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What is a SWIFT code?

SWIFT codes, often called Bank Identifier Codes (BICs), are special codes used by banks and financial institutions worldwide. They play a crucial role in making sure international transactions are processed securely and efficiently. Basically, they help pinpoint exactly where money should go by identifying the bank, the country it's located in, the specific city, and sometimes even the particular branch. Typically, a SWIFT code has between 8 and 11 letters and numbers.

Understanding SWIFT Code Structure

Once you know how they're structured, SWIFT codes are actually pretty straightforward. Each code is either 8 or 11 characters long, mixing letters and numbers. These characters are grouped into specific sections, each giving particular details about the bank.

Here's how the code breaks down:

Bank Code

The first four letters identify the specific bank or financial institution. Usually, it's a short abbreviation of the bank's name. For instance, "Santander" stands for Santander Bank.

Country Code

The next two letters represent the country using international ISO standards. So, "US" would mean the United States, "GB" is Great Britain, and "DE" stands for Germany.

Location Code

After the country code, you'll see two characters (either letters or numbers) that show the bank’s city or region within the country. For example, "NY" typically means New York, or sometimes a number will represent a specific city or region.

Branch Code (optional)

The last three characters identify a specific branch or office. Not every SWIFT code has this—if it's just eight characters, you're dealing with the bank’s main office. Often, you'll see "XXX" used to explicitly indicate the main branch.

Example:

For example, the SWIFT code UNCRITMM breaks down like this:

UNCR – Bank code for UniCredit Bank

IT – Country code for Italy

MM – Location code for Milan

"UNCR" is UniCredit Bank, "IT" is Italy, and "MM" stands for Milan. Because it only has eight characters, it points directly to the main office in Milan. If there were an additional branch code (like "UNCRITMMXXX"), the "XXX" would explicitly indicate the main branch.

Knowing how to read these codes helps banks and customers confirm they're sending money exactly where it's meant to go. Since every SWIFT code is unique—part of the ISO 9362 standard—there's no risk of confusion or errors during international transfers.

How to Send a SWIFT Payment?

Sending a SWIFT transfer involves several simple but careful steps to ensure your money reaches the intended recipient safely and accurately:

Get the Right Information

You'll need:

Recipient’s Bank Information: SWIFT/BIC code, bank name, and address.
Recipient’s Details: Account number or IBAN, and their full registered name.
Optional: You might have to provide a short note explaining the purpose of the transfer, plus the currency and exact amount.

Initiate the Transfer

You can either go to your bank physically or use online money transfer services like Remitly, if your bank allows international transfers online. Carefully fill out the transfer form provided, double-checking all details.

Check Fees and Exchange Rates

SWIFT transfers usually involve fees, charged by your bank or any banks handling the transaction along the way. If you're sending money in a different currency, always check your bank’s exchange rates—they might differ from market rates

Confirm and Send the Payment

Before submitting, double-check all information to avoid delays or lost funds. Your bank might ask for extra verification, such as a one-time password or digital signature. Once everything is confirmed, submit your request and keep the confirmation or reference number provided

Track Your Transfer

Most banks let you track the status of your SWIFT payment online. It typically takes 1-5 business days for international transactions, depending on the banks involved. Keep the reference number handy in case you need to contact your bank for any updates.

Regulatory requirements: Be aware that some transactions might require additional documentation to comply with international banking regulations or anti-money laundering policies.

Frequently Asked Questions About SWIFT/BIC Codes

Where can I find my bank’s SWIFT code?

You have several easy ways to locate your bank’s SWIFT code:

Use trusted online SWIFT code finders like swift.codes
Check your bank statement or log into your online banking.
Visit your bank’s official website.
Call your bank’s customer service directly.

How can I check if a SWIFT code is valid?

Here’s how you can verify a SWIFT code:

Use a reliable online validation tool.
Double-check directly with your bank or financial institution.
Ensure the SWIFT code format is correct (should be 8 or 11 characters).
Always confirm the details with the recipient before sending money.

Do all banks have a SWIFT code?

Not every bank has a SWIFT code. Most big banks and financial institutions do because they're commonly used for international transfers. However, smaller banks or credit unions might not have their own SWIFT code. Instead, they usually work with a larger bank (known as a correspondent bank) that has one.

What happens if I use the wrong SWIFT code?

If you accidentally enter the wrong SWIFT code, several things might happen: your payment could be delayed, sent to the wrong bank, or rejected completely. Always confirm the correct SWIFT code with your bank or recipient before initiating the transaction. If you notice a mistake after sending funds, contact your bank right away to correct the issue.

Need to find or check a SWIFT code? You can use a trusted directory likeswift.codes to make sure you have accurate information.

Can I use a SWIFT code instead of an IBAN?

SWIFT codes and IBANs aren’t interchangeable; they actually serve different purposes:

SWIFT Code (BIC) identifies the bank or financial institution itself, guiding your transfer to the right place.
IBAN specifies the exact bank account within that institution, detailing the country, bank, and individual account number.

Typically, both are required for international transactions, especially within countries that use the IBAN system (like in Europe). The SWIFT code routes your money to the correct bank, while the IBAN ensures it reaches the exact account.

Are SWIFT and BIC codes identical?

Yes. SWIFT and BIC codes refer to exactly the same thing. The acronym SWIFT stands for "Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Financial Telecommunication", which is the organization behind these BIC, or "Bank Identifier Code", is another name describing the same international code, typically made up of 8 or 11 characters, used to facilitate cross-border banking transactions.