A bank code is a number or set of numbers that identifies which bank holds your account
When you send money to someone else's account—whether through a wire transfer, ACH payment, or international transfer—the payment system needs to know which bank to send it to. A bank code is the identifier that tells the system exactly that. It is not the same as your account number. Your account number identifies you within your bank; the bank code identifies the bank itself.
The format and length of a bank code depends on where you are sending money and which country the receiving bank is in. In the United States, the most common bank code is the routing number. In other countries, you might see a SWIFT code, IBAN, BSB code, or sort code, depending on whether the transfer is domestic or international.
Key Takeaways
- A bank code identifies the bank itself, not your individual account—your routing number is the U.S. bank code for domestic transfers.
- Routing numbers are nine digits long and appear on the bottom left of your checks, or you can find them on your bank's website or by calling customer service.
- International transfers require a SWIFT code (also called a BIC code), which is typically eight or eleven characters and identifies your bank worldwide.
- Using the wrong bank code will cause a transfer to fail or go to the wrong bank, so always verify the code before sending money.
- Your bank code is public information—sharing it does not put your account at risk, because a transfer also requires your account number.
Routing numbers: the bank code for U.S. transfers
In the United States, the bank code for domestic transfers is called a routing number (also called a routing transit number or RTN). It is a nine-digit code that identifies your specific bank or credit union. Every bank has its own routing number, and some large banks have multiple routing numbers depending on which state or branch the account was opened in.
You can find your routing number in several places. The easiest is the bottom left corner of any check you have from that account—the first nine digits printed there are your routing number. If you do not have checks, log into your online banking portal and look for account details or routing information. You can also call your bank's customer service line and ask for your routing number; they will give it to you immediately.
When you set up a direct deposit (like a paycheck or tax refund), transfer money between your own accounts at different banks, or pay a bill through ACH, you will need your routing number. The receiving bank uses it to route the money to the correct institution.
SWIFT codes and IBANs for international transfers
If you are sending money to someone outside the United States, you will need a different bank code. The most common is a SWIFT code (also called a BIC code, for Bank Identifier Code). A SWIFT code is typically eight or eleven characters long and includes letters and numbers. It identifies a specific bank and branch anywhere in the world.
For transfers within Europe and some other regions, you may also need an IBAN (International Bank Account Number). An IBAN is longer than a SWIFT code—usually between 15 and 34 characters—and includes the country code, bank code, and account number all in one. Some countries use both SWIFT and IBAN; others use one or the other.
To find a SWIFT code or IBAN, ask the person receiving the money to provide it, or contact their bank directly. Your own bank can also look up the receiving bank's SWIFT code if you give them the bank name and country. Many banks display this information on their website under "international transfers" or "wire instructions."
Other bank codes used outside the U.S.
Different countries have their own bank code systems. In the United Kingdom, banks use a sort code, which is six digits. In Australia, the code is called a BSB code (Bank-State-Branch) and is also six digits. Canada uses a routing number similar to the U.S., but formatted differently. If you are sending money to or from any of these countries, the receiving bank will tell you which code format they need.
The key point is that every country's banking system has some way to identify banks, and you will need the correct code for that country. If you are unsure which code to use, ask the receiving bank or the person receiving the money—they will know what their bank requires.
What happens if you use the wrong bank code
If you enter an incorrect routing number or SWIFT code, the transfer will either fail outright or go to the wrong bank. Most payment systems catch obvious errors before the money leaves your account, and the transfer will be rejected. You will see an error message, and the money stays in your account.
If the error is subtle—for example, you transpose two digits in a routing number—the money might reach a different bank. That bank will eventually notice the error and send the money back to your bank, which then returns it to you. This process can take several days to a week. During that time, the money is in limbo and you cannot access it.
To avoid this, always double-check the bank code before you confirm a transfer. Copy it directly from the source (a check, the bank's website, or the receiving person's bank statement) rather than typing it from memory. If you are wiring a large amount of money, call the receiving bank to confirm the code is correct.
Bank codes are public information
Your routing number is not secret. It appears on every check you write, and anyone can look up any bank's routing number online. Sharing your routing number with someone does not put your account at risk, because a complete transfer requires both the routing number and your account number, plus authorization from you.
However, you should never share your full account number with someone you do not trust, and you should never give out your online banking password or PIN. A scammer with only your routing number cannot access your account or move money without your account number and your authorization.
How to verify a bank code before sending money
Before you send any transfer, verify the bank code using one of these methods. First, ask the receiving person to provide their bank code directly from their bank statement or online banking portal—not from memory. Second, contact the receiving bank yourself using the phone number on their official website (not a number the person gives you). Third, if you are sending a wire transfer, your own bank can verify the receiving bank's code before the money leaves.
For large transfers or international wires, verification is especially important. A few minutes of checking can prevent money from going to the wrong place and having to wait days for it to come back.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my routing number the same as my bank code?
In the United States, yes—your routing number is your bank code for domestic transfers. In other countries, the bank code has a different name (SWIFT code, sort code, BSB code, IBAN) and different format. If you are sending money internationally, you will need the bank code for that specific country.
Can someone steal money from my account if they have my routing number?
No. A routing number alone is not enough to move money. A thief would also need your account number and authorization to transfer funds. Sharing your routing number is safe; never share your account number, PIN, or online banking password with anyone.
What if I do not have checks and cannot find my routing number?
Log into your online banking portal and look for account details, routing information, or wire instructions. If you cannot find it there, call your bank's customer service line—they will provide your routing number in seconds. You can also visit your bank's website; most banks list routing numbers by state or branch.
Do I need both a SWIFT code and an IBAN for international transfers?
It depends on the country and the receiving bank. Some banks require only a SWIFT code, others require only an IBAN, and some require both. Ask the receiving bank or the person receiving the money which codes they need. Your own bank can also tell you what information is required for that specific transfer.
What should I do if a transfer goes to the wrong bank?
Contact your bank immediately and report the error. Provide them with the incorrect bank code you used and the date of the transfer. Your bank will work with the receiving bank to retrieve the money and send it back to you. This process typically takes three to seven business days.