Where to find your bank's SWIFT code

Your bank's SWIFT code is an eight or eleven-character identifier that tells the international banking system which bank you use and where. You can find it in three places: your bank's website, a statement you already have, or by calling your bank directly.

The easiest route is your bank's website. Log in to your online banking portal, look for a section called "Account Details," "Wire Instructions," or "International Transfers," and the SWIFT code will be listed there alongside your routing number and account number. If you cannot find it online, check a recent bank statement — many banks print the SWIFT code at the bottom or in a section labeled "Bank Information."

If neither of those works, call your bank's customer service line. Have your account number ready, and ask for the SWIFT code associated with your account. The representative will give it to you in seconds. Some banks have different SWIFT codes for different branches or services, so confirm you have the right one for international transfers.

Key Takeaways

  • Your bank's SWIFT code appears on your online banking portal under account details or wire instructions, on recent statements, or by calling customer service.
  • SWIFT codes are eight or eleven characters long and identify both your bank and the specific branch handling your transfer.
  • Different banks sometimes use different SWIFT codes for different purposes, so confirm you have the code for international transfers specifically.
  • You need your SWIFT code when someone outside the United States sends you money or when you send money internationally.

What a SWIFT code looks like and what it tells you

A SWIFT code follows a predictable pattern. The first four letters are the bank's code — for example, CHASE for Chase Bank or BOFA for Bank of America. The next two letters are the country code, always US for United States banks. The last two letters identify the specific branch or location.

If the code is eleven characters instead of eight, those last three characters narrow it down further to a particular department or processing center within the bank. For most international transfers, either version works, but the receiving bank may ask for the longer one to route your money to the exact right place.

You do not need to memorize or understand the code — you just need to copy it correctly. A single wrong letter will send your transfer to the wrong bank or cause it to bounce back, so double-check what you write or paste.

Why you need a SWIFT code for international transfers

When money moves between countries, it passes through multiple banks. Your bank needs to know which foreign bank to send it to, and the foreign bank needs to know which branch of your bank to receive it from. The SWIFT code is the standardized way banks worldwide identify each other.

Think of it like an address for a bank. Your routing number works within the United States because all U.S. banks use the same system. But internationally, banks use different numbering systems, so SWIFT codes exist to translate. Without a SWIFT code, the international banking system would not know where to send your money.

SWIFT codes versus routing numbers and IBAN codes

You may hear three terms used for international transfers: SWIFT code, routing number, and IBAN. They are different things, and you may need more than one depending on where the money is going.

Your routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies your U.S. bank within the American banking system only. It does not work internationally. Your SWIFT code is the international version — it works worldwide. An IBAN (International Bank Account Number) is a longer code used mainly in Europe and some other regions; it includes your account number, bank code, and country code all in one. The United States does not use IBANs, so you will not need one if you are sending or receiving money from a U.S. bank.

When someone sends you money from abroad, they will ask for your SWIFT code and your account number. When you send money internationally, you will need the recipient's SWIFT code and account number, or their IBAN if they are outside the U.S.

What to do if you cannot find your bank's SWIFT code online

Some smaller banks or credit unions do not prominently display their SWIFT code online because they handle fewer international transfers. If you cannot find it on the website or in your account portal, call the bank's main customer service line and ask for the international wire department. They will have the code when ready.

If your bank tells you it does not have a SWIFT code, it may mean the bank does not handle international transfers directly. In that case, you can ask whether they use a correspondent bank — a larger bank that processes international transfers on their behalf. The correspondent bank will have a SWIFT code, and that is what you would use.

Common mistakes when using a SWIFT code

The most common error is copying the code wrong. SWIFT codes are case-insensitive (CHASUS33 and chasus33 are the same), but a single wrong letter or number will cause the transfer to fail. Copy it directly from your bank's website or statement rather than typing it from memory.

Another mistake is using an old SWIFT code. Banks rarely change their codes, but if you are using a code from years ago, confirm it is still current by checking your bank's website or calling. A third mistake is using the wrong SWIFT code for your specific bank if it has multiple codes — for example, some large banks have different codes for retail banking versus commercial banking.

Finally, do not assume a SWIFT code alone is enough. You will almost always need to provide your full account number as well. The SWIFT code tells the system which bank, but the account number tells it which account within that bank.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a SWIFT code to receive money from someone in another country?

Yes. Anyone sending you money from abroad will need your SWIFT code and your account number. Provide both to make sure the money reaches the right account. Your bank may also ask you to provide your full name and address so the sending bank can verify the transfer is legitimate.

Is a SWIFT code the same as a BIC code?

Yes. BIC stands for Bank Identifier Code, and it is another name for the same thing. SWIFT code and BIC code are used interchangeably. When someone asks for your BIC, they are asking for your SWIFT code.

What happens if I give someone the wrong SWIFT code?

The transfer will either fail and bounce back to the sender, or it will go to the wrong bank. Either way, the money will not reach you. The sending bank will usually catch the error and return the funds within a few days, but it can take longer. Always double-check the code before confirming a transfer.

Can I use the same SWIFT code for sending and receiving money?

Yes. Your bank's SWIFT code is the same whether you are receiving money or sending it. You provide it to people sending you money, and you use it when setting up outgoing international transfers through your bank.

Do credit unions have SWIFT codes?

Some do and some do not. Larger credit unions that handle international transfers will have a SWIFT code. Smaller credit unions may not, or they may use a correspondent bank's SWIFT code for international transfers. Call your credit union to find out.