SWIFT Code, BIC Code

Thank you for visiting www.bank-codes.com. We have the complete online directory of all SWIFT Codes (also called BIC Codes) that are used internationally for monetary transactions (money transfers) across the globe. All our services are provided for free.

What are SWIFT/BIC codes, and what do they mean?

Swift codes are handled by the SWIFT organization, and in particular from a division called "SWIFT Standards". SWIFT stands for "Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication" and is a member-owned cooperative that is used by the financial world to conduct business operations. These codes were initially referred to as "swift codes" but were later standardized as BIC which stands for "Business Identifier Codes". Both terms are used today and mean exactly the same thing: a BIC code is a unique alphanumeric identification code, consisting of combinations of letters and numbers, which is used to uniquely identify an institution's branch among the members of the swift network.

Why do I need this code?

The swift code is usually required by web banking applications for money transfers between two different banks (that are members of the swift network). We are not only asked to provide the beneficiary’s bank account number (or IBAN account number) that we want to send money to, but we must also provide the exact BIC code of the branch of the beneficiary’s bank. This site aims to simplify the process of finding this code. Note: please read our disclaimer at the bottom of this page by clicking here BEFORE using any of the information found on this site.

Understanding the code

A swift code consists of 11 or 8 characters, which is the standard format standardized by ISO (International Organization for Standardization). Here is an example code: CHASUS33XXX. This swift code is for the head offices of "JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A." in the U.S.A. and can be broken down to four parts:

• First four characters: These 4 characters ("CHAS" in our example) identify the bank ("JP Morgan Chase"). This 4-letter code is used to identify this particular financial institution’s branches and divisions all over the world.
• Fifth and sixth characters: These 2 characters identify the country in which the bank is located. "US" in this example means "UNITED STATES".
• Seventh and eighth characters: These 2 characters represent a location code ("33" in this example).
• Last three characters: These 3 characters form the branch code. "XXX" is used to identify the HEAD OFFICE or the institution, but this particular branch code is optional, and if omitted, the 8-character remaining code ("CHASUS33" in our example) is assumed to refer to the head office (primary office) of the institution.

How to find a swift code at www.bank-codes.com?

We constantly aim to keep up to date with changes and provide you with the most complete, accurate, and up-to-date collection of swift codes for thousands of institutions around the word. The swift code of a particular branch of a bank or other business institution that is a member of the swift network can be found at www.bank-codes.com by:

• Searching: You can search here (in free text) by typing the SWIFT/BIC code or bank name or branch name or address (city or address or location or area postal code) or any combination of those.
• Browse by country: Click here to select the country that you are interested in. All the financial institutions based in this country are listed in alphabetical order.

Most requested SWIFT codes