SWIFT and BIC codes are the routing numbers for international bank transfers

A SWIFT code (Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication) is an 8 or 11-character alphanumeric identifier that tells the global banking system which bank you are sending money to and, often, which branch. A BIC code is the same thing — BIC stands for Bank Identifier Code, and the terms are used interchangeably. When you send money across borders, the sending bank uses this code to find the receiving bank's address in the international payment network.

Think of it this way: your domestic bank account has a routing number that moves money between US banks. A SWIFT/BIC code does the same job for banks outside the US. Without it, an international transfer has nowhere to land.

Key Takeaways

  • SWIFT and BIC are the same code — an 8 or 11-character identifier that tells the global banking system which bank receives your international transfer.
  • The first four characters identify the bank, the next two identify the country, the next two identify the city or region, and the last three (if present) identify the specific branch.
  • You can find your bank's SWIFT code on your bank's website, on your statements, or by asking customer service directly.
  • International transfers require a SWIFT code, but domestic US transfers do not — use your routing number instead.
  • A wrong SWIFT code will cause a transfer to fail or be rejected by the receiving bank, so verify it before sending.

How a SWIFT code is structured

A SWIFT code breaks down into four parts, each carrying specific information. The first four characters are the bank code — a shortened version of the bank's name. For example, CITI is Citibank, BOFA is Bank of America, and HSBC is HSBC. This part never changes regardless of which branch you use.

The next two characters are the country code — the ISO two-letter code for the country where the bank is located. US is United States, GB is United Kingdom, DE is Germany, JP is Japan. The following two characters identify the city or region where the bank operates. The final three characters (optional) pinpoint the specific branch. If a bank has only one branch or uses a central clearing system, this section may be omitted or filled with Xs.

Example: CITIUS33 breaks down as CITI (Citibank) + US (United States) + 33 (New York). An 8-character code like CITIUSXX means the bank code and country are specified, but no particular branch is identified — the transfer goes to the bank's main processing center.

Where to find your bank's SWIFT code

Your bank publishes its SWIFT code in multiple places. Log into your online banking portal and look for a section labeled "Wire Transfer Information," "International Transfers," or "SWIFT Details." Many banks display it right there. You can also check your monthly bank statements — some institutions print the SWIFT code on the front page or in the account summary section.

If you cannot find it online, call your bank's customer service line and ask for the SWIFT code. Have your account number ready. You can also search the official SWIFT directory at swift.com, though you will need to know the bank's legal name and country to locate it. Do not rely on third-party SWIFT lookup sites unless you verify the result against your bank's official statement or website afterward.

SWIFT codes versus routing numbers

A routing number is a nine-digit code used only for transfers within the United States — between US banks, or from a US bank to a US account. It is issued by the American Bankers Association and is specific to each bank and often to each branch. When you send money domestically via ACH, wire transfer, or check, you use a routing number.

A SWIFT code is used for international transfers — money leaving the US or arriving from abroad. Some banks have both a routing number (for domestic use) and a SWIFT code (for international use). If you are sending money to another US account, you need the routing number, not the SWIFT code. If you are sending money to a bank outside the US, you need the SWIFT code.

What happens if you use the wrong SWIFT code

If you provide an incorrect SWIFT code, the sending bank will attempt to process the transfer but the receiving bank will reject it because the code does not match their records. The money will either be returned to your account (which can take 5 to 10 business days) or, in some cases, held in a suspense account while the banks sort out the error.

A typo in even one character can cause rejection. If you transpose two digits or use a code from a different branch than intended, the receiving bank will not accept it. Always copy the SWIFT code directly from your recipient's bank statement or official bank website rather than typing it from memory. Ask your recipient to confirm the code before you initiate the transfer.

SWIFT codes for US banks sending money abroad

If you are a US customer sending money internationally, your US bank will have its own SWIFT code. You do not need to provide your own SWIFT code to the recipient — you provide theirs. Your bank uses its SWIFT code to identify itself to the receiving bank's system, but you only enter the recipient's bank details and their SWIFT code into the transfer form.

Some US banks charge a fee for international wire transfers, and the amount may vary depending on whether the receiving bank is in a major financial hub or a smaller country. The SWIFT network itself does not charge you directly — the fee comes from your bank. Ask your bank about the cost before sending, as some institutions charge $15 to $50 per outgoing international transfer.

When you need IBAN instead of or in addition to SWIFT

Many banks outside the US use an IBAN (International Bank Account Number) in addition to or instead of a SWIFT code. An IBAN is a longer code (up to 34 characters) that includes the country, bank, and account number in a single string. European banks almost always require an IBAN. Some banks accept either SWIFT or IBAN; others require both.

If you are sending money to Europe, the Middle East, or parts of Asia, ask your recipient for both their SWIFT code and their IBAN. Your bank's wire transfer form will have fields for both. Providing both reduces the chance of rejection and speeds up processing. If you only have one, ask the recipient's bank which one is required for incoming transfers from the US.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is SWIFT code the same as BIC code?

Yes. SWIFT code and BIC code refer to the same identifier. BIC stands for Bank Identifier Code, and SWIFT is the organization that assigns and maintains these codes. You will see both terms used interchangeably by banks and in transfer instructions.

Can I send an international transfer without a SWIFT code?

No. International transfers require a SWIFT code or IBAN to route the money to the correct bank. Without one, the sending bank will reject the transfer or ask you to provide it before processing. Some banks may accept an IBAN alone if the receiving bank is in a country that uses IBANs.

What if my bank does not have a SWIFT code?

All banks that participate in international transfers have a SWIFT code. If your bank says it does not, it likely means they do not offer international wire transfers. In that case, you may need to use a money transfer service like Western Union or a fintech platform that specializes in cross-border payments.

How long does a transfer take if I have the correct SWIFT code?

International transfers typically take 3 to 5 business days once the SWIFT code is verified and the transfer is sent. Some banks offer expedited options that arrive in 1 to 2 days, but these usually cost more. Weekends and holidays can extend the timeline.

Do I need a SWIFT code to receive money from abroad?

Yes. The person sending you money will need your bank's SWIFT code to route the transfer to your account. Provide them with your bank's SWIFT code and your account number. Some banks also ask for your full name and address to match against the incoming transfer.