A SWIFT code is an 8 or 11-character code that identifies a specific bank branch anywhere in the world
When you send money to someone in another country, your bank needs to know exactly which bank and which branch to send it to. A SWIFT code (Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication) is the international standard way to identify that destination. It works like a postal address for banks — it tells the sending bank where the money should go.
SWIFT codes are used only for international transfers, not for domestic ones. If you're sending money within the United States, you use a routing number instead. But if you're sending money to Canada, the UK, Australia, or anywhere else, the receiving bank's SWIFT code is what gets the money to the right place.
Every bank that participates in international transfers has a SWIFT code. Some large banks have multiple codes — one for each major branch or business division. The code is assigned by the SWIFT organization, a cooperative owned by financial institutions worldwide.
Key Takeaways
- SWIFT codes are 8 or 11 characters long and identify a specific bank and branch for international transfers only.
- The first four characters are the bank code, the next two are the country code, and the remaining characters identify the branch and location.
- You need the receiving bank's SWIFT code to send money internationally, along with the recipient's account number and name.
- SWIFT codes are different from routing numbers (used in the US) and IBAN numbers (used in Europe and some other regions), though you may need all three for an international transfer.
How a SWIFT code is structured
A SWIFT code breaks down into four parts, and understanding the structure helps you verify you have the right one. The first four letters are the bank code — they identify which bank it is. For example, CHASE is the bank code for JPMorgan Chase.
The next two characters are the country code, using the ISO 3166-1 standard. So US means United States, GB means Great Britain, CA means Canada, and AU means Australia. This tells the sending bank which country to route the transfer to.
The next two characters identify the city or location where the branch is. The final one or three characters (depending on whether the code is 8 or 11 characters) identify the specific branch. An 8-character code is sometimes called a branch code; an 11-character code includes the branch identifier.
For example, CHASUS33 is JPMorgan Chase in the United States (US) in a specific location (33). If you see CHASUS33NYC, the NYC at the end specifies the New York City branch.
Where to find a SWIFT code
Your own bank's SWIFT code is usually on your bank statements, on the bank's website, or in your online banking portal. Look for a section labeled "International Transfers," "Wire Transfer Information," or "SWIFT Code." You can also call your bank's customer service line and ask for your SWIFT code.
To find someone else's bank's SWIFT code — the one you need to send money to them — ask them directly. They should know their own bank's code, or they can ask their bank. Many banks also publish their SWIFT codes on their websites in a section for international customers.
If you don't have the code and can't reach the recipient, you can search for it using the bank's name and country on the SWIFT directory (swift.com), though you'll need to know the specific branch. Some money transfer services and currency exchange platforms also have searchable SWIFT code databases.
SWIFT codes versus routing numbers and IBAN numbers
A routing number is a nine-digit code used only for transfers within the United States. It identifies which Federal Reserve district the bank belongs to and which bank within that district. You don't need a routing number for international transfers — you need a SWIFT code instead.
An IBAN (International Bank Account Number) is used primarily in Europe, the Middle East, and parts of Africa. It's a longer code — typically 15 to 34 characters — that includes the country code, bank code, and the individual account number all in one. Some international transfers require both the SWIFT code and the IBAN.
For a transfer to Europe, you might need the recipient's IBAN. For a transfer to the US, you need the recipient's routing number and account number. For transfers to most other countries, you need the SWIFT code. Some banks ask for all of them to be extra certain the money reaches the right place. When in doubt, ask the receiving bank what information they need.
What happens if you use the wrong SWIFT code
If you provide an incorrect SWIFT code, the transfer may be rejected outright — the sending bank's system will flag it as invalid before the money ever leaves your account. If the code is close to valid but points to the wrong bank or branch, the money may be sent to that wrong institution instead.
When money goes to the wrong bank, it usually doesn't stay there. The receiving bank will see that the account number doesn't match their records and will send the funds back to the sending bank. This process can take several days to a week, and you'll see the money returned to your account.
In rare cases, if the wrong SWIFT code happens to point to a real account at a real bank, and the account number you provided also exists there, the money could land in someone else's account. This is why it's critical to double-check the SWIFT code before you send. Ask the recipient to confirm it, or verify it on their bank's official website.
SWIFT codes for major US banks
If you're receiving a transfer from abroad and need to provide your US bank's SWIFT code, here are the codes for some of the largest banks. These are the main codes; some banks have additional codes for specific branches or business units.
| Bank | SWIFT Code |
|---|---|
| JPMorgan Chase | CHASUS33 |
| Bank of America | BOFAUS3N |
| Wells Fargo | WFBIUS6S |
| Citibank | CITIUS33 |
| US Bank | USBKUS44 |
| PNC Bank | PNCCUS33 |
| Capital One | COUSUSC2 |
If your bank is smaller or regional, its SWIFT code may not appear in this list. Contact your bank directly or check your statements — the code should be listed there. Many smaller banks and credit unions also have SWIFT codes, even if they're not household names.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a SWIFT code to receive money from abroad?
Yes. The person sending you money needs your bank's SWIFT code to route the transfer correctly. You should provide it to them along with your account number and full name. Some banks also ask for your IBAN if you have one, though SWIFT code plus account number is usually sufficient for US banks.
Can I use the same SWIFT code for all my transfers?
If your bank has only one SWIFT code, yes — use it for all international transfers. If your bank has multiple codes (one for each branch or business line), use the one that matches the branch where your account is held. When in doubt, ask your bank which code to use.
What if the bank I'm sending to doesn't have a SWIFT code?
Most banks that handle international transfers have a SWIFT code. If a bank doesn't, it may not participate in the international SWIFT network and may require you to use a different method — such as a money transfer service, wire transfer through a correspondent bank, or a specialized payment platform. Ask your bank what alternatives are available.
Is a SWIFT code the same as a BIC code?
Yes. BIC stands for Bank Identifier Code, and it's another name for the same thing. SWIFT code and BIC code are used interchangeably in banking. When someone asks for your BIC, they're asking for your SWIFT code.
How long does an international transfer take if I have the right SWIFT code?
Having the correct SWIFT code doesn't speed up the transfer itself — it just ensures the money goes to the right place. International transfers typically take 3 to 5 business days, depending on the banks involved, the countries, and whether any intermediate banks are needed. Some transfers take longer if they require additional verification or pass through multiple financial institutions.