What an intermediary bank is and why you need its details
An intermediary bank is a bank that sits between your bank and the receiving bank when you send money internationally. Your bank uses the intermediary to route the transfer through the global banking network—it's a middleman that helps move the money across borders and between different banking systems.
You need intermediary bank information when you're sending a wire transfer to another country and your bank asks for it. Not every international transfer requires it; some banks have direct relationships with the receiving bank and can skip the intermediary. But if your bank tells you one is needed, you'll have to provide the intermediary's name, address, and routing codes before the transfer can go through.
Without correct intermediary information, your transfer can be delayed for days or weeks while banks track down the right routing path. In some cases, the money gets sent back to you, and you have to start over. Getting it right the first time saves time and frustration.
Key Takeaways
- Your bank will tell you whether an intermediary is needed for your specific transfer—ask before you start the process.
- The receiving bank's country, currency, and banking system determine whether an intermediary is required.
- Your bank can provide the intermediary bank's details directly, or you can ask the receiving bank to supply them.
- SWIFT codes, routing numbers, and bank addresses are the standard pieces of information you'll need to provide.
- Double-check all intermediary details against official bank documents before submitting your transfer.
Ask your own bank first
Start by contacting your bank's international wire transfer department or customer service. Tell them the country where you're sending money and the currency involved. Your bank will tell you immediately whether an intermediary is needed and, if so, will provide the intermediary bank's name, address, SWIFT code, and routing number.
This is the fastest and most reliable method because your bank already knows which intermediaries it uses for transfers to that country. You can call, visit a branch, or use your bank's online messaging system. Ask the representative to give you the information in writing or send it via email so you have it documented.
If your bank says no intermediary is needed, you're done—you can proceed with just the receiving bank's details. If one is required, write down every piece of information they give you exactly as they provide it.
Contact the receiving bank directly
If your bank can't provide intermediary information or you want to verify it, reach out to the bank that will receive the money. Give them your name, the account number where the money is going, and your country of origin. Ask them to provide the intermediary bank details needed for a wire transfer from the United States (or your country).
The receiving bank's international department can supply the intermediary's SWIFT code, routing number, bank name, and address. They may ask you to provide this information to your sending bank, or they may send it directly to your bank. Either way, you'll have confirmation from the source.
This step is especially useful if you're sending money to a smaller bank or a bank in a country with a less developed banking infrastructure, where intermediaries are almost always required.
Understanding SWIFT codes and routing numbers
A SWIFT code (also called a BIC code) is an 8 or 11-character code that identifies a specific bank and branch internationally. It looks like this: DEUTDEFF500. The first four letters are the bank code, the next two are the country code, the next two are the location code, and the last three (if included) identify the branch.
A routing number is a nine-digit code used primarily in the United States to identify a specific bank or credit union. International transfers sometimes require a routing number in addition to a SWIFT code, depending on the receiving country and currency.
When you get intermediary information from your bank or the receiving bank, you'll receive both codes. Write them down exactly as provided—even a single digit wrong will cause the transfer to fail or be delayed. If you're unsure which code to use, ask your bank which one goes in which field on the wire transfer form.
Where to find intermediary information online
If you need to look up an intermediary bank's details yourself, the SWIFT directory (swift.com) allows you to search for banks by name or SWIFT code. You can verify a bank's SWIFT code and address through this public database.
Your bank's website may also have a list of intermediary banks it uses for transfers to specific countries. Check the international wire transfer section or FAQ. Some banks publish this information to help customers prepare their transfer details in advance.
Be cautious about using third-party websites that claim to provide routing or SWIFT information. Stick to official bank websites, the SWIFT directory, or information provided directly by your bank or the receiving bank. Incorrect information from an unreliable source can cause your transfer to fail.
What information you'll need to provide
When you initiate an international wire transfer, your bank will ask for intermediary details in this order:
- Intermediary bank name
- Intermediary bank address (city and country)
- Intermediary bank SWIFT code
- Intermediary bank routing number (if applicable to the country)
- Account number at the intermediary (rarely required, but ask if your bank requests it)
Some banks also ask for an "ABA number" (a routing number variant used in the US) or a "sort code" (used in the UK). Your bank will specify which codes it needs. Write everything down before you start the transfer, and have it ready when you sit down to complete the form or call your bank.
Common mistakes to avoid
The most common error is transposing a digit in the SWIFT code or routing number. A single number wrong sends the transfer to the wrong bank, and recovery can take weeks. Before submitting, read the codes aloud to yourself or have someone else read them back to you from the document your bank provided.
Another mistake is using an outdated intermediary bank. Banks merge, close branches, and change their routing codes. Always use the most current information from your bank or the receiving bank, not information you saved from a previous transfer, even if it was recent.
Don't assume the intermediary is the same for every country or currency. Your bank may use different intermediaries depending on where the money is going and what currency it's in. Ask each time, rather than reusing old information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I always need an intermediary bank for international transfers?
No. If your bank has a direct relationship with the receiving bank, no intermediary is needed. Your bank will tell you whether one is required for your specific transfer. It depends on the receiving country, the currency, and the banks involved.
What happens if I provide the wrong intermediary information?
The transfer will either be delayed while banks try to route it correctly, or it will be sent back to your account. Either way, you'll have to start over with the correct information. This can add 5 to 10 business days to the process.
Can the receiving bank refuse an intermediary my bank suggests?
Rarely, but it can happen if the intermediary is outdated or not part of the current routing path. If the receiving bank tells you the intermediary your bank provided won't work, contact your bank again and ask for an alternative. The two banks can usually resolve this quickly.
Is the intermediary bank the same as a correspondent bank?
They're similar but not identical. A correspondent bank is one that holds an account at another bank to facilitate transfers. An intermediary is a bank that routes the transfer through the network. Your bank may use a correspondent bank as an intermediary, or they may be separate institutions.
How long does a transfer take if an intermediary is involved?
With correct intermediary information, most transfers take 3 to 5 business days. If information is wrong or incomplete, add 5 to 10 days for correction and rerouting. International transfers are never instant, even with the right details.