SWIFT/BIC codes

Look up the SWIFT/BIC code of a bank or branch for an international transfer. Search by bank name or code, or browse by country.

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How a SWIFT/BIC code is built up

A SWIFT/BIC code has 8 or 11 characters. Each part has a fixed meaning:

AABA Bank code
4 letters that identify the bank.
FI Country code
2 letters for the country (ISO 3166).
22 Location code
2 characters for the city or region of the head office.
XXX Branch code
3 characters for a specific branch. XXX means the head office.

Frequently asked questions

What is a SWIFT/BIC code?

A SWIFT code, also called BIC (Business Identifier Code), is an international code that identifies a bank. It makes sure an international transfer reaches the right bank.

Is a SWIFT code the same as an IBAN?

No. The IBAN identifies the account, the SWIFT/BIC code identifies the bank. For transfers outside the SEPA area you usually need both.

Do I need a SWIFT code for a SEPA transfer?

Usually not. Within the SEPA area (EU, EEA, Switzerland, UK and a few others) the IBAN is enough for euro transfers.

Can I save money on an international transfer?

Yes. Banks often use a poor exchange rate on top of a fee. Specialist transfer services use the mid-market rate or a small markup, which can save you several percent.

Source: listbase-org SWIFT/BIC database (MIT licence), updated monthly. Always verify the code with the recipient or their bank.