SWIFT/BIC codes in Germany: banks starting with J

SWIFT/BIC codes in Germany

In Germany our database holds 8518 SWIFT/BIC codes from 2804 banks. A BIC shows the banks handling a transfer exactly which bank is meant to get the money.

Pick the bank below to view the head office code and any branch codes along with tips for payments to and from that bank. Further down you can read how a code from Germany is put together, how to send money there at a fair price and what to check before you pay.

The Euro (EUR) and conversion costs

Most accounts in Germany are typically held in EUR. Money sent in a different currency is exchanged into EUR, and whoever converts it chooses the rate.

Which bank converts the money matters, because each party uses its own rate. In many cases it is cheaper if you send EUR straight away via a provider with a good rate so the receiving bank does not need to convert again. Exchange rates change all the time, so a quote is usually valid only briefly.

Filter: banks in Germany with :letter

This filter narrows the list to banks from Germany that begin with :letter, so you can find a bank faster. The figures for Germany mentioned here apply to all 2804 banks, not just the ones under :letter.

Cannot find the bank? Its official name may start with a different letter. Try the full list for Germany if you are not sure the exact name.

Verifying a SWIFT code from Germany

The most reliable place for the correct BIC is paperwork issued by the bank. If the code you have does not match our list, do not guess.

We collect bank codes from public sources and check our list regularly. Institutions reorganise, close branches and retire codes. Use our data as a reference rather than the last word. GoldexPay is an independent comparison site.

Be wary of invoices with changed bank details. Always verify changed details by phone, using a number you already had.

Euro payments to Germany: is a BIC needed?

Inside SEPA, euro transfers to Germany follow common rules. The BIC field is often optional in that case.

The BIC does come into play for payments in other currencies and when the money comes from outside SEPA. Instant payments in euros are widely available within SEPA. Fees are generally low provided everything stays in euros.

Most SWIFT codes in Germany: Deutsche Bank AG

Deutsche Bank AG tops our list for Germany when it comes to SWIFT/BIC codes. The head office uses DEUTDE2HXXX, which is the code to use when no branch is specified.

Banks differ in how many codes they register, so the count is not a ranking of size. Unless a branch code is given, the head office code DEUTDE2HXXX works for transfers to this bank.

The structure of a Germany SWIFT/BIC code

Each SWIFT/BIC code consists of 8 or 11 characters. Characters one to four identify the bank, the fifth and sixth characters form the country code and characters seven and eight mark the location.

Whatever the bank, every code from Germany share the same fifth and sixth letters, namely the ISO code of Germany. Codes with other letters in that position belong to another country, even if the bank name looks familiar.

When a code ends in XXX, it means the main office and the short version works just as well. Use a branch code just if the recipient explicitly gives you one.

When does money sent to Germany arrive?

How fast money reaches Germany depends on a few things: the currency, how many intermediary banks are involved, cut-off times and time zones. Payments made after the cut-off time or just before weekends and holidays often go out the next business day.

When a payment takes longer than expected, the sender should contact their own bank for a trace – the receiving bank often cannot see a payment that has not arrived. Money transfer services usually provide tracking in their app.

What a transfer to Germany really costs

If you send money to Germany through your bank, the stated fee is only part of the cost. Besides a fixed fee, intermediary banks can take a cut, and when the money is converted the bank usually uses a less favourable rate than the real market rate.

The markup on the rate tends to be the largest cost item because it is hidden in the rate. Check the rate you are offered with the mid-market rate, the midpoint you see on financial news sites; the gap is what conversion costs you.

For a lot of currency pairs, a specialist provider is cheaper than a traditional bank transfer, mainly because of the rate. Before your next transfer to Germany, it is worth to compare the total cost on GoldexPay.

Incoming international payments in Germany

To receive an international payment into a Germany account, the person paying you has to have not just the BIC. Give them the account holder’s name, the IBAN or account number, the BIC of your bank and your address, which some banks require.

Your bank’s code is in our list. You can include your bank’s name and city as well, since some payment forms ask for it.

Do not be surprised if the amount credited is smaller than the amount on the sender’s receipt. Charges on incoming payments vary from bank to bank. On invoices, agree how the fees are split.