UBS Switzerland AG SWIFT/BIC code

SWIFT/BIC code of UBS Switzerland AG

The 8-character code UBSWCHZH and the full code UBSWCHZHXXX refer to one and the same institution: UBS Switzerland AG, with its head office in Zurich. A SWIFT code tells the banks handling a payment exactly which bank should receive the money, much like a postcode for banks. In daily life you mostly come across it on international invoices, in payment forms and in the bank details of UBS Switzerland AG customers.

On this page you will find how the code means, when it matters and which other details a transfer to or from UBS Switzerland AG requires. Keep in mind that the SWIFT code only identifies the bank, not the person: the account number or IBAN takes care of that.

About this information

We collect bank codes using publicly available data and update our list regularly. It can happen that a code on this page is out of date after a merger or reorganisation. The number of codes on this page reflect our own data and not on information from UBS Switzerland AG itself.

Treat our data as a starting point, rather than as the final word. We are an independent comparison service for money transfers and not affiliated with UBS Switzerland AG. Found outdated information? Let us know via our contact form and we will look into it.

Transfer times and tracking a payment to UBS Switzerland AG

How fast a transfer arrives at UBS Switzerland AG depends on a few things: which currency you send, the number of banks in between, daily processing deadlines and differences in time zone. Bank holidays in either country add extra days, since banks do not process on those days. Extra checks by one of the banks can also add a delay, even when all details are correct.

Many banks are connected to SWIFT gpi, which lets them follow a payment from bank to bank. Each payment carries a unique transaction reference, the UETR. Keep your transfer receipt.

If a payment has not arrived within the expected time, the person who paid needs to contact their own bank. On the receiving end, it helps to look at your account to see a partial amount because fees can reduce the amount.

International transfers from UBS Switzerland AG: the real cost

An international bank payment costs rather more than the fee suggests. On top of a fixed fee, banks in between can deduct a fee, and when currencies are converted the bank often applies a rate below the actual market rate.

The real cost is often in the rate, rather than in the fee: many banks convert at a rate with a margin built in. A simple test: set the rate you get next to the mid-market rate and look at the difference.

Money transfer services frequently offer a rate near the mid-market rate with clearer fees. GoldexPay compares the amount that arrives with different services. Using a transfer service does not mean leaving UBS Switzerland AG.

Euro transfers to UBS Switzerland AG: is a BIC needed?

Because Switzerland is part of the SEPA zone, a euro transfer to UBS Switzerland AG from within the SEPA area normally requires just an IBAN. Most banking apps no longer ask for the BIC for these payments.

The BIC still matter for payments in other currencies, and for transfers from outside SEPA. A few banks and apps also ask for the BIC; in that case, enter UBSWCHZH or UBSWCHZHXXX.

SEPA transfers normally land by the next business day, and instant transfers in seconds where both banks support them. Provided no currency is converted, a SEPA transfer is inexpensive; costs rise once a conversion is involved.

UBS Switzerland AG: head office code versus branch codes

With 97 codes in 72 locations, UBS Switzerland AG is one of the banks that register individual codes for branches. The head office code remains UBSWCHZHXXX.

Unless the recipient tells you otherwise, use UBSWCHZHXXX. Branch codes are only needed if the recipient’s bank specifically mentions it, which is more common for corporate accounts and specialised services.

The safest approach is to copy the code straight from the recipient’s bank details. Branch codes are more likely to be retired than UBSWCHZHXXX.

What the XXX in UBSWCHZHXXX means

Each SWIFT/BIC code starts with the same eight core characters: four letters for the bank, two letters for the country and two characters for the location. Combined, these eight characters form UBSWCHZH – the version you usually see online.

The 11-character version has three more characters that identify a branch or department. If the last three are XXX, they simply mean the head office, which is why UBSWCHZHXXX and UBSWCHZH lead to the same place.

As a rule the code is typed in capitals and without spaces. A single character can send a payment to a different institution.

Scams that use SWIFT codes

Scammers often use payment requests with changed bank details sent from what looks like a familiar address. A valid SWIFT code tells you nothing about who owns the account – scammers simply use real codes.

Verify changed payment details through a separate channel, never via the email that asked for the change. Urgency or requests to keep it quiet tend to be warning signs; a genuine business can wait for you to check. When money was sent to the wrong account, call your bank right away: the sooner they act, the better the chance of a recall.

Fraud also work the other way. Someone claims to have sent more than agreed and wants you to refund the difference to a new account. A screenshot of a transfer proves nothing; only your own account shows what has arrived.

Receiving money from abroad at UBS Switzerland AG

If you expect money from abroad, send the payer a complete set of details. Give them the account holder’s name, your account number or IBAN, SWIFT code UBSWCHZHXXX and your address.

Their bank may request the address of your bank, in which case the Zurich head office is the usual answer. A typo in your account number can be more trouble than you might think.

Do not be surprised if the incoming amount is below the amount on the sender’s receipt. Intermediary banks may deduct a fee, and when currencies differ, a markup on the rate comes on top. Make clear with the sender who pays which costs, especially for larger amounts.

The Swiss Franc and what conversion costs you

Switzerland pays in the Swiss Franc, code CHF. Money sent in a different currency will be converted into CHF, and whoever converts it chooses the rate. You rarely see a separate charge for that conversion.

Who converts the payment makes a difference, because each party uses its own rate. Sending the amount already in CHF often prevents an extra conversion – as long as your own rate is good.

Exchange rates change all the time, and some providers let you lock in a rate. For regular payments, a slightly better rate make a real difference over time.

How to check UBSWCHZH before you pay

The safest source for a SWIFT code is the bank details provided by the recipient: an invoice, a bank statement or their online banking. Check it against UBSWCHZH here; if they differ, ask before you pay.

Errors in the BIC are costly more than disastrous – usually the money comes back, minus fees and time lost. Do not forget the account number: a mistake there can be more difficult to undo than a wrong BIC.

Many banking apps check the structure of IBANs. Some banks now compare the name with the account; take any warning seriously. When you pay someone new, many people send a small amount first before sending the rest.