SWIFT/BIC Code Finder - Search Any Bank’s SWIFT Code by Country, Bank & City
A SWIFT/BIC code is the 8- or 11-character identifier banks use to route international payments. This finder returns the correct SWIFT/BIC code for any bank or branch - select a country, bank name, and city, and the matching code appears instantly. Use it before sending a wire or onboarding a vendor to confirm you have the exact identifier the receiving bank expects. Free to use, with no signup required.
How to Find a SWIFT Code
There are five reliable ways to find a bank's SWIFT/BIC code:
- Use this finder - select the country, bank, and city, and the tool returns the bank's registered SWIFT/BIC code(s). Fastest method when you don't have the code on hand.
- Bank statement - SWIFT/BIC codes are often printed under account or international-transfer details.
- Online or mobile banking - usually shown under account details or "incoming wire instructions."
- The bank's website - check the international transfers or wire-instructions page.
- Customer support - ask your branch for the SWIFT/BIC used for incoming international payments.
SWIFT Code Format
A SWIFT code (also called a BIC, or Business Identifier Code) is the standardized ISO 9362 identifier for banks in international payments. It is either 8 or 11 characters - not digits, since codes are alphanumeric.
Structure
- BBBB - bank code (4 letters)
- CC - country code (2 letters)
- LL - location code (2 letters or digits)
- XXX - branch code (3 letters or digits, optional)
Formats
- 8-character: BBBBCCLL
- 11-character: BBBBCCLLXXX
Examples
- CITIUS33 (8 characters)
- CITIUS33XXX (11 characters - XXX typically denotes a bank's primary/head office)
How to Read a SWIFT Code
- Confirm it is 8 or 11 characters.
- Check the country code (characters 5-6) matches the bank's country.
- Confirm the bank name and city match the recipient's official details.
IBAN vs SWIFT Code
Both appear in international transfers, but they identify different things:
IBAN
IBAN (International Bank Account Number) identifies the customer's specific account. IBAN countries (most of Europe) typically require both an IBAN and a SWIFT/BIC code.
SWIFT Code
SWIFT/BIC identifies the bank globally. Non-IBAN countries (e.g., the US) usually use an account number plus a SWIFT/BIC code.
Why Do You Need a SWIFT Code?
A SWIFT/BIC code tells banks exactly where to route money across borders. You'll need one for:
- Sending money to a bank in another country
- Receiving payments from overseas clients or employers
- Paying international vendors and suppliers
- Bank-to-bank transfers over the SWIFT network
SWIFT Code vs Routing Number
- Routing number identifies a bank for domestic transfers within certain countries (e.g., ABA routing numbers in the US).
- SWIFT/BIC code identifies a bank for international transfers over the SWIFT network.
If you also need to validate an IBAN's structure and SEPA compatibility programmatically, see the IBAN Validation API.
FAQs
BBBBCCLL) identifies the bank's head office; an 11-character code adds a 3-character branch code (BBBBCCLLXXX). A branch code of XXX usually refers to the primary office.We also offer