A BIC code is an 8 or 11-character identifier that tells the banking system which bank you're sending money to and, sometimes, which branch
BIC stands for Bank Identifier Code. It's a standardized code used internationally to route money between banks. When you send money abroad or receive it from another country, the sending bank uses your BIC code to find the right receiving bank. Think of it like a postal code for your bank — it narrows down the destination from "a bank somewhere in the world" to "this specific bank in this specific country."
A BIC code is always 8 or 11 characters long. The first four letters identify the bank itself. The next two letters are the country code (US for United States, GB for United Kingdom, DE for Germany, and so on). The remaining characters, if present, identify the specific branch. If a BIC is only 8 characters, it refers to the bank's main office.
You'll also hear BIC codes called SWIFT codes — the terms are used interchangeably. SWIFT is the organization that manages and assigns these codes, so technically SWIFT code is the more precise term, but most banks and payment services use both names.
Key Takeaways
- A BIC code identifies a specific bank and sometimes a specific branch, and is required for most international wire transfers.
- BIC codes are 8 or 11 characters: the first four identify the bank, the next two are the country code, and the last three (if present) identify the branch.
- You can find your bank's BIC code on your bank statement, the bank's website, or by calling customer service.
- Domestic transfers within the United States do not require a BIC code — they use routing numbers instead.
- If you provide an incorrect BIC code, the transfer may be delayed, rejected, or sent to the wrong bank.
When you need a BIC code versus a routing number
In the United States, domestic transfers use a routing number, not a BIC code. A routing number is a nine-digit code specific to your bank and branch. If you're sending money to another US bank account, you need the routing number, not the BIC.
The moment you cross a border, you need a BIC code. Any wire transfer to a bank outside the United States requires the receiving bank's BIC code. Some international money transfer services also ask for a BIC code even if you're sending to a US bank account held by someone abroad, because the receiving bank may be a foreign branch of a US bank.
If you're receiving money from abroad, your bank will give you your own BIC code to provide to the sender. You'll also need to give them your IBAN (International Bank Account Number) if the receiving country uses one — most countries outside North America do. An IBAN is a longer code that includes your account number and routing information in a single string.
How to find your bank's BIC code
The easiest place to look is your bank statement. Most banks print the BIC code on the first page or in the account information section. If it's not there, check your bank's website — most have a "Contact Us" or "International Transfers" page that lists the BIC code.
You can also call your bank's customer service line and ask for the BIC code. Have your account number ready. If you're sending money to someone else's bank, ask them for their bank's BIC code directly — they should have it on their statement or be able to get it from their bank in seconds.
Some banks operate multiple BIC codes for different branches or business lines. If you're sending a large amount or to a specific department (like a business account), confirm you have the correct BIC code for that particular branch or service.
What happens if you use the wrong BIC code
If you provide an incorrect BIC code, the sending bank may reject the transfer outright. The payment will bounce back to your account, usually within one to three business days, though some banks take longer. You'll then have to resubmit the transfer with the correct code.
In some cases, the transfer may go through to a different bank — one that matches the incorrect BIC code you provided. This is rare but serious. If this happens, contact your bank immediately and ask them to recall the transfer. The receiving bank may refuse to return the money if the account holder has already moved it, so speed matters.
To avoid this, double-check the BIC code before you hit send. Ask the recipient to confirm it, or verify it on their bank's website. A few seconds of checking can save you days of waiting for a rejected transfer to come back.
BIC codes for major US banks
If you're sending money to a major US bank from abroad, here are some commonly used BIC codes. Keep in mind that large banks may have multiple codes for different branches or services, so always confirm with the recipient or the bank's website.
| Bank | BIC Code |
|---|---|
| Bank of America | BOFAUS3N |
| Chase (JPMorgan) | CHASUS33 |
| Wells Fargo | WFBIUS6S |
| Citibank | CITIUS33 |
| US Bank | USBKUS44 |
These codes are for the main offices. If you're sending to a specific branch or a business account, the code may be different. Always verify with your recipient or the bank before sending money.
BIC codes and IBAN: how they work together
Outside the United States, most countries use an IBAN alongside the BIC code for international transfers. An IBAN contains your account number, bank code, and country information all in one string. For example, a UK IBAN might look like GB82 WEST 1234 5698 7654 32.
When you send money internationally, you typically provide both the BIC code and the IBAN. The BIC code tells the sending bank which bank to route the money to; the IBAN tells that bank which specific account within the bank should receive it. Together, they ensure the money reaches the right place.
If you're sending money to a country that uses IBANs, ask the recipient for both their IBAN and their bank's BIC code. If you're sending to the United States, you'll need the BIC code and the recipient's account number and routing number instead — the US does not use IBANs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a BIC code to send money within the US?
No. Domestic US transfers use routing numbers, not BIC codes. You only need a BIC code when sending money to a bank outside the United States or to a foreign branch of a US bank.
Is a BIC code the same as a SWIFT code?
Yes. SWIFT is the organization that assigns and manages BIC codes, so the terms are used interchangeably. Your bank may call it either one — they refer to the same thing.
Can I look up someone else's BIC code online?
Some banks publish their BIC codes on their websites, and a few online directories exist, but the most reliable way is to ask the person directly or call their bank. Using an incorrect code from an unreliable source can delay or misdirect your transfer.
What if my bank doesn't have a BIC code?
All banks that participate in international transfers have a BIC code. If your bank says it doesn't, they may not offer international wire transfers, or they may route transfers through a correspondent bank that has the BIC code. Ask your bank which bank's BIC code you should use.
How long does a transfer take if I use the correct BIC code?
International wire transfers typically take one to three business days, depending on the receiving country and the banks involved. Using the correct BIC code ensures the transfer goes to the right bank; it does not speed up the process itself.