SWIFT Code Lookup: Find BIC Codes for Any Bank

What Is a SWIFT Code?

A SWIFT code (also called a BIC code) is a unique identifier assigned to financial institutions by the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication. Every bank that participates in the SWIFT network receives a code that identifies it when sending or receiving international wire transfers. The network connects over 11,000 institutions across more than 200 countries, processing millions of cross-border payment messages every day.

When you initiate an international wire transfer, your bank uses the recipient's SWIFT code to route the payment through the global correspondent banking network. Without the correct SWIFT code, the payment cannot reach its destination. Banks may also refer to this code as a BIC (Bank Identifier Code), since SWIFT and BIC are functionally the same thing. The terms are interchangeable in all practical contexts.

SWIFT codes are essential for international commerce, payroll, remittances, and any transaction that crosses national borders through the traditional banking system. If you have ever sent or received an international wire, the SWIFT code was part of the routing information your bank required.

SWIFT Code Format Explained

Every SWIFT code follows a standardized format defined by ISO 9362. The code is either 8 or 11 characters long and breaks down into four components, each carrying specific routing information:

For example, CHASUS33 decodes as follows: CHAS identifies JPMorgan Chase as the institution, US indicates the United States as the country, and 33 points to New York as the location. Since no branch suffix is appended (or it would be XXX), this code refers to the head office.

An 8-character code always refers to the head office. An 11-character code with a specific branch suffix (anything other than XXX) points to a particular branch. When in doubt, using the 8-character head office code is generally safe, as the bank will route the payment internally.

How SWIFT Transfers Work

A SWIFT transfer is not a direct movement of money. SWIFT is a messaging network: it transmits payment instructions between banks, but the actual funds move through a chain of correspondent banking relationships. This is why SWIFT transfers are slower and more expensive than they might seem.

Here is how a typical SWIFT transfer works, step by step:

1. You instruct your bank to send money internationally, providing the recipient's bank name, SWIFT code, account number (or IBAN), and the amount.
2. Your bank debits your account and creates a SWIFT message (an MT103 payment instruction) addressed to the recipient's bank using their SWIFT code.
3. If your bank does not have a direct relationship with the recipient's bank, the message is routed through one or more intermediary (correspondent) banks. Each intermediary processes the payment and passes it along.
4. Each bank in the chain may deduct fees, apply currency conversion markups, and add processing time. A single transfer can pass through two or three intermediaries.
5. The recipient's bank receives the final SWIFT message, credits the recipient's account, and the transfer is complete.

This multi-hop architecture is why SWIFT transfers typically take 1 to 5 business days and cost $25 to $50 or more in combined fees. Weekends, holidays, compliance checks, and time zone differences can all add further delays.

SWIFT Codes for Major Banks

The table below lists SWIFT codes for some of the world's largest banks. These are head office codes (8 characters). If you need a branch-specific code, contact the bank directly or check their website.

Keep in mind that large banks may have dozens or even hundreds of branch-specific SWIFT codes. The codes listed above are for the head office or primary routing center. For branch-level codes, use the lookup tool above or contact your bank.

SWIFT vs Crypto: Speed and Cost

The SWIFT network was designed in the 1970s for a world of telex machines and batch processing. While it has been upgraded over the decades (most recently with SWIFT gpi for improved tracking), the fundamental architecture still relies on intermediary banks, business hours, and multi-day settlement. This creates a significant gap compared to modern alternatives.

Stablecoins on public blockchains bypass the correspondent banking system entirely. A USDC transfer from New York to Tokyo settles in seconds on Solana, costs under a penny, and works at any hour of any day. There are no intermediary banks, no holiday delays, and no hidden fees deducted along the way.

Spark takes this further by offering instant, free transfers with full self-custody. Built on Bitcoin, Spark transactions settle immediately with no fees and no intermediaries. For developers and businesses building payment applications, Spark provides the speed and cost advantages of modern crypto rails with the simplicity of a standard API. Learn more at docs.spark.money.

Common SWIFT Code Questions

What is a SWIFT code?

A SWIFT code is an 8 or 11-character identifier assigned to banks and financial institutions that participate in the SWIFT network. It uniquely identifies the institution, its country, its location, and optionally a specific branch. Banks use SWIFT codes to route international wire transfers to the correct destination. The code is also known as a BIC (Bank Identifier Code) and follows the ISO 9362 standard.

How do I find my bank's SWIFT code?

You can find your bank's SWIFT code in several ways: check your bank statements or online banking portal, call your bank directly, visit your bank's website and look for international transfer information, or use the lookup tool at the top of this page. Most banks prominently display their SWIFT code on their website under sections labeled "wire transfer," "international payments," or "routing information."

Is SWIFT the same as BIC?

Yes. SWIFT code and BIC (Bank Identifier Code) refer to the same thing. The terms are interchangeable. SWIFT is the organization that manages the network and assigns the codes, while BIC is the technical name for the code format defined by ISO 9362. Some banks and countries prefer one term over the other, but they always refer to the same 8 or 11-character identifier.

How long do SWIFT transfers take?

Most SWIFT transfers take 1 to 5 business days to arrive. The exact time depends on how many correspondent banks are involved, the countries and currencies in the transaction, and whether any compliance reviews are triggered. Transfers between banks with a direct relationship in the same time zone can sometimes settle within one business day. Transfers involving multiple intermediaries, different currencies, or countries with strict compliance requirements may take the full five days or occasionally longer.

How much does a SWIFT transfer cost?

The sender typically pays $25 to $50 for a SWIFT transfer. However, additional fees are common: intermediary banks may deduct $10 to $25 each, the receiving bank often charges an incoming wire fee, and currency conversion involves exchange rate markups. The total all-in cost of a SWIFT transfer can reach $40 to $80 or more depending on the routing. Some banks offer fee structures where the sender covers all costs (OUR), costs are shared (SHA), or the recipient pays (BEN).

Can I send money without SWIFT?

Yes. Alternatives to SWIFT include domestic payment systems like ACH (US) and SEPA (Europe), money transfer services like Wise or Western Union, and cryptocurrency rails. Stablecoins like USDC allow you to send dollar-denominated value globally in seconds for minimal fees. Spark enables instant, free Bitcoin transfers without any banking infrastructure at all. The best alternative depends on your specific needs: where you are sending, how fast the funds need to arrive, and whether the recipient can accept crypto.

What is the difference between SWIFT and IBAN?

SWIFT and IBAN serve different purposes. A SWIFT code identifies the bank (which institution and which branch). An IBAN (International Bank Account Number) identifies the specific account at that bank. For an international wire transfer, you typically need both: the SWIFT code to route the payment to the correct bank, and the IBAN to credit the correct account. IBAN is widely used in Europe, the Middle East, and parts of Africa and South America. In the United States, account and routing numbers are used instead of IBAN.

Are stablecoins faster than SWIFT?

Yes. Stablecoins are dramatically faster than SWIFT for cross-border transfers. A USDC transfer on Solana settles in under one second. The same transfer via SWIFT takes 1 to 5 business days. Stablecoins also operate 24/7, while SWIFT is limited to banking hours and does not process on weekends or holidays. The tradeoff is that stablecoins require the recipient to have a compatible wallet and a way to convert to local currency if needed. For users comfortable with crypto rails, stablecoins and Spark offer a fundamentally faster and cheaper alternative to the SWIFT network.

This tool is for informational purposes only. SWIFT codes, fees, and transfer times may vary by institution and jurisdiction. Always verify your bank's SWIFT code directly with the bank before initiating a wire transfer.