A BIC code is an 8 or 11-character identifier that tells the banking system which bank you're sending money to and where that bank is located

BIC stands for Bank Identifier Code. It's a standardized format used worldwide to route international wire transfers and payments to the correct financial institution. When you send money across borders, the sending bank uses your BIC code to find the receiving bank in their network, similar to how a postal code directs mail to the right neighborhood.

Every bank has one BIC code, though some large banks with multiple branches or divisions may have more than one. The code is also called a SWIFT code because it's managed by the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication, the organization that runs the international payment system.

You'll need a BIC code whenever you're receiving an international wire transfer or sending money to someone outside your country. Domestic transfers within the United States do not use BIC codes — they use routing numbers instead. But if money is crossing a border, a BIC code is part of the standard information required.

Key Takeaways

  • A BIC code identifies a specific bank and its location; it is required for international wire transfers but not for domestic U.S. transfers.
  • BIC codes are 8 or 11 characters long and follow a standardized format: four letters for the bank, two for the country, two for the location, and optionally three for the branch.
  • You can find your bank's BIC code on your bank's website, by calling customer service, or by asking your bank directly.
  • Providing an incorrect BIC code can delay a transfer or cause it to be rejected, so verify the code before sending or sharing it.

How a BIC Code Is Structured

A BIC code always follows the same pattern. The first four characters are letters that identify the bank itself — for example, CHASE for JPMorgan Chase or BOFA for Bank of America. These letters are usually derived from the bank's name or abbreviation.

The next two characters are the country code, using the same two-letter system as postal addresses. The United States is US, Canada is CA, the United Kingdom is GB, and so on. This tells the international payment system which country's banking regulations explore.

The following two characters identify the city or region where the bank's main office is located. New York might be NY, London might be LN. An 11-character BIC code adds three more letters at the end to specify a particular branch within that bank, though many transfers work with just the 8-character version.

A complete example: CHASUS33 identifies JPMorgan Chase in the United States with a New York location. If it were 11 characters, it might be CHASUS33NYC to specify the New York City branch.

Where to Find Your Bank's BIC Code

The easiest place to look is your bank's website. Most banks list their BIC code in the section about international transfers or wire transfers, often labeled "SWIFT code" or "BIC code." Search the site for "international wire" or "SWIFT" and you'll usually find it within a few clicks.

If you can't find it online, call your bank's customer service line and ask for the BIC code. Have your account number ready, though you typically won't need it — the BIC code is the same for all customers of that bank. Customer service can also confirm whether you need the 8-character or 11-character version for your specific transfer.

You can also search for a bank's BIC code using the SWIFT directory at swift.com, though you'll need to know the bank name and country. Some third-party financial websites maintain searchable BIC code databases, but always verify the code with your bank before using it, since an incorrect code can cause delays or rejection.

BIC Codes vs. Routing Numbers and IBAN Codes

A routing number is used only for domestic transfers within the United States. It's a nine-digit code that identifies your bank within the U.S. banking system. If you're sending money to another U.S. bank account, you use a routing number, not a BIC code.

An IBAN (International Bank Account Number) is different from a BIC code but often used alongside it for international transfers. An IBAN is a longer code — up to 34 characters — that includes the country, bank, and your specific account number all in one. Many countries outside the United States use IBANs as their standard account identifier. The BIC code tells the system which bank; the IBAN tells it which account within that bank.

For a U.S. bank account, you typically provide the BIC code plus your account number and routing number, not an IBAN. However, some international senders may ask for an IBAN anyway. If your U.S. bank doesn't issue IBANs, you can provide your routing number and account number instead, and the receiving bank will accept it.

What Happens If You Provide the Wrong BIC Code

If you give an incorrect BIC code, the sending bank's system may reject the transfer outright before it even leaves their system. This is the best-case scenario because the money stays in your account and you can correct the code and try again.

In other cases, the transfer may be sent to the wrong bank or held in a suspense account while the banking system tries to figure out where it should go. This can take several days to resolve. The sending bank will eventually contact you or the recipient to clarify, and the money may be returned to the sender or forwarded to the correct destination, depending on the bank's procedures.

A typo in just one character — for example, writing CHASUS32 instead of CHASUS33 — can send the transfer to a different bank entirely. This is why it's critical to double-check the BIC code before confirming any international transfer. Copy and paste it directly from your bank's website rather than typing it by hand whenever possible.

When You Need a BIC Code and When You Don't

You need a BIC code when you're receiving a wire transfer from outside the United States, or when you're sending money internationally from a U.S. bank. The person or organization sending you money will ask for your bank's BIC code as part of the wire transfer details.

You do not need a BIC code for domestic U.S. transfers, ACH transfers (the system used for direct deposits and bill payments within the U.S.), or transfers between accounts at the same bank. You also don't need one for credit card payments, checks, or money sent through payment apps like Venmo or PayPal, which use their own internal routing systems.

Some international transfers, particularly those between banks in Europe or other regions with established IBAN systems, may ask for an IBAN instead of or in addition to a BIC code. Always ask the sender or recipient what information they need before initiating a transfer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a BIC code the same as a SWIFT code?

Yes. BIC and SWIFT are used interchangeably. BIC is the technical name for the code; SWIFT is the name of the organization that manages the system. Your bank may use either term, but they refer to the same thing.

Can I use the same BIC code for all my international transfers?

Yes, if all your transfers go to the same bank. Your bank has one BIC code (or a few if it has multiple divisions). However, if you're receiving transfers from different countries or sending to different banks, each receiving bank will have its own BIC code.

What if my bank doesn't have a BIC code?

All banks that participate in international wire transfers have a BIC code. If your bank says it doesn't, they may not offer international wire transfer services, or they may route transfers through a correspondent bank that does have a BIC code. Ask your bank for the BIC code of the correspondent bank they use.

Do I need both a BIC code and a routing number for international transfers?

It depends on the sending bank's requirements. Some international senders ask for both; others ask for just the BIC code. Provide whichever information the sender requests. If they ask for an IBAN and you don't have one, provide your routing number and account number instead.

Can I look up someone else's BIC code to send them money?

Yes. If you know the bank name and country, you can search for the BIC code using the SWIFT directory or your bank's wire transfer form. However, always verify the code with the recipient before sending money, since sending to the wrong bank can cause delays.