A BIC is an eight- or eleven-character code that identifies a specific bank branch worldwide
A BIC (Bank Identifier Code), also called a SWIFT code, is a standardized number that tells the financial system which bank you are sending money to and, sometimes, which branch. It works like a postal address for your bank account — it routes your payment to the right institution across borders.
The code is made up of letters and numbers. An eight-character BIC covers the bank and country. An eleven-character BIC adds the specific branch. For example, a real BIC might look like DEUTDEFF (Deutsche Bank in Frankfurt) or DEUTDEFF500 (the same bank, a specific branch). You will encounter BICs most often when sending money internationally or when a foreign sender needs to reach your account.
BICs are issued and maintained by SWIFT (the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication), a cooperative owned by financial institutions. SWIFT does not move money itself — it is a messaging system that banks use to communicate payment instructions to each other.
Key Takeaways
- A BIC identifies your bank and branch using eight or eleven characters, and is required for most international wire transfers.
- BICs and IBAN numbers (International Bank Account Numbers) often work together on cross-border payments, with the BIC routing to the bank and the IBAN identifying your specific account.
- You can find your bank's BIC on your statement, through your bank's website, or by asking customer service directly.
- Domestic payments within the United States do not require a BIC — they use routing numbers instead.
- A wrong BIC can delay a payment or send it to the wrong bank, though most banks will reject an invalid code rather than process it incorrectly.
How a BIC differs from a routing number
In the United States, banks use routing numbers (also called ABA numbers) to identify themselves for domestic transfers. A routing number is nine digits and works only within the U.S. financial system. A BIC serves the same purpose but works internationally and follows a different format.
If you are sending money to someone in another country, you will need their BIC (and usually their IBAN). If you are sending money to another U.S. bank account, you use a routing number instead. Some U.S. banks have both — a routing number for domestic payments and a BIC for international ones.
BIC and IBAN: how they work together
An IBAN (International Bank Account Number) is a longer code that identifies your specific account. It includes the country code, check digits, the bank code, and your account number — all in one string. An IBAN can be 15 to 34 characters long depending on the country.
On an international wire, the BIC tells the sending bank which institution to route the money to, and the IBAN tells that bank which account within the institution should receive it. Think of the BIC as the bank's address and the IBAN as your mailbox number inside that bank. Many countries require both for a payment to go through; some require only the IBAN. Your bank can tell you whether you need to provide both.
Where to find your bank's BIC
Your bank's BIC appears on some bank statements, though not all. The easiest routes are to check your bank's website (usually under "International Transfers" or "Wire Transfer Information"), call customer service and ask for it, or use SWIFT's official BIC search tool at swift.com. You will need to know your bank's name and the country where your account is held.
If you are receiving a wire transfer and the sender asks for your BIC, provide your bank's main BIC code unless your bank has told you to use a different one for a specific branch. Most senders will not need the branch-specific eleven-character version.
What happens if you use the wrong BIC
If you provide an invalid or incorrect BIC, the sending bank's system will usually reject it before the payment is sent. The sender will be notified that the code does not match any bank in the SWIFT network, and they will have to correct it and try again. This causes a delay but prevents the money from going to the wrong place.
If a BIC is close to correct but not exact, some banks may still reject it; others may attempt to process it and the payment may be returned if the receiving bank cannot match it. Always double-check the BIC before sending, especially if you copied it by hand or from an email.
When you do and do not need a BIC
You need a BIC when sending money internationally via wire transfer, SWIFT payment, or some international money transfer services. You do not need one for domestic U.S. transfers — use the routing number instead. Payments within the European Union sometimes require only an IBAN, not a BIC, though providing both is safer.
Some online payment platforms and peer-to-peer transfer services do not use BICs at all; they use their own routing systems. If you are using a service like PayPal, Wise, or a similar app, check whether they ask for a BIC or if they handle routing differently.
BIC codes for U.S. banks sending money abroad
U.S. banks that handle international transfers have BIC codes even though they also use routing numbers domestically. If you are sending money from a U.S. bank account to someone outside the country, your bank will provide you with its BIC for that transaction. Major U.S. banks like Bank of America, Chase, and Wells Fargo all have published BIC codes for international wire transfers.
When you initiate an outgoing international wire at a U.S. bank, the bank will ask for the recipient's BIC and IBAN (or account number, depending on the country). You will not provide your own BIC — the bank already knows it. The receiving bank uses your bank's BIC to route the incoming payment correctly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a BIC the same as a SWIFT code?
Yes. BIC and SWIFT code are two names for the same thing. SWIFT is the organization that issues and maintains these codes, so people often call them SWIFT codes. Your bank may use either term in its documentation.
Do I need a BIC to receive a wire transfer?
The sender needs your BIC to route the payment to your bank. You do not need to do anything with it yourself — just provide it to the person or organization sending you the money. Your bank will receive the payment using the BIC and deposit it to your account.
Can I use a BIC for a domestic U.S. transfer?
No. U.S. domestic transfers use routing numbers, not BICs. If you try to use a BIC for a domestic transfer, the bank will reject it or ask you to provide the routing number instead. BICs are for international payments only.
What if my bank does not have a BIC?
All banks that participate in the international SWIFT network have a BIC. If your bank says it does not have one, it may mean the bank does not handle international transfers directly. Ask whether they can provide a BIC for their correspondent bank (a larger bank they partner with for international payments).
How long is a BIC code?
A BIC is either eight or eleven characters long. The eight-character version identifies the bank and country. The eleven-character version adds a branch code. Either version is valid; the eleven-character version is more specific but not always required.