Your bank's SWIFT code is an eight or eleven-character identifier that tells the international banking system which institution to send money to

When you send money across borders, your bank needs a way to identify itself to banks in other countries. That identifier is your SWIFT code — also called a BIC code (Bank Identifier Code). It works alongside your account number and routing number to complete the address for international transfers.

A SWIFT code looks like this: CHASUS33 (Chase Bank in the US) or DEUTDEDD (Deutsche Bank in Germany). The first four letters identify the bank, the next two identify the country, the next two identify the city or region, and the last three (if present) identify a specific branch. Without it, your international payment will either be rejected or delayed while the receiving bank tries to figure out where to send the money.

Key Takeaways

  • Your bank's SWIFT code is printed on statements, visible in online banking, or available by calling your bank's international services line.
  • The code is always the same for your bank regardless of which branch you use, unless your bank assigns branch-specific codes.
  • You need the receiving bank's SWIFT code when you send money internationally, not your own bank's code.
  • SWIFT codes are public information — your bank publishes them openly because international transfers cannot work without them.

Where to find your SWIFT code on your statement or online

The fastest place to look is your most recent bank statement. Many banks print the SWIFT code in the header or footer alongside your routing number and account number. If you bank online, log in and look for a section labeled "Account Details," "International Transfers," or "Wire Information" — most banks display the SWIFT code there.

If your statement does not show it, check any welcome materials or account documentation your bank sent when you opened the account. Some banks include it in a separate sheet titled "International Banking Information" or "Wire Instructions." This document is often filed away but contains exactly what you need.

Calling your bank to confirm the code

The most reliable method is to call your bank's international services or wire transfer department directly. Have your account number ready. Tell them you need your bank's SWIFT code for an international transfer. They will give you the code and can also tell you whether your specific branch has its own code or whether all branches use the same one.

When you call, ask whether the code changes depending on the country you are sending to — some large banks maintain different SWIFT codes for different regions or services. Getting this detail right prevents delays. Write down the code and the date you received it, in case you need to reference it later.

Using the SWIFT directory to verify the code

The official SWIFT directory is maintained by the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication, the organization that assigns these codes. You can search for your bank's code at swift.com in their public directory. Type your bank's name and country, and the system will return the correct code.

This is useful if you want to double-check a code before sending money, or if you are unsure whether your bank gave you the right one. The directory shows the bank name, country, and all branch codes if they exist. It is free to search and requires no registration.

The difference between a main SWIFT code and a branch code

Most banks use a single SWIFT code for all their branches. However, some large international banks assign a unique code to each major branch or region. If your bank does this, you may see codes like CHASUS33NYC (Chase New York) or CHASUS33LAX (Chase Los Angeles).

When you send money internationally, you typically use the main bank code, not the branch code. The receiving bank's system will route the money to the correct branch based on your account number. However, if you are sending to a specific branch and that branch has its own code, using the branch code can speed up the transfer. Ask your bank which code to provide to the person or organization sending you money.

What to do if you cannot find your SWIFT code

If your bank does not have a SWIFT code listed anywhere, it may be a very small regional bank or credit union that does not participate in the international SWIFT network. In that case, the bank can still receive international transfers, but the process is different — the sending bank will need to use a correspondent bank (an intermediary) to complete the transfer.

Call your bank and ask whether they can receive international wire transfers. If they can, ask them to provide the name and SWIFT code of their correspondent bank — the bank they use to receive money from abroad. You will give that code to the person sending you money, and the funds will arrive at the correspondent bank first, then be transferred to your account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need my own SWIFT code to receive money from another country?

No. You need your bank's SWIFT code and your account number. The person sending you money will use your bank's SWIFT code to identify where to send the funds. You do not need a personal SWIFT code — the code belongs to the bank, not to you.

Is my SWIFT code the same as my routing number?

No. Your routing number is a nine-digit code used for domestic transfers within the United States. Your SWIFT code is used for international transfers. They are different systems. You may need both if you are receiving money from abroad — the sending bank uses the SWIFT code to identify your bank, then uses your account number and routing number to deposit the money into your specific account.

Can I use the same SWIFT code for all my accounts at the same bank?

Yes. The SWIFT code identifies the bank, not the account. Whether you have a checking account, savings account, or money market account at the same bank, you use the same SWIFT code. The account number is what distinguishes which account receives the money.

What if the person sending me money asks for my SWIFT code and I give them the wrong one?

The transfer will be rejected or delayed. The sending bank will try to route the money to the wrong bank, the receiving bank will not recognize the account number, and the funds will be returned to the sender. This is why it is worth taking 30 seconds to confirm the code with your bank before giving it out.

Do I need a SWIFT code to send money internationally?

Yes. You need the receiving bank's SWIFT code, along with the recipient's account number and name. Your own bank's SWIFT code is not required — your bank already knows its own code. You provide the receiving bank's code so your bank knows where to send the money.