Akif HazarviIn this guide
Key Takeaway
A SWIFT code is an 8-11 character identifier for your bank. Here's everything you need to know about SWIFT codes for international transfers.
What Is a SWIFT Code?
Quick answer: A SWIFT code (also called a BIC code) is an 8-11 character code that identifies a specific bank or branch for international wire transfers. The format is: 4-letter bank code + 2-letter country code + 2-character location code + optional 3-character branch code. Modern transfer services like Wise and Remitly handle SWIFT routing automatically, so you often don't need one. Learn more in our guide to sending money abroad.
A SWIFT code (also called a BIC — Bank Identifier Code) is a unique 8 or 11 character code that identifies a specific bank or branch worldwide. It's used to route international bank transfers to the correct destination.
SWIFT, formally the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication, connects over 11,000 institutions. Learn more about the network at swift.com. The standard is governed by ISO 9362.
You'll need a SWIFT code when sending money via a bank wire transfer. However, modern services like Wise and Remitly handle SWIFT routing internally. Learn more in our guide to how to send money abroad.
Quick Comparison: Best Providers for International Transfers
| Category | Provider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | WiseSend | No SWIFT required — uses local payment rails, 0% markup |
| Fastest Transfer | RemitlySend | Handles all routing internally, Express option available |
| Cheapest Option | XE | No SWIFT needed, zero fees, strong currency tools |
Based on real quotes from our comparison engine. Compare live rates →
How to Read a SWIFT Code
A SWIFT code has 4 parts:
- Characters 1–4: Bank code (e.g., CHAS = Chase)
- Characters 5–6: Country code (e.g., US = United States)
- Characters 7–8: Location code (e.g., 33 = New York)
- Characters 9–11 (optional): Branch code (e.g., XXX = head office)
Example: CHASUS33 = Chase Bank, United States, New York (head office)
If you have an 8-character code, it refers to the bank's head office. An 11-character code identifies a specific branch.
How to Find Your Bank's SWIFT Code
There are several ways to find your SWIFT code:
- Use our SWIFT code lookup tool — Search by bank name, country, or city. Go straight to the directory for the United States, the United Kingdom, India, China or Germany.
- Check your bank statement — Many banks print the SWIFT code on monthly statements.
- Online banking — Log into your bank's website or app and look in account details or settings.
- Call your bank — Customer service can provide your SWIFT code instantly.
- Visit your bank — Any branch can give you the SWIFT code for that location.
Got the code? One thing before you send. Needing a SWIFT code means you are about to send a bank wire — and that is the most expensive way to move money abroad. Banks charge a flat wire fee, the recipient’s bank often deducts another, and a margin is added to the exchange rate on top of both. The live comparison above shows what the same transfer costs with a specialist provider; what banks actually charge for a wire breaks the fees down in full, and the cheapest way to send money internationally covers the alternatives.
SWIFT Code vs IBAN: What's the Difference?
These are complementary but different:
- SWIFT code identifies the bank (which institution)
- IBAN identifies the account (which specific account at that bank)
For a European transfer (e.g., UK to Europe), you typically need both: the IBAN to identify the recipient's account and the SWIFT code to route the payment to the right bank. For transfers to the US, you use a routing number + account number instead of an IBAN.
Not all countries use IBANs — the US, Canada, Australia, and many Asian countries don't. But virtually all countries use SWIFT codes for international transfers. The IBAN.com registry covers 80+ countries. For IBAN validation rules, see ISO 13616.
Do You Always Need a SWIFT Code?
You need a SWIFT code for traditional bank wire transfers. However, many modern transfer services don't require you to know the SWIFT code:
- Wise — Uses local bank details (sort code + account number for UK, routing number + account number for US)
- Remitly — Only needs the recipient's bank account number for most corridors
- PayPal/Xoom — Uses email or phone number
These services handle the SWIFT routing internally, so you don't need to worry about it. Use our comparison tool to find the best provider for your corridor. For more detail on what information is needed, read our complete guide to sending money abroad.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a SWIFT code the same as a BIC code?
Can I use the wrong SWIFT code?
About the author
Editor-in-Chief
Akif Hazarvi is the editor-in-chief of SendMoneyCompare with 8+ years in fintech and cross-border payments.
- 8+ years in fintech and international payments
- Managed cross-border payment products at scale
- Conducted 500+ test transfers across 90+ providers
SendMoneyCompare
WhatsApp Channel · Free
Know who’s cheapest before you send
We track 90+ providers across 300+ corridors every few hours. When the cheapest way to send changes, you get one short message — not a newsletter.
Only when it matters. A message when the cheapest provider on a major corridor actually changes — not a daily rate dump.
Your number stays private. Channels are one-way. We can't see your number, message you directly, or add you to a group.
No signup, no email. One tap to follow inside WhatsApp, one tap to unfollow. Nothing to fill in.
Free · one tap to follow · unfollow any time
Example alert
GBP → INR · cheapest just changed
Sending £1,000 today? The cheapest provider on this corridor changed overnight — same money in, more rupees out. A bank wire is still the most expensive way to send it.
sendmoneycompare.com/send-money/uk-to-india
09:12Watch the card-funding fee
Two providers added a card-funding fee this morning. Paying by bank transfer is the cheaper route today.
Thu 16:40