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Many individuals who hold bank accounts are familiar with the term “routing number,” and may have had to use it to set up a direct deposit or transfer funds to another U.S. bank. However, individuals who have never had to use their bank’s SWIFT code may not be aware that it exists. While routing numbers are commonly used for domestic transfers, SWIFT codes are necessary for international transfers.
You may need to provide your bank’s SWIFT code when sending money to a recipient in another country. The SWIFT code consists of eight to eleven characters and provides essential information about your bank, including its name, location, and branch. It is critical to ensure that the correct SWIFT code is used when initiating an international wire transfer to avoid delays or errors.
Most banks and financial institutions have their own unique SWIFT code, which can be found either by contacting the bank directly or by searching online using the bank’s name and location. Some banks also include their SWIFT code on their website or on account statements.
Please note that the SWIFT code is not the same as IBAN (International Bank Account Number). The IBAN is used to identify a specific bank account in an international transaction, while the SWIFT code identifies the bank. See IBAN vs. SWIFT code
What is SWIFT?
SWIFT stands for “Society for World Interbank Financial Telecommunication,” and it is also known as the Bank Identifier Code (BIC). The organization was founded in Brussels, Belgium, in 1973 with the aim of facilitating international communication between banks. Its goal was to establish a common messaging platform, language, and computer system that could verify and process various financial transactions, such as payments, cash transfers, foreign exchange, trade finance, and custody services.
Today, SWIFT is a cooperative that provides encrypted messaging services to over 11,000 financial institutions worldwide. By using the SWIFT network, banks can communicate and transfer money securely and efficiently across borders, while ensuring compliance with international regulations and standards. The SWIFT system has become an essential part of the global financial infrastructure, enabling seamless and reliable communication among banks, corporations, and other financial institutions.
What is a SWIFT code?
A SWIFT code, also known as a Business Identifier Code (BIC), is a standard format used to identify banks and financial institutions worldwide. It consists of 8 or 11 alphanumeric characters and provides a unique identification code for each bank.
When making an international money transfer, the sender needs to provide the SWIFT code of the recipient’s bank along with their account number. The sender’s bank will then send a SWIFT message to the recipient’s bank to initiate the transfer. Once the recipient’s bank receives and verifies the SWIFT message, the transfer will be completed.
It is important to note that not all banks have a SWIFT code, and some banks may have multiple SWIFT codes depending on their location and the type of transaction being made.
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What does a SWIFT code look like?
A SWIFT/BIC (Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication/Bank Identifier Code) is a unique identification code used to identify a specific bank or financial institution during international transactions.
The SWIFT/BIC code is made up of 8 to 11 characters and is composed of four parts:
- Bank Code (A-Z): This is a four-letter code that represents the bank. It is usually an abbreviated version of the bank’s name.
- Country Code (A-Z): This is a two-letter code that represents the country where the bank is located.
- Location Code (0-9 A-Z): This is a two-character code made up of letters or numbers. It specifies where the bank’s head office is located.
- Branch Code (0-9 A-Z): This is a three-digit code that specifies a particular branch of the bank. If the branch code is not available, ‘XXX’ is used to represent the bank’s head office.
So, when you see a SWIFT/BIC number, you can tell which bank it belongs to, where it’s located, and which branch it represents.
How do SWIFT codes work?
SWIFT codes are used by financial institutions worldwide to facilitate international wire transfers between countries. When you want to transfer money internationally, you provide your bank with the name, address, and SWIFT code of the recipient’s bank, along with the recipient’s account number.
Once you initiate the transfer, your bank verifies the legitimacy of the transaction and deducts the transfer amount from your account. They then send a SWIFT message to the recipient’s bank with instructions to credit the recipient’s account. The recipient’s bank verifies the transaction and then processes the credit to the recipient’s account.
Say you are located in the United States and wish to send $5,000 to a friend in Poland. You can initiate a wire transfer through your bank. You will need to provide your bank with the necessary details, such as the name and address of your friend, their bank’s name and address, their account number, and their bank’s SWIFT code. Depending on the bank’s policies, you may be able to complete this process online or via a mobile app, while other banks may require you to do it in person or over the phone. The bank will then process the transfer and send the funds to the recipient’s bank account in Poland.
SWIFT transfers may take a few days, depending on the banks involved and the countries in which they are located. SWIFT also offers real-time payments, although these may come with additional fees. Like domestic wire transfers, SWIFT transfers may be subject to wire transfer fees charged by your bank or the recipient’s bank.
Do all banks have a SWIFT code?
While many large banks around the world use the SWIFT network to send and receive international wire transfers, not all banks are connected to this network. In the United States, many credit unions and smaller banks do not have a SWIFT code, which is a unique identifier assigned to each bank that is connected to the network. Instead, these institutions often use other U.S. banks as intermediaries to process international wire transfers. These intermediary banks typically have a SWIFT code and can facilitate the transfer on behalf of the originating bank.
Alternatively, some credit unions and small banks may use other wire transfer services to send and receive international transactions. It is important to check with your bank or credit union to see what options are available for international wire transfers.
SWIFT Codes for banks in the United States
It is important to verify the SWIFT code with your bank before initiating any international transfers.
| Bank Name | SWIFT Code |
|---|---|
| Bank of America | BOFAUS3N |
| Capital One | HIBKUS44 |
| Chase Bank | CHASUS33 |
| Citibank | CITIUS33 |
| Fifth Third Bank | FTBCUS3C |
| Goldman Sachs | GSCCUS33 |
| HSBC Bank USA | MRMDUS33 |
| JPMorgan Chase Bank | CHASUS33 |
| KeyBank | KEYBUS33 |
| Morgan Stanley | MSNYUS33 |
| PNC Bank | PNCCUS33 |
| SunTrust Bank | SNTRUS3A |
| TD Bank | NRTHUS33 |
| U.S. Bank | USBKUS44 |
| Wells Fargo Bank | WFBIUS6S |
What do the digits in a SWIFT code mean?
A SWIFT code is a unique identification code with either 11 or 8 characters, which can be letters or numbers, and each digit or letter serves a specific purpose in identifying the financial institution and location.
In an eight-character code, the first four and last two characters are unique to the financial institution that’s assigned the code. This part of the code is known as the Bank Identifier Code (BIC), which helps to identify the specific bank involved in the transaction. The middle two letters represent the country code, indicating the country in which the bank is located. For example, Bank of America’s SWIFT code is BOFAUS3N for incoming transfers in U.S. dollars. Here, BOFA represents the bank identifier code, US represents the location code, and 3N is also part of the bank code.
In 11-character codes, the last three characters are branch codes, which can be used to identify a specific department, unit, or branch within a financial institution. This helps to further specify the location of the bank and the specific department involved in the transaction.
When might I need a SWIFT code?
If you are sending or receiving money from overseas, you will need a SWIFT code to ensure the money is sent to the correct bank and account.
SWIFT codes are typically used for international bank-to-bank transfers, rather than transfers between individuals. When you initiate an international wire transfer through your bank or wire transfer company, they will likely ask for the SWIFT code of the recipient’s bank to ensure the transfer is successful. Similarly, if someone is sending you money from overseas, they will likely ask for your bank’s SWIFT code to initiate the transfer.
How do I find my Swift code?
If you need to make an international wire transfer, you’ll need to provide the SWIFT code for the recipient’s bank. Here’s how you can find your bank’s SWIFT code:
- Check your bank account details: Most banks include their SWIFT code in customer account details, so check your account information, bank statements, or any other documents you have from your bank.
- Check the bank’s website or mobile app: Many banks list their SWIFT code on their website or mobile app. Look for a section on international transfers, wire transfers, or foreign currency transactions.
- Ask your bank: If you can’t find the SWIFT code online, you can ask your bank. Call or visit your branch and ask for the SWIFT code.
- Check a third-party website: There are several websites that provide SWIFT codes for banks around the world. However, be cautious when using third-party websites, as some may not be up-to-date or accurate.
In the United States, some banks have SWIFT codes that are specific to each branch, while others have a single SWIFT code that is used for all incoming transfers. Additionally, some banks may have separate SWIFT codes for incoming transfers in U.S. dollars and foreign currencies.
It is crucial to use the correct SWIFT code when sending or receiving money internationally. Using the wrong code can result in delays or even a failed transfer.
What’s the difference between a SWIFT code and an ABA routing number?
Both ABA routing numbers and SWIFT codes are used to identify financial institutions, ABA routing numbers are used for domestic transactions within the United States, while SWIFT codes are used for international transactions between banks and financial institutions all over the world.
An ABA routing number is a nine-digit code that is used for domestic payments in the United States. It identifies the financial institution that is responsible for the transaction, and is often used for direct deposit, bill payments, and wire transfers within the US. On the other hand, a SWIFT code (also known as a BIC code) is used for international transactions.
What’s the difference between a SWIFT code and an IBAN?
While both codes are used in international banking transactions, they serve different functions. The SWIFT code is used to identify the bank, while the IBAN is used to identify the specific bank account. It’s important to have both codes when making an international transfer, as they ensure that the money is sent to the correct bank and account.
An IBAN is a standardized format for bank account numbers used in international transactions. It’s used to identify the recipient’s bank account and includes information such as the country code, check digits, bank code, and account number. The US does not use IBAN, so American banks won’t have one.
Are SWIFT codes safe?
SWIFT codes are generally considered safe for international wire transactions. SWIFT (Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication) is a global network used by financial institutions to securely exchange information and conduct financial transactions.
SWIFT transactions use encryption and other security measures to protect the confidentiality and integrity of the data being transmitted. Additionally, financial institutions are required to comply with various regulations and security standards to ensure the safety and security of their transactions.