A SWIFT number is a standardized code that identifies a specific bank during international money transfers
When you send money to someone in another country, the sending bank needs to know exactly which bank to send it to. A SWIFT number (also called a SWIFT code or BIC code) is an 8 or 11-character alphanumeric code that acts as a unique address for that bank. It tells the payment system which institution should receive the funds and where that institution is located.
SWIFT stands for the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication, the organization that assigns and maintains these codes. Every bank that participates in international payments has one. Without it, international transfers would require manual routing through multiple intermediary banks, which would be slower and more expensive.
The code itself contains information: the first four characters identify the bank, the next two identify the country, the next two identify the city or region, and the final three (if included) identify the specific branch. For example, a SWIFT code might look like CHASUS33 or CHASUS33NYC, where CHAS identifies Chase Bank, US identifies the United States, and the remaining characters narrow it down further.
Key Takeaways
- A SWIFT number is an 8 or 11-character code that identifies a specific bank and its location for international transfers.
- The code is required to send money internationally, but not for domestic transfers within the United States.
- You can find your bank's SWIFT number on your bank's website, by calling the bank directly, or by asking during a wire transfer.
- SWIFT codes are different from routing numbers; routing numbers are used for domestic U.S. transfers, while SWIFT codes are used internationally.
- The receiving bank uses the SWIFT code to identify where to deposit the incoming funds and route the payment through the correct intermediary banks if needed.
How SWIFT codes work in an international transfer
When you initiate an international wire transfer, your bank uses the SWIFT code to route your money through the global banking network. Your bank sends the payment instruction to a clearing house or correspondent bank, which reads the SWIFT code and determines the path the money should take.
If your bank has a direct relationship with the receiving bank, the transfer may go directly. If not, the payment passes through one or more intermediary banks (called correspondent banks) until it reaches the destination bank identified by the SWIFT code. Each step in this chain uses the SWIFT code to may support the payment reaches the correct institution.
The entire process typically takes one to three business days, though timing depends on the banks involved, the countries, and whether the transfer happens during business hours in both locations. The receiving bank uses the SWIFT code to confirm it is the correct destination and then deposits the funds into the recipient's account based on the account number you provided.
SWIFT codes versus routing numbers
A routing number is a nine-digit code used for domestic transfers within the United States. A SWIFT code is used for international transfers. If you are sending money to someone in the U.S., you need a routing number. If you are sending money outside the U.S., you need a SWIFT code. Some banks use both for different types of transfers.
Routing numbers are maintained by the American Bankers Association and identify Federal Reserve districts and specific banks within the U.S. banking system. SWIFT codes are maintained internationally and work across all countries that participate in the SWIFT network, which includes most major banks worldwide.
You may also encounter an IBAN (International Bank Account Number) when sending money to Europe or certain other regions. An IBAN is a longer code that includes the country, bank, and account information in one string. Some international transfers require both a SWIFT code and an IBAN, while others require only one or the other depending on the destination country and the banks involved.
Where to find your bank's SWIFT code
Your bank's SWIFT code is publicly available information. The easiest way to find it is to visit your bank's official website and search for "SWIFT code" or "international wire transfer information." Most banks list this information in their help section or on the page where they explain how to send money internationally.
You can also call your bank's customer service line and ask for the SWIFT code. Have your account number ready, as some banks maintain different SWIFT codes for different types of accounts or branches, though most use a single code for the entire institution.
If you are receiving money from someone abroad, ask the sender to contact their bank or check their bank's website for the correct SWIFT code. Providing an incorrect SWIFT code can cause the transfer to be delayed or sent to the wrong bank, which may require the sending bank to recall the funds and resend them.
What happens if you use the wrong SWIFT code
If you provide an incorrect SWIFT code, the transfer may be rejected by the receiving bank before it is processed, or it may be sent to a different bank entirely. In either case, the sending bank will typically notice the error and contact you to confirm the correct code before sending the funds.
If the money is sent to the wrong bank, the receiving bank will usually reject it and return it to the sending bank. This process can take several business days to a week. The sending bank will then contact you, and you can resubmit the transfer with the correct SWIFT code. Some banks charge a fee for each wire transfer attempt, so using the correct code the first time saves money and time.
To avoid errors, always double-check the SWIFT code with the recipient or their bank before initiating the transfer. Ask the recipient to confirm the code in writing if possible, or verify it directly on their bank's website.
SWIFT codes for major U.S. banks
Large U.S. banks typically have one main SWIFT code used for most international transfers. Here are examples of SWIFT codes for some of the largest U.S. banks, though you should always verify the current code with your specific bank:
| Bank | SWIFT Code (Example) |
|---|---|
| Bank of America | BOFAUS3N |
| Chase Bank | CHASUS33 |
| Wells Fargo | WFBIUS6S |
| Citibank | CITIUS33 |
| U.S. Bank | USBKUS44 |
These codes may vary by branch or account type, so always confirm with your bank before sending an international transfer. Smaller regional banks and credit unions may have different SWIFT codes, and some may not participate in the SWIFT network at all, which means they may require you to use a correspondent bank to send money internationally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a SWIFT code to send money within the United States?
No. Domestic transfers within the U.S. use routing numbers, not SWIFT codes. You only need a SWIFT code when sending money to a bank account outside the United States.
Is a SWIFT code the same as an account number?
No. A SWIFT code identifies the bank and its location. An account number identifies your specific account within that bank. You need both pieces of information to complete an international transfer: the SWIFT code tells the system which bank to send the money to, and the account number tells that bank which account to deposit it into.
Can I look up someone else's bank's SWIFT code?
Yes. SWIFT codes are public information. You can search for a bank's SWIFT code on the bank's website, by calling the bank, or by using online SWIFT code directories. You do not need permission to find this information.
What if my bank does not have a SWIFT code?
Most banks that handle international transfers have a SWIFT code. If your bank does not, it may not participate in the SWIFT network, which means you may need to use a correspondent bank or a money transfer service to send money internationally. Contact your bank to ask about alternatives for international transfers.
How long does an international transfer take with a SWIFT code?
Most international transfers take one to three business days. The exact timing depends on the banks involved, the countries, time zones, and whether the transfer is initiated during business hours. Some transfers may take longer if they pass through multiple intermediary banks or if there are delays in the receiving country's banking system.