What an intermediary bank is and why you need it
An intermediary bank is a bank that sits between your bank and the receiving bank when money moves internationally. Your bank uses it to route the transfer through the banking network. You need intermediary bank details when you're sending money abroad and your bank doesn't have a direct relationship with the receiving bank in that country.
Not every international transfer requires an intermediary. If you're sending money to a major bank in a large financial centre, your bank may have a direct connection and won't need one. But if you're sending to a smaller bank, a regional bank, or a bank in a country with fewer international connections, an intermediary becomes necessary. The intermediary bank holds the money briefly, verifies it, and passes it to the final destination.
The difference matters because transfers with intermediaries take longer — usually one to three extra business days — and may cost more. Understanding whether you need one, and which one, can prevent your transfer from being rejected or delayed.
Key Takeaways
- Your own bank can tell you whether an intermediary is needed for a specific transfer and provide the intermediary's details at no extra cost.
- The receiving bank's SWIFT code, routing number, or local bank code determines whether an intermediary is required.
- Intermediary bank information includes the bank's name, SWIFT code, and sometimes an account number at that intermediary.
- If your bank cannot provide intermediary details, the receiving bank's international department can usually supply them.
Ask your own bank first
The fastest way to get intermediary bank information is to contact your bank directly and tell them the destination country and the receiving bank's name. Your bank's international wire department or customer service can tell you when ready whether an intermediary is needed and provide the exact details if one is.
When you call or visit, have ready: the receiving bank's name, the country it's in, and ideally its SWIFT code or routing number. Your bank will look up whether they have a direct relationship with that bank. If they do, no intermediary is needed. If they don't, they'll provide you with the intermediary bank's name, SWIFT code, and any account number you need to include in the transfer instructions.
This information is free. Your bank provides it as part of the wire transfer service. Some banks include it in their online banking platform under "international transfers" or "wire instructions," while others require you to speak with someone. Either way, this is your most reliable source because the details are current and specific to your bank's network.
Find the receiving bank's international contact details
If your bank cannot provide intermediary information — which is rare but happens with smaller or newer banks — contact the receiving bank directly. Most banks have an international payments department or a customer service line that handles wire transfer questions.
Start with the receiving bank's website. Look for sections titled "International Transfers," "Wire Instructions," "SWIFT Information," or "Correspondent Banks." Many banks publish this information publicly because they receive these questions regularly. You're looking for a list of correspondent banks or intermediary banks the receiving bank uses for incoming transfers from your country.
If the website doesn't have it, call the receiving bank's international department. Tell them your bank's name and country, and ask which intermediary bank they recommend for transfers from your location. They may provide multiple options. Write down the intermediary bank's full name, SWIFT code, and any account number they mention.
Use SWIFT directories to verify intermediary details
A SWIFT code is an 8 or 11-character code that identifies a specific bank and branch. If you have an intermediary bank's name but want to verify its SWIFT code, or if you need to find a SWIFT code for an intermediary, you can search the official SWIFT directory.
The SWIFT directory is available at swift.com. Search by bank name and country. The results show the bank's SWIFT code, address, and sometimes a list of branches. This is useful for double-checking information your bank gave you or for finding the exact code format if you received a partial or unclear code.
Be cautious of third-party SWIFT lookup sites. While many are accurate, some contain outdated information. The official SWIFT directory is always current because banks update it when they change details or add branches.
Understand what information you actually need
Intermediary bank information typically includes three pieces: the bank's name, its SWIFT code, and sometimes an account number at that intermediary. Your bank will tell you which pieces to include in your wire transfer instructions.
The SWIFT code is almost always required. It's the primary identifier. The account number at the intermediary is less common but necessary for some transfers, particularly to certain countries or when the intermediary is a smaller regional bank. Your bank will specify whether you need it.
You do not need the intermediary bank's address, phone number, or routing number unless your bank specifically asks for it. If your bank's wire form has a field for intermediary information and you're unsure what to enter, ask before submitting. A missing or incorrect intermediary detail can cause the transfer to be rejected or delayed while your bank contacts the intermediary to clarify.
What to do if intermediary information differs between sources
If your bank gives you one intermediary bank and the receiving bank suggests a different one, trust your bank. Your bank knows its own network and which intermediaries it uses to reach that destination. The receiving bank may suggest a preferred intermediary, but your bank's choice will work because it's part of your bank's established routing path.
If you receive conflicting information from two calls to the same bank, ask to speak with a supervisor or request written confirmation. International wire instructions are precise, and a small error — a digit in a SWIFT code, for example — can route money to the wrong place. Getting it in writing protects you if something goes wrong.
Timing and costs for transfers using intermediaries
Transfers that use an intermediary bank typically take three to five business days instead of one to three. The extra time comes from the intermediary receiving the funds, verifying them, and forwarding them to the final destination. Weekends and holidays in any of the three countries involved can add more days.
Intermediary banks may charge a fee for handling the transfer. Your bank will tell you its own fee upfront, but the intermediary's fee is often deducted from the amount that arrives at the receiving bank. Ask your bank whether intermediary fees are included in the quote they give you, or whether they'll be subtracted from the amount received.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I avoid using an intermediary bank?
Not if your bank doesn't have a direct relationship with the receiving bank. However, you can ask your bank whether they have partnerships with other banks in that country that do have direct connections. Sometimes routing through a different bank at the destination costs less or takes less time than using an intermediary.
What if the intermediary bank information my bank gave me doesn't work?
Contact your bank when ready. Provide them with the transfer reference number and the date you sent it. They can trace where the money went and either reroute it or reverse it. Do not assume the transfer failed — intermediary transfers sometimes take longer than expected, and the money may still be in process.
Do I need intermediary information for every international transfer?
No. Transfers to major banks in financial centres like London, New York, Toronto, or Singapore often go direct. Your bank will tell you whether an intermediary is needed when you initiate the transfer. If it's not needed, you won't see an intermediary field in the wire instructions.
Can I use the same intermediary bank for transfers to different countries?
Not usually. Each destination country has its own banking network and intermediaries. Your bank will provide different intermediary information depending on which country you're sending to. Using an intermediary meant for a different country will cause the transfer to fail or be rejected.
Is intermediary bank information the same as correspondent bank information?
They're related but not identical. A correspondent bank is any bank your bank has a relationship with. An intermediary bank is a specific type of correspondent bank that sits between yours and the receiving bank. Your bank may have many correspondent banks but only use one or two as intermediaries for a particular destination.