A SWIFT code is an 8 or 11-character identifier that banks use to route money between countries
A SWIFT code (Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication) is a standardized code that tells the international banking system which bank should receive your money and where. Unlike a routing number, which moves money within the U.S. banking system, a SWIFT code moves money across borders. Every bank that handles international transfers has one, and you will need it when sending or receiving money from outside the United States.
The code itself is either 8 characters (the bank code) or 11 characters (the bank code plus a branch identifier). For example, a SWIFT code might look like CHASUS33 (8 characters) or CHASUS33NYC (11 characters). The first four letters identify the bank, the next two identify the country, the next two identify the city, and the final three (if included) identify the specific branch.
You do not need a SWIFT code for domestic transfers within the U.S. — your routing number and account number are enough. But if money is coming from or going to a bank outside the United States, the receiving or sending bank will ask for the SWIFT code.
Key Takeaways
- A SWIFT code identifies a specific bank and branch internationally, while a routing number works only within the U.S. banking system.
- SWIFT codes are 8 or 11 characters long and are required for any transfer that crosses a national border.
- You can find your bank's SWIFT code on your bank's website, by calling customer service, or by searching the official SWIFT directory.
- Providing an incorrect SWIFT code will cause a transfer to fail or be delayed, so verify the code before sending money.
Where 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 sending or receiving international transfers. If you cannot find it online, call your bank's customer service line and ask for the SWIFT code — they will give it to you immediately.
You can also search the official SWIFT directory at swift.com. Go to the "Find a BIC" tool, enter your bank's name and country, and the system will return the correct code. This is useful if you are receiving money and need to verify that the code someone gave you is correct.
If you are receiving money from abroad, the sender's bank will provide the SWIFT code — you do not need to find it yourself. Your job is to give the sender your bank's SWIFT code so they can route the money to you.
SWIFT code versus routing number: what is the difference
A routing number is a nine-digit code used only for transfers within the U.S. banking system. It tells the Federal Reserve and other U.S. banks where to send your money. A SWIFT code is used for international transfers and tells banks outside the U.S. where to send your money.
When you send money to another U.S. bank account, you use the routing number and account number. When you send money to a bank in another country, you use the SWIFT code, the account number, and sometimes an additional code called an IBAN (International Bank Account Number), which is used in Europe and some other regions.
Some banks ask for both a SWIFT code and an IBAN when you are sending money internationally. The SWIFT code identifies the bank; the IBAN identifies the specific account within that bank. Together, they ensure the money reaches the right place.
What happens if you provide the wrong SWIFT code
If you give an incorrect SWIFT code, the transfer will either fail or be delayed. The sending bank may reject the transaction outright if the code does not match any known bank in the system. If the code is close to a real code but not exact, the money might be sent to the wrong bank, and you will have to contact that bank to retrieve it — a process that can take weeks.
Always verify the SWIFT code before you send money. If you are sending money, ask the recipient to confirm their bank's SWIFT code. If you are receiving money, provide your bank's correct SWIFT code to the sender and ask them to read it back to you to make sure they have it right.
If a transfer goes to the wrong bank, contact your sending bank immediately. They can file a trace request to locate the money and attempt to recover it, but this process is slow and not always successful.
SWIFT codes for major U.S. banks
Here are the SWIFT codes for some of the largest U.S. banks. If your bank is not listed, search for it on your bank's website or the official SWIFT directory.
| Bank Name | SWIFT Code |
|---|---|
| Bank of America | BOFAUS3N |
| Chase (JPMorgan) | CHASUS33 |
| Wells Fargo | WFBIUS6S |
| Citibank | CITIUS33 |
| U.S. Bank | USBKUS44 |
These codes are for the main headquarters or a major processing center. Some banks have different SWIFT codes for different branches or departments. If you are sending a large amount of money or need to be certain, contact your bank directly rather than relying on a code you find online.
When you need a SWIFT code versus when you do not
You need a SWIFT code when money is crossing an international border — whether you are sending money out of the U.S. or receiving money from another country. You do not need it for transfers between two U.S. bank accounts, even if those accounts are at different banks.
Some services like PayPal, Wise, or other money transfer platforms may not ask for a SWIFT code because they use their own internal routing systems. However, if you are using your bank to send or receive an international wire transfer, you will need the SWIFT code.
If you are unsure whether you need a SWIFT code for a particular transfer, ask your bank. They will tell you exactly what information they need to process the transaction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a SWIFT code the same as a BIC code?
Yes. BIC stands for Bank Identifier Code, and it is another name for a SWIFT code. The terms are used interchangeably. When someone asks for your BIC, they are asking for your SWIFT code.
Do I need both a SWIFT code and an IBAN to receive money from Europe?
Usually yes. European banks use both the SWIFT code (to identify the bank) and the IBAN (to identify your specific account). Ask the sender which information they need, or provide both to be safe. Your bank can give you your IBAN if you do not have it.
Can I use the same SWIFT code for all transfers from my bank?
Yes, if your bank has only one SWIFT code. However, some large banks have multiple SWIFT codes for different branches or departments. If you are sending money to a specific branch, confirm you have the correct code for that location.
What if my bank does not have a SWIFT code?
All banks that handle international transfers have a SWIFT code. If your bank says it does not, they may not offer international wire transfer services. In that case, you would need to use a different bank or a money transfer service to send money abroad.