SWIFT / BIC Code Lookup
Find any bank's SWIFT code in seconds — free, no signup, works offline.
What is a SWIFT / BIC Code?
A SWIFT/BIC code (Business Identifier Code) is a standard format approved by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) under the ISO 9362 standard that identifies banks and financial institutions globally. It is used to validate SWIFT code format and securely route international wire transfers and messages across the SWIFT network, operating alongside domestic clearing systems like Fedwire, CHIPS, and SEPA.
How to look up a SWIFT code
You can find a bank's SWIFT code by checking your bank statement, logging into your online banking portal, or using the search tool above to look up the code by bank name and country. Always verify the SWIFT code with your recipient before sending funds to avoid routing delays.
BIC8 vs BIC11
A BIC8 is an 8-character code that identifies the primary head office of a bank. A BIC11 is an 11-character code that identifies a specific branch. If a transaction requires an 11-character code but you only have an 8-character code, appending "XXX" to the end of the BIC8 will route the payment to the bank's head office.
SWIFT/BIC vs IBAN vs routing number — when you need each
A SWIFT/BIC code identifies the specific bank globally. An IBAN (International Bank Account Number) identifies the specific individual account within that bank. A Routing Number (like the US ABA or UK Sort Code) identifies a domestic bank branch for local clearing networks, not international SWIFT transfers.
Comparison: Bank Identifier Codes
| Type | Identifies | Format | Regions | Used for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SWIFT / BIC | Bank & Branch | 8 or 11 chars | Global | International wire transfers |
| IBAN | Bank Account | Up to 34 chars | Europe, ME, others | SEPA, Intl transfers |
| ABA Routing (RTN) | Bank Branch | 9 digits | United States | Fedwire, ACH, CHIPS (Domestic) |
| UK Sort Code | Bank Branch | 6 digits | United Kingdom | BACS, CHAPS (Domestic) |
Reference Guides & Resources
Learn more about payment networks and checksum validations in our guides:
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a SWIFT code the same as a BIC?
Yes. SWIFT (Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication) is the organization that handles the network, while BIC (Business Identifier Code) is the standard format they use. The terms are used interchangeably in international banking.
How do I find my bank's SWIFT code?
You can usually find your bank's SWIFT code on your paper bank statements, inside your online banking dashboard under account details, or on the bank's official website contact page. If you cannot find it, calling customer service is the safest option.
What does each part of a SWIFT code mean?
A SWIFT code consists of 8 or 11 characters. The first 4 characters are letters representing the bank (Institution Code). The next 2 characters are letters representing the ISO country code. The next 2 characters are letters or numbers representing the location. The final 3 optional characters identify the specific branch.
Is a SWIFT code safe to share?
Yes. A SWIFT code only identifies the bank and branch; it does not contain your personal account information. You must share it, along with your IBAN or account number, for someone to send you an international wire transfer.
What's the difference between an 8 and 11 character SWIFT code?
An 8-character SWIFT code (BIC8) identifies the primary head office of the bank. An 11-character SWIFT code (BIC11) identifies a specific branch. Padding an 8-character code with "XXX" converts it to an 11-character code pointing to the head office.