MoneyTransfers
/Swift Codes

Find and Calculate SWIFT Codes

Yasmin Purnell
Author 
Yasmin Purnell
7 minutes
January 30th, 2023
Disclosure
Find a SWIFT Code
Check a SWIFT Code

What's the purpose of a SWIFT code?

A SWIFT code is used to identify the exact bank you are sending money to, including the country, bank location, and branch number. Made up of 8 or 11 characters, these codes are used universally to identify banks and financial institutions when sending and receiving money.

SWIFT codes are a component of the SWIFT network - the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication - which has existed for over 40 years and provides a secure way for banks to communicate between themselves across the world.

How the SWIFT Network works

The registration of SWIFT codes is overseen by the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication (SWIFT). The terms SWIFT and BIC, which stands for Bank Identifier Code, are often used interchangeably.

If you are looking for SWIFT codes in because you are planning to send money to a bank in or you need to share your bank details for an international transfer, you may also be interested in our guide on how to find an IBAN number as that's where you'll find all the help you need.

Keep in mind that SWIFT and routing number are not the same thing, as we explain on this comprehensive SWIFT code vs routing number guide.

The information provided on this page is for informational purposes only. Although we try our best to ensure the data's accuracy, it must be noted that MoneyTransfers.com holds no responsibility for its accuracy.

SWIFT Code example
SMCOGB2LXXX
SWIFT code (8 characters)
SMCOGB2L
Bank Code
SMCO
Country Code
GB
Location Code
2L
Branch Code
XXX

Format of a SWIFT/BIC code

A SWIFT/BIC is an 8-11 character code that identifies your country, city, bank, and branch.

Bank code

A-Z

4 letters representing the bank. It usually looks like a shortened version of that bank's name.

Country code

A-Z

2 characters made up of letters or numbers. It says where that bank's head office is.

Location code

A-Z0-9

2 characters made up of letters or numbers. It says where that bank's head office is.

Branch code

A-Z0-9

3 digits specifying a particular branch. 'XXX' represents the bank’s head office.

How the SWIFT Network works

The SWIFT network is essentially a secure messaging system for banks to communicate with each other across the world. Founded in 1973, the network is now used by over 200 countries to make sending and receiving information worldwide easier than ever.

Rather than being used to transfer money directly, the SWIFT network is used to communicate information between banks using SWIFT codes. These codes identify the receiving bank that needs to be sent transfer instructions, while IBAN formats are used for an actual transfer of funds.

Who uses SWIFT codes?

The SWIFT network has gradually expanded over the years, with a reported 10 million messages sent via the SWIFT network in 1979, compared to more than 5.6 billion messages transmitted in 2014.

The SWIFT network is utilised by more than 11,000 institutions of the following kind:

  • Banks

  • Foreign exchange companies

  • Money brokers

  • Clearing house

  • Depositories

  • Brokering institutes

  • Trading houses

  • Asset management businesses

Where can I find a SWIFT code?

Your SWIFT code can be found in the following places:

  • Bank statements

  • Online banking account

  • By contacting your bank

What is a BIC code?

BIC stands for Business Identifier Code - replaced from Bank Identifier Code in 2009 to reflect the growing number of non-bank financial services. BIC code is used interchangeably with SWIFT code, as they are both exactly the same thing.

What is the difference between a SWIFT code and BIC?

BIC stands for Business Identifier Code and it is often interchangeably used with the term SWIFT code. It replaced the original acronym Bank Identifier Code, to reflect the number of non-bank financial services. Both codes serve the same purpose, but it is worth noting that different countries and territories use different terms, so while your bank may have referred to it as a SWIFT code, the receiving bank may refer to it as a BIC.

SWIFT Alternatives

If you have to send money abroad, bank transfers may not be your best option as they often come with high fees and long execution times.

To help you understand the differences between international bank transfers and remittance services, we review all the best international money transfer services, including those that offer the cheapest ways to send money overseas and give you the chance to send money online instantly.

What is the difference between SWIFT code and...

SWIFT Code vs Routing Number

SWIFT Code vs IFSC Code

Sort Code vs SWIFT Code

SEPA vs SWIFT code

How and when are SWIFT/BIC codes actually used?

SWIFT/BIC codes are required almost any time money is transferred internationally to a bank account. Of course, if you are sending money to be picked up as cash, mobile money, or via an alternative payment method, you may not need a SWIFT code for your recipient.

SWIFT/BIC codes are used by financial services to identify exactly where your money needs to be sent to when sending money internationally, so will generally be required any time you are transferring funds directly to your recipient’s bank account.

Exceptions are when you use a transfer provider that does not use the SWIFT system for international transfers. The SWIFT system, though secure and convenient for money transfers, can also be relatively slow to transfer funds (for international transfers, you’re usually looking at a wait of 3 - 5 working days, which can work out as much longer if you are sending around a weekend or bank holiday). Many transfer providers by-pass the SWIFT network which enables them to process international transfers within minutes, rather than days.

When is a SWIFT/BIC code required?

You may be asked for a SWIFT code from your bank or money transfer provider if you are sending money internationally. For example, a SWIFT/BIC code will be used to process your transfer if you are making an international wire transfer or SEPA payment.

How do I find my SWIFT/BIC code?

If you’re sending or receiving an international payment, it’s likely that you’ll be asked for your SWIFT/BIC code, especially if you are using your bank to initiate the transfer. You can find your SWIFT/BIC code by:

  • Checking your bank statements

  • Logging into your online banking and checking it there

  • Visting your local branch to request your BIC and IBAN codes.

If you need the SWIFT code of the person you are sending money to, of course, you could ask them directly, or you could use a SWIFT finder that will allow you to search for the codes for particular branches.

Getting the right SWIFT code

It’s crucial that you double-check you have the correct SWIFT code before you start your transfer. Providing the incorrect code could cause long delays to your transfer, make your payment bounce back to your account, or code even result in the transfer being deposited in the wrong account - which once completed, can be very difficult to reverse. You can find the correct SWIFT/BIC code using our SWIFT code calculator.

Checking that you’ve got all the correct information and are sending to a trusted person or organisation is therefore always a sensible and prudent approach when transferring funds internationally.

Fees for using SWIFT codes

If you are using your bank to send an international transfer, it is highly likely that you will be charged a fee for this service. These fees will often be charged by both the sending and the receiving bank and can range from anywhere between $10 - $50 and upwards.

It is possible to send money internationally for less, however. If you are using a money transfer provider such as WorldRemit or TransferWise to send funds to a recipient’s bank account, you will still be asked to supply a SWIFT code for your transfer.

Money transfer providers, however, tend to have much lower fees associated with international transfers than banks. Additionally, these services will almost always offer a more competitive exchange rate for the currency pair you are converting between and should be able to process your transfer quicker than a traditional bank.

If you’re ready to start sending money abroad today, make sure you’ve entered your transfer details into our comparison engine to help find the best service for you based on cost, speed, security, and more.

Compare money transfer providers
Send

How does SWIFT make a profit?

SWIFT is a global cooperative which is owned by its members; these members are categorised based on share ownership. Prospective members are required to pay a one-time joining fee as well as additional annual fees determined by their membership.

In addition to this, SWIFT charges financial institutions by the volume, length and type of messages sent.

SWIFT / BIC Guides

FAQs

What are SWIFT codes?
What are BIC codes?
Is there any difference between SWIFT and BIC codes?
Do I need a SWIFT code or IBAN to send money?
What does a SWIFT code look like?

Contributors

Yasmin Purnell
Yasmin is an accomplished Content Writer and Editor for MoneyTransfers.com, who specializes specializing in personal finance, student life, and business topics. Her reputation as a financial authority is acknowledged by top publications such as BBC Worklife, Cash Matters, Yahoo Finance, and CEO Blog Nation, which have featured her as a trusted source. She is also the founder of The Wallet Moth, a popular blog focusing on money and lifestyle.