A SWIFT code is an 8 or 11-character identifier that tells banks how to route money to the correct financial institution during international transfers
SWIFT stands for Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication. It is a standardized system that banks worldwide use to send payment instructions to each other. When you send money to someone in another country, your bank uses the recipient's SWIFT code to find the right bank and branch, then passes the payment along the correct path.
SWIFT codes work alongside account numbers and routing numbers, but they serve a different purpose. A routing number gets your money to the right U.S. bank; a SWIFT code gets it to the right bank anywhere in the world. If you are sending money internationally, you will need both the recipient's SWIFT code and their account number.
The code itself is structured in a specific way. The first four characters are the bank code (letters only). The next two are the country code (letters only). The next two are the location code (letters and numbers). The final three characters, if present, identify the specific branch (letters and numbers). For example, a SWIFT code might look like DEUTDEFF or DEUTDEFF500 — the longer version pinpoints an exact branch.
Key Takeaways
- SWIFT codes are used only for international wire transfers, not for domestic U.S. transfers.
- An 8-character SWIFT code identifies the bank and country; an 11-character code also identifies the specific branch.
- You can find your bank's SWIFT code on your bank's website, by calling customer service, or through the official SWIFT directory.
- The recipient's SWIFT code and account number are both required to complete an international wire transfer.
When you need a SWIFT code versus other routing information
SWIFT codes are required only when money is moving across international borders. If you are sending money from your U.S. bank account to another U.S. account, you need only the recipient's routing number and account number — SWIFT codes do not apply.
When you receive money from abroad, your bank will ask the sender for your SWIFT code, not your routing number. Your routing number is a domestic identifier; it tells U.S. banks how to find each other. Your SWIFT code tells foreign banks how to find your U.S. bank from outside the country.
Some banks use the terms interchangeably in conversation, which creates confusion. Ask your bank directly: "What is my SWIFT code for international incoming transfers?" This phrasing makes clear what you need.
How to find your bank's SWIFT code
The fastest way is to visit your bank's website and search for "SWIFT code" or "international wire instructions." Most banks list it prominently in the section about receiving international transfers or wire transfer details.
If you cannot find it online, call your bank's customer service line and ask for your SWIFT code. Have your account number ready. The representative will give you the code immediately — it is public information and does not require special authorization to share.
You can also search the official SWIFT directory at swift.com, though this requires knowing your bank's exact legal name. The directory is most useful when you are trying to verify a code someone else has given you, or when you need to confirm which branch code to use.
What information you need to send money internationally
To wire money to someone in another country, you will need to provide your bank with the following details about the recipient: their full name, their account number (in the format their bank uses), their bank's name, their bank's SWIFT code, and the country where the account is held. Some banks also ask for an IBAN (International Bank Account Number), which is used in Europe and some other regions.
Your bank will ask you to fill out a wire transfer form with all this information. Double-check every detail before submitting — international wires are difficult to reverse once sent. A single wrong character in the account number or SWIFT code can send money to the wrong bank or cause the transfer to be rejected.
Some banks charge a fee for outgoing international wires, typically between $15 and $50. Ask your bank about the fee before you initiate the transfer so there are no surprises.
How SWIFT codes differ from IBANs and other international identifiers
An IBAN (International Bank Account Number) is a longer code used primarily in Europe, the Middle East, and parts of Africa. It can be 15 to 34 characters long and includes the country code, bank code, and account number all in one string. Some countries require an IBAN instead of a SWIFT code; others require both.
A SWIFT code identifies the bank and branch. An IBAN identifies the specific account. Think of it this way: the SWIFT code is like the address of the post office; the IBAN is like the address of the house. You may need one, the other, or both depending on where the money is going.
When you are setting up an international transfer, ask the recipient which identifier their bank requires. If they are in Europe, they will almost certainly give you an IBAN. If they are in Asia, the Middle East, or the Americas, they will likely give you a SWIFT code and account number.
What happens if you provide the wrong SWIFT code
If you enter an incorrect SWIFT code, the transfer may be rejected by the receiving bank before it leaves your account, or it may be sent to the wrong bank entirely. A rejected transfer usually returns to your account within 3 to 5 business days, though your bank may charge a fee for the failed attempt.
If the money reaches the wrong bank, recovery is much harder. The receiving bank has no obligation to return funds sent to an incorrect SWIFT code, and tracing the money can take weeks or months. Your bank can file a trace request, but there is no may provide the money will be recovered.
Always verify the SWIFT code with the recipient before sending money. Ask them to confirm it in writing, or check it against their bank's official website. A few seconds of verification can save you significant time and money.
SWIFT codes for major U.S. banks
Large U.S. banks typically have one primary SWIFT code for the entire institution, though some have multiple codes for different branches or business lines. Here are examples of how they are structured:
| Bank | SWIFT Code (8-character) | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Bank of America | BOFAUS3N | BOF = Bank of America, A = Americas region, US = United States, 3N = New York branch |
| Chase (JPMorgan) | CHASUS33 | CHA = Chase, US = United States, US33 = New York |
| Wells Fargo | WFBIUS6S | WFB = Wells Fargo, I = International, US = United States, 6S = San Francisco |
| Citibank | CITIUS33 | CITI = Citibank, US = United States, US33 = New York |
These codes are public and do not change. If you bank with one of these institutions, you can use the code listed above for international incoming transfers. However, always confirm with your bank first, as some institutions use different codes for different purposes or regions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a SWIFT code to receive money from abroad?
Yes. The person sending you money will ask your bank for your SWIFT code. You can find it on your bank's website or by calling customer service. Provide it to the sender so they can include it in their wire transfer instructions.
Is a SWIFT code the same as a routing number?
No. A routing number is used for domestic U.S. transfers only. A SWIFT code is used for international transfers. Both identify your bank, but they work in different systems and are not interchangeable.
Can I use the same SWIFT code for all my accounts at the same bank?
Usually yes, but check with your bank. Most banks use one SWIFT code for all customer accounts at the main institution. However, some banks assign different codes to different branches or account types, so it is worth confirming.
What if my bank does not have a SWIFT code?
All banks that participate in international wire transfers have a SWIFT code. If your bank says it does not, they may not offer international wire services. Ask whether they can receive international transfers through a correspondent bank, which is a larger bank that handles the transfer on their behalf.
How long does an international wire take if I have the correct SWIFT code?
International wires typically take 1 to 3 business days once sent, though this varies by country and bank. The SWIFT code itself does not speed up or slow down the transfer — it simply ensures the money reaches the correct institution. Delays usually happen when banks are closed for holidays or when additional verification is required.