SWIFT / BIC Codes in Canada

SWIFT/BIC codes for Canada consist of 8 or 11 alphanumeric characters under ISO 9362. Characters 5 and 6 are 'CA', the ISO 3166-1 country code for Canada.

Our directory contains 402 SWIFT/BIC codes registered across 219 banks and 31 municipalities in Canada.

Domestic transfers in Canada clear via Transit Number under Bank of Canada / Payments Canada oversight (primary currency: CAD). international inbound wire transfers and CAD cross-border settlement

SWIFT codes identify the beneficiary bank institution, while IBANs (ISO 13616) or account numbers identify the specific account holder. For cross-border wires, both the receiving bank's BIC and customer account number are generally required.

Cross-border transfers to Canada typically process within 1 to 5 business days, depending on correspondent banking links, time zone cut-offs, and compliance checks.

An 8-character BIC specifies an institution's primary head office in Canada. An 11-character BIC appends a 3-character branch suffix to target a specific branch location or department.

Using an incorrect code can delay execution, cause transaction returns, or incur administrative bounce fees from intermediary institutions. Verify all routing details with your beneficiary beforehand.

SWIFT/BIC codes are assigned and registered internationally by SWIFT as the ISO 9362 Registration Authority, not directly issued by central bank authorities unless integrated into national clearing directories.

You can look up the bank name and location in our Canada directory, and confirm the exact code directly with the receiving beneficiary or branch documentation.

Data for Canada is compiled from open community BIC reference records (2024 vintage).