SWIFT/BIC code lookup by country

A SWIFT code (also called a BIC — Bank Identifier Code) is an 8 to 11 character code that uniquely identifies a bank and its branch for international wire transfers. SWIFT stands for the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication, which operates the messaging network used by banks to send payment instructions worldwide.

Every bank that participates in international transfers has a unique SWIFT code. When you send money abroad, your bank uses the recipient's SWIFT code to route the payment to the correct bank and branch. Without the correct code, your transfer may be delayed, sent to the wrong account, or returned.

SWIFT code vs IBAN

A SWIFT code identifies the bank, while an IBAN identifies the specific account. For international transfers, you typically need both — the SWIFT code routes payment to the right bank, and the IBAN ensures it reaches the right account. Some countries (like the US) don't use IBANs and rely on routing numbers instead.

8-character vs 11-character codes

An 8-character SWIFT code (no branch suffix) refers to the bank's primary office. An 11-character code adds a 3-character branch identifier; “XXX” in that position also means the primary office. If the recipient's bank gives no branch code, the 8-character code or its XXX form is the one to use — but where the bank names a specific branch code for incoming payments, use that.

What happens if you use the wrong SWIFT code?

A code that does not exist is rejected before the payment leaves. A valid code for the wrong bank is the costly mistake: the payment travels, the receiving bank cannot match the account, and it comes back — usually less the charges deducted along the way, and your own bank may add an amendment or recall fee. Confirm the code with the recipient's bank details before a large transfer.

Where to find your SWIFT code

You can find your bank's SWIFT code on your bank statement, in your online banking portal, or by searching our directory above. You can also contact your bank directly and ask for their SWIFT/BIC code for receiving international transfers. The official registry is kept by SWIFT, the authority that issues the codes.

SWIFT codes and transfer costs

A SWIFT wire can pass through one or more correspondent banks between the two banks, and each may deduct a charge from the amount, so the recipient can get less than you sent before any exchange rate is applied. Many money transfer services pay out through the destination country's local payment system instead, where no correspondent sits in the chain. Use our comparison tool to see what the recipient gets from each provider, fees and exchange rate included, before you send.