A SWIFT code is an eight or eleven-character identifier that banks use to send money between countries

A SWIFT code (also called a BIC code) is a standardized bank identifier used for international wire transfers. When you send money from a U.S. bank account to someone abroad, or receive money from outside the United States, the sending bank uses the recipient's SWIFT code to route the payment to the correct financial institution in the correct country.

SWIFT stands for Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication. The organization maintains a registry of bank codes so that transfers between institutions in different countries reach the right place. Unlike a routing number, which works only within the U.S. banking system, a SWIFT code works globally.

You will need a SWIFT code when you are sending money internationally or when someone outside the U.S. is sending you money and needs your bank's identifier. Domestic transfers within the United States do not use SWIFT codes—they use routing numbers instead.

Key Takeaways

  • A SWIFT code identifies a specific bank or branch for international transfers and consists of eight or eleven characters combining letters and numbers.
  • Every bank that participates in international transfers has a SWIFT code, and most U.S. banks display theirs on their website or in online banking.
  • You need a SWIFT code when sending money out of the country or when a foreign sender needs to route money to your U.S. bank account.
  • SWIFT codes are different from routing numbers; routing numbers handle domestic U.S. transfers while SWIFT codes handle cross-border payments.

How a SWIFT code is structured

A SWIFT code is either eight or eleven characters long. The first four characters are always letters and represent the bank code—usually an abbreviation of the bank's name. For example, CHASE is the bank code for JPMorgan Chase.

The next two characters are letters representing the country code. The United States is US. The next two characters are letters representing the city or region where the bank's headquarters or main office is located. If the code is only eight characters, it stops there. If it is eleven characters, the last three characters identify a specific branch of that bank.

A complete example: CHASUS33 is JPMorgan Chase in the United States, with the 33 indicating a specific branch. Without the branch identifier, CHASUS would still work for most transfers—the receiving bank can route the payment to its main processing center.

Where to find your bank's SWIFT code

Your bank's SWIFT code is public information and appears in several places. Log into your online banking portal and look for a section labeled "Wire Transfer Information," "International Transfer," or "SWIFT Details." Most banks display the code prominently there.

You can also call your bank's customer service line and ask for the SWIFT code. Have your account number ready, though the representative will usually give you the bank's main SWIFT code rather than a branch-specific one.

If you know the bank name and country, you can search the official SWIFT registry at swift.com. The search tool is free and will return the correct code. Be cautious of third-party websites claiming to provide SWIFT codes—use the official registry or your bank directly to avoid errors.

SWIFT codes versus routing numbers

A routing number is a nine-digit code used only for transfers within the United States. Your bank has one routing number for domestic wire transfers and may have different routing numbers for ACH transfers or other domestic payment types. A SWIFT code is used for international transfers and is the same regardless of the type of international payment.

When you send money domestically, you provide the recipient's routing number and account number. When you send money internationally, you provide the recipient's SWIFT code, account number, and sometimes additional information like the recipient's full name and address. Some countries also require an IBAN (International Bank Account Number) in addition to the SWIFT code.

What happens if you use the wrong SWIFT code

If you enter an incorrect SWIFT code, the sending bank may reject the transfer before it leaves your account, or the payment may be sent to the wrong bank. If the wrong bank receives it, they will typically reject it and send it back to the originating bank, which then returns it to you. This process can take one to three weeks.

Some banks charge a fee for rejected international transfers, even though the money comes back to you. Before sending a large international transfer, confirm the SWIFT code with the recipient directly—ask them to provide it from their bank statement or online banking portal rather than relying on a verbal description.

SWIFT codes for U.S. banks receiving international transfers

If you are receiving money from abroad, you will need to give the sender your U.S. bank's SWIFT code along with your account number. Most U.S. banks have a single SWIFT code for the entire institution, even if they have multiple branches. You do not need to provide a branch-specific code unless the sender's bank specifically requires one.

Some international senders also ask for an ABA number, which is another name for a routing number. Provide your bank's routing number in that field. The combination of SWIFT code, routing number, account number, and your name is usually sufficient for a foreign bank to send you money.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a SWIFT code to receive a wire transfer from another U.S. bank?

No. Domestic wire transfers between U.S. banks use routing numbers, not SWIFT codes. You only need a SWIFT code when the sender is outside the United States or when you are sending money internationally.

Can I use the same SWIFT code for all international transfers?

Yes. Your bank's SWIFT code remains the same whether you are sending money out or receiving it, and whether the transfer is to Europe, Asia, or anywhere else. The code identifies your bank, not the direction of the transfer.

What if my bank does not have a SWIFT code?

Most banks that handle international transfers have a SWIFT code. Very small banks or credit unions may not participate in the SWIFT network. If your bank does not have one, ask them how to receive international transfers—they may use a correspondent bank's SWIFT code instead.

Is a SWIFT code the same as an IBAN?

No. A SWIFT code identifies the bank. An IBAN (International Bank Account Number) identifies the specific account within that bank. Some countries require both for international transfers. European banks almost always ask for an IBAN; U.S. banks typically do not issue IBANs.