SWIFT/BIC codes in Switzerland: banks starting with U

Finding a SWIFT code in Switzerland

Our directory covers 697 banks and financial institutions in Switzerland. Every code identifies a bank or a specific branch or department.

Every bank has its own page showing its main code and if there are any, branch codes. The rest of this page covers how the codes work, the cost of transfers and how to avoid mistakes.

The structure of a Switzerland SWIFT/BIC code

A BIC is 8 or 11 characters long and follows a fixed pattern. It starts with a four-letter bank code, then two letters for the country and two characters for the location.

Whatever the bank, all Switzerland codes have the same country code in positions five and six, namely the ISO code of Switzerland. A code with a different country code belong to a bank abroad.

If the last three are XXX, it means the main office and the short version works just as well. Use a branch code only if the recipient’s bank asks for it.

When does money sent to Switzerland arrive?

An international transfer to Switzerland usually takes anywhere from one to several business days, depending on the currency, the route and the banks involved. Bank holidays in either country add extra days to the journey.

A growing number of banks use SWIFT gpi, which lets them follow a payment from bank to bank. Each gpi transfer carries a unique transaction reference, the UETR. Specialist transfer services often provide a status online.

Sending CHF to Switzerland

Switzerland pays in the Swiss Franc, code CHF. If you send money in a different currency, the amount gets converted at some point – by your bank, a bank in between or the recipient’s bank.

Which bank converts the money matters, because each party uses its own rate. Compare how much CHF arrives via different services before choosing one. Exchange rates move during the day.

Paying in euros to Switzerland

Switzerland is a member of the SEPA area, where euro transfers follow common rules. For a regular euro transfer within SEPA, you normally only need the IBAN and the BIC is often filled in automatically.

The BIC does matter for payments in other currencies and when the money comes from outside SEPA. Euro payments within SEPA normally land within one business day, and instant transfers in seconds where both banks support them. As long as no conversion is involved, a SEPA transfer is usually inexpensive.

Getting paid from abroad into an account in Switzerland

A sender in another country needs several details from you, and missing ones are a common cause of delays. Share the account holder’s name, the IBAN or account number, the BIC of your bank and your address, which some banks require.

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

What lands in your account is often lower than what was sent. Intermediary banks may deduct a fee and your own bank may charge for processing, and when currencies differ, an exchange rate margin comes on top. Agree with the sender who covers the fees.

Bank or transfer service for Switzerland?

When you send money to Switzerland through a regular bank, the stated fee is rarely all of the cost. You pay the transfer fee, possibly fees from correspondent banks and, above all, the exchange rate markup if the money is converted.

The markup on the rate is often the largest part of the cost, even though it is not listed as a fee. Check the rate you are offered with the mid-market rate; the gap is what conversion costs you.

Money transfer services often offer a rate near the mid-market rate with clearer fees. Before your next transfer to Switzerland, take a minute to compare what arrives via GoldexPay.

Which bank in Switzerland has the most codes?

Of the 697 banks in Switzerland, Raiffeisen Schweiz Genossenschaft has the most codes. Its head office code is RAIFCH22XXX.

Banks differ in how many codes they register, so the count is not a ranking of size. If not the recipient asks for a branch, the head office code RAIFCH22XXX works for transfers to this bank.

How reliable is this list?

The best place to find the correct BIC remains paperwork issued by the bank. An incorrect BIC may lead to a delay, a payment being sent back or additional charges – compare it with the code in our list.

This list is compiled from publicly available sources. Banks reorganise, change names and change codes – a directory can be a step behind. Before a payment of any size, confirm the BIC with the recipient’s bank. GoldexPay is an independent comparison service for money transfers and not part of any bank listed here.

Watch out for invoices with a new account – a common fraud method. A real SWIFT code says nothing about whether a request is genuine: criminals use real codes too.

Banks in Switzerland beginning with the letter :letter

Here you see a filtered list: just institutions in Switzerland with a name starting with :letter. The figures for Switzerland mentioned here cover all 697 banks and not only this letter.

If a bank does not appear under :letter, try another letter. The complete list is available when you cannot find the bank here.