SWIFT Code (BIC): Meaning, Format, and How to Find Yours

A SWIFT code—also called a BIC (Bank Identifier Code)—is an
internationally standardized bank ID used to route cross-border payments and other secure
interbank messages. Banks and payment providers use SWIFT/BIC to identify the exact institution (and often the branch)
involved in an international wire transfer.

When you need a SWIFT/BIC

Sending or receiving international wires (USD, EUR/SEPA, and other currencies).
Sharing payout details with overseas clients on an invoice or contract.
Receiving marketplace or platform payouts from another country.

SWIFT code format (8–11 characters)

The structure is consistent worldwide and tells who and where the bank is:

AAAA — Bank code (4 letters)
BB — Country code (2 letters)
CC — Location code (2 letters or digits)
DDD — Branch code (3 letters/digits, optional). “XXX” = head office

Example pattern (not a real code): ABCD US 6S XXX

SWIFT vs. IBAN vs. U.S. Routing Number

SWIFT/BIC: Identifies the bank globally (e.g., which institution/branch).
IBAN: Identifies the individual account in many countries outside the U.S.
Routing number (ABA): U.S. domestic bank routing for ACH/wires inside the U.S.

For many international transfers, you’ll provide both the recipient bank’s SWIFT/BIC
and the account identifier (IBAN or account number + routing details, depending on country).

How to find your bank’s SWIFT code

Bank statement / online banking: Many banks list the SWIFT/BIC in account details or wire instructions.
Bank website or support: Search “SWIFT/BIC + bank name + country.”
Official lookup tools: Use a reputable SWIFT/BIC finder or validator.

Branch vs. head office: Some banks use a single head-office code (ending “XXX”); others assign branch-specific codes. If unsure, the head-office code usually works for incoming wires.

How freelancers and small businesses should use SWIFT on invoices

If you accept international payments, add a “Bank Transfer (International)” block on your invoice with:

Account holder name (as shown on the account)
Bank name and address (city/country)
SWIFT/BIC and, if applicable, IBAN or full account number
Any required references (invoice number, project ID) to speed reconciliation

Creating professional, accurate invoices is simpler with an online invoice generator.
In InvoiceFly, save your bank details and reuse them across templates to avoid typos and delays.

Common mistakes to avoid

Confusing SWIFT with IBAN or routing numbers: They serve different purposes.
Using outdated branch codes: Banks merge or change codes—always confirm on the bank’s site.
Forgetting the account identifier: SWIFT identifies the bank, not your personal account.

Quick start: sending an international wire

Collect recipient details (name, bank name, bank address, SWIFT/BIC, and IBAN/account).
Enter the payment in your bank/app; choose the correct currency.
Include the invoice number in the payment reference.
Share the payment confirmation with your client and record the transaction in your accounting.

Related terms

BIC, IBAN, routing number, international wire, SEPA, correspondent bank

SWIFT vs IBAN vs Routing Number (Quick Comparison)

These three identifiers serve different purposes in banking. Use this guide to choose the right one for your invoice or transfer.

SWIFT (BIC)

What it identifies: The bank/institution worldwide.
Where it’s used: International wire transfers and interbank messages.
Format: 8–11 characters (e.g., AAAA BB CC DDD).
Includes: Bank code, country code, location, optional branch.
When to use: Sending/receiving cross-border payments.
Example: CHASUS33 (Chase, U.S.).

IBAN

What it identifies: The specific bank account (not used in the U.S.).
Where it’s used: Europe and many countries outside the U.S. (incl. SEPA).
Format: Country-specific length, starts with two letters (e.g., DE89 3704 0044 0532 0130 00).
Includes: Country code, check digits, bank/branch/account info.
When to use: Paying or getting paid internationally where IBAN is required.

U.S. Routing Number (ABA)

What it identifies: The bank/branch for a U.S. account.
Where it’s used: Domestic U.S. transfers (ACH and wires).
Format: 9 digits (e.g., 021000021).
Includes: Federal Reserve routing + bank identifier.
When to use: Paying/receiving within the U.S. only.

Which do I use?

International → SWIFT + IBAN (or local account details where IBAN isn’t used).
U.S. domestic → Routing number + account number (no IBAN).
Invoices for overseas clients → List bank name, address, SWIFT, and IBAN (if applicable). Add the invoice number as the payment reference.

Tip: Always confirm the correct codes in your bank’s official wire instructions before sending funds.

FAQs SWIFT Code

1. How do I find my bank's SWIFT code?

Check your bank statement or online banking “wire instructions,” search your bank’s website, or use an official SWIFT/BIC finder/validator.

2. Is a SWIFT code the same as a routing number?

No. A SWIFT/BIC identifies a bank internationally; a U.S. routing (ABA) number is for domestic ACH/wires.

3. What is the SWIFT code?

It’s an 8–11 character international bank identifier used to route cross-border payments and interbank messages.

4. What is the SWIFT code for Wise US bank?

Wise provides the correct SWIFT/BIC for your account and currency in-app or via its official finder; codes can vary by partner bank and currency—always confirm in Wise before sending.

5. Do USA banks have SWIFT codes?

Many do for international wires. Smaller institutions may use a correspondent bank’s SWIFT. Verify with your bank’s official instructions.

6. Do I need a SWIFT code for a wire transfer?

Typically yes for international wires; you’ll also need the recipient’s account identifier (IBAN or local account+routing).

7. Is SWIFT code per branch?

It depends on the bank. Some use one head-office code (ending “XXX”); others assign distinct branch codes. If unsure, the head-office code is often accepted for incoming wires.

8. What is an example of a SWIFT code?

Format example: <Bank><Country><Location><Branch>, e.g., <code>AAAA BB CC DDD</code>. “XXX” denotes the head office. (Illustrative—verify actual codes before sending.)

9. Do you need both a SWIFT and routing number?

For international transfers you’ll usually provide SWIFT/BIC plus the recipient’s account identifier (IBAN or account+routing, depending on country). For U.S. domestic transfers, a routing number may be sufficient.

10. Is SWIFT the same as a wire transfer?

No. SWIFT is the secure messaging network standard banks use to coordinate transfers; a wire transfer is the actual movement of funds.

11. How do I identify my SWIFT code?

Look it up in your bank’s official wire instructions or use a reputable SWIFT finder/validator by entering your bank and country.

12. What is a SWIFT code for Chase bank?

Chase lists SWIFT details in its official wire instructions and may use a head-office code. Always confirm on Chase’s site for your account and currency before sending funds.

13. How do I get a SWIFT code?

You don’t create one; your bank assigns it. Ask your bank or use an official lookup tool to retrieve the correct code.