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, your bank needs a way to route that payment to the correct institution on the receiving end. A SWIFT number (also called a SWIFT code or BIC code) is an 8 or 11-character alphanumeric code that does exactly that. It tells the sending bank which financial 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 transfers has one. You'll need a SWIFT number when you're receiving a wire transfer from abroad, or when you're sending money internationally and your bank asks for the recipient's bank details.

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 characters (if present) identify the specific branch. For example, a SWIFT code might look like CHASUS33 or CHASUS33XXX, where CHAS identifies Chase Bank, US identifies the United States, and the remaining characters narrow down the location.

Key Takeaways

  • A SWIFT number is an 8 or 11-character code that identifies a specific bank and its location for international transfers.
  • You need the recipient's SWIFT number when receiving a wire transfer from outside the United States, or when sending money internationally.
  • SWIFT codes are assigned by the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication and are used by banks worldwide.
  • Your own bank's SWIFT number appears on statements, bank websites, or by calling customer service.
  • SWIFT numbers are different from routing numbers, which are used for domestic transfers within the United States.

How SWIFT numbers differ from routing numbers

In the United States, domestic transfers use a routing number — a nine-digit code specific to your bank and branch. A SWIFT number serves the same purpose but for international transfers and works across borders. If you're receiving money from another country, you'll provide a SWIFT number. If you're receiving money from another U.S. bank, you'll provide a routing number.

Some banks use the same institution for both domestic and international transfers, but the codes themselves are different. A routing number won't work for an international wire, and a SWIFT number isn't used for domestic U.S. transfers. When you're unsure which one you need, ask the person sending you the money — they'll know based on where they're sending from.

Where to find your bank's SWIFT number

Your bank's SWIFT number is usually listed on your bank's website, often in a section labeled "International Transfers," "Wire Transfer Information," or "SWIFT/BIC Codes." You can also find it on paper statements, though not all statements include it.

The fastest way is to call your bank's customer service line and ask for the SWIFT number associated with your account or branch. Have your account number ready. Some banks also list SWIFT codes in their mobile app under account details or transfer settings.

If you're trying to find a SWIFT number for a bank you don't use, the SWIFT organization maintains a public directory on its website where you can search by bank name and country. Third-party financial websites also offer searchable SWIFT code databases, though always verify the code with the bank directly before sending money.

What information you need to provide alongside a SWIFT number

A SWIFT number alone isn't enough to complete an international transfer. You'll also need the recipient's IBAN (International Bank Account Number) if the transfer is going to Europe, or the recipient's full account number if it's going elsewhere. The IBAN is a standardized account number format used primarily in Europe and some other regions; it can be 15 to 34 characters long and includes the country code, check digits, and the account number.

You'll also need the recipient's full name exactly as it appears on their bank account, and sometimes their address. Some banks ask for all of this information before processing the transfer. The sending bank uses the SWIFT number to route the payment to the correct institution, and then uses the account number or IBAN to deposit it into the correct account within that institution.

Common mistakes when using SWIFT numbers

The most common error is providing an incorrect or incomplete SWIFT code. Even one wrong character can route your money to the wrong bank or delay the transfer significantly. Always double-check the code against your bank's official website or by calling the bank directly.

Another mistake is confusing a SWIFT number with a routing number and providing the wrong code for the type of transfer you're making. If you're sending money internationally, you need a SWIFT number, not a routing number. If the receiving bank is in the United States and you're sending domestically, you need a routing number.

Some people also assume that providing a SWIFT number guarantees the money will arrive quickly. International transfers typically take 3 to 5 business days even with the correct SWIFT number, depending on the banks involved and any intermediary institutions. Weekend and holiday delays are common.

SWIFT numbers and fraud prevention

Scammers sometimes pose as banks or legitimate businesses and ask you to wire money to an account using a SWIFT number they provide. Before you send any international transfer, verify the SWIFT number independently — call the organization requesting the money using a phone number you find yourself, not one they provide. Do not rely on email addresses or phone numbers given to you by the person requesting the transfer.

If you've already sent money using a SWIFT number you're now unsure about, contact your bank when ready. Some transfers can be recalled within a narrow window, though this depends on how far the money has traveled through the banking system. The sooner you report it, the better your chances of recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a SWIFT number the same as a BIC code?

Yes. BIC stands for Bank Identifier Code, and SWIFT code and BIC code are used interchangeably. They're the same thing — a standardized code that identifies a bank for international transfers.

Do I need a SWIFT number to receive money from another country?

Yes. The person sending you money will need your bank's SWIFT number along with your account number or IBAN to complete the transfer. You should provide both pieces of information to anyone sending you an international wire.

Can I use someone else's SWIFT number to send them money?

No. You need the SWIFT number of the bank where the recipient holds their account. Using the wrong SWIFT number will route the money to the wrong institution, and recovery can be difficult and time-consuming.

How long does an international transfer take with a SWIFT number?

Most international transfers take 3 to 5 business days after the sending bank processes the request. Weekends, holidays, and time zone differences can extend this. Some transfers take longer if they pass through intermediary banks.

What if I provide the wrong SWIFT number?

Contact your bank when ready. If the transfer hasn't been processed yet, your bank may be able to stop it. If it has been sent, recovery depends on how far the money has traveled. The receiving bank may be able to return it, but this can take weeks.