it.
Understanding the structure of a SWIFT code
Knowing how a SWIFT code is built can help you verify that the code you found is correct. A SWIFT code has four parts: the bank code (four letters), the country code (two letters), the location code (two letters), and sometimes a branch code (three letters).
For example, a SWIFT code might look like CHASUS33NYC. "CHAS" identifies the bank, "US" is the country code for the United States, "33" identifies the location, and "NYC" specifies the New York City branch. If the code is only eight characters, there is no branch code.
You can use this structure to do a quick sanity check. If your bank is in the United States, the country code should be "US." If the bank code does not match your bank's name or abbreviation, double-check with customer service before using it.
What to do if your bank does not have a SWIFT code
Not all banks participate in the SWIFT network. If your bank tells you it does not have a SWIFT code, ask whether it uses a correspondent bank for international transfers. A correspondent bank is a larger institution that handles international payments on behalf of smaller banks.
In this case, you may need to use the correspondent bank's SWIFT code instead of your own bank's code. Your bank can provide the correspondent bank's information and walk you through how to structure the transfer. This adds a step but works the same way.
Some banks also use alternative systems like ACH for international transfers to Canada or Mexico, or they partner with money transfer services. Ask your bank which method it supports for the country you are sending money to, and it will give you the information you need.
Verifying the code before you send money
Once you have the SWIFT code, verify it with the recipient or the receiving bank before you initiate the transfer. Ask the person receiving the money to confirm the code matches their bank's records. This prevents the money from going to the wrong institution.
You can also use the SWIFT code lookup tool on the official SWIFT website (swift.com) to search for a bank by name and country. This tool shows you the registered SWIFT codes for that bank and can help you confirm you have the right one.
Double-check the spelling and length of the code one more time before submitting the transfer. A single wrong character can delay the payment or send it to a different bank. Most banks will not process the transfer if the code does not match their records, but it is better to catch the error yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a SWIFT code the same as a routing number?
No. A routing number is used for domestic transfers within the United States, while a SWIFT code is used for international transfers. If you are sending money to another U.S. bank, you need a routing number. If you are sending money outside the country, you need a SWIFT code.
Can I use the same SWIFT code for all my transfers?
Usually yes, but it depends on your bank. If your bank has multiple branches, each branch may have its own SWIFT code. Ask your bank whether the code changes based on which branch your account is with or which country you are sending money to.
What happens if I use the wrong SWIFT code?
The transfer may be delayed while the receiving bank tries to figure out where it should go, or it may be rejected entirely. In some cases, the money goes to a different bank and you have to contact both banks to retrieve it. Always verify the code before sending.
Do I need a SWIFT code to receive money from abroad?
Yes. The person sending you money will need your bank's SWIFT code to complete the transfer. You should provide it along with your account number and routing number when you give someone your banking details for an international payment.
Where do I find the SWIFT code if I bank online only?
Online banks post their SWIFT code on their website, usually in the international transfers or help section. If you cannot find it there, call their customer service line — the number is on their website or in your account documents. Online banks are required to provide this information.