What is a SWIFT code?

A SWIFT code (also called a BIC) is an 8 or 11-character code that identifies a specific bank and branch, used to route international money transfers.

Is a SWIFT code the same as a BIC?

Yes. SWIFT and BIC refer to the exact same code. “SWIFT” comes from the network that carries the message, while “BIC” (Business Identifier Code) is the formal name for the code itself.

Is a SWIFT code the same as an IBAN?

No. A SWIFT code identifies the bank; an IBAN identifies the individual account within that bank. International transfers to Europe and many other regions require both.

Do I need a SWIFT code to send money within the same country?

Usually not. Domestic transfers typically use a local system instead: routing numbers in the US, sort codes in the UK, IFSC codes in India. SWIFT is specifically for cross-border transfers.

How long does a SWIFT transfer take?

Traditional SWIFT transfers usually take 1-5 business days, since the payment can pass through several correspondent banks along the way. Transfers sent over local payment rails, like those Echo Money uses where available, often settle same-day.

Are SWIFT codes case-sensitive?

No, SWIFT codes work the same whether entered in upper or lower case, though they're conventionally written in capital letters.

Can a bank have more than one SWIFT code?

Yes. Larger banks often have a general head-office code plus separate codes for specific branches, subsidiaries, or currencies.

What if my bank doesn't have a SWIFT code?

Nearly all banks that handle international transfers have one. If yours genuinely doesn't, it likely can't receive international wires directly. Just ask them which intermediary or correspondent bank to use instead.

Does a SWIFT code cost money to use?

No, the code itself is free to look up and use. Fees come from the banks involved in the transfer, not from the code.

Can I reverse a payment sent to the wrong SWIFT code?

Sometimes. Contact your bank immediately to request a SWIFT recall. Although, success isn't guaranteed and depends on whether the receiving bank cooperates.

SWIFT/BIC finder & checker

Find or verify any SWIFT code in seconds.

Avoid payment delays and errors by finding or verifying the correct BIC/SWIFT code before sending money internationally.

The basics

What is a BIC/SWIFT code?

SWIFT stands for Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication. A SWIFT code, also known as a BIC (Bank Identifier Code), is a unique identifier used to identify a bank during international money transfers. It consists of 8 or 11 characters and tells banks exactly where a payment should be sent.

SWIFT/BIC codes enable financial institutions around the world to communicate securely and route cross-border payments to the correct bank and, where applicable, the correct branch.

Anatomy of a SWIFT code

Bank code DEUTCountry code DELocation code FFBranch code 500

Bank code DEUT · Deutsche Bank

Country code DE · Germany

Location code FF · Frankfurt

Branch code 500 · Specific branch (XXX = head office)

Before you send

Details required for a SWIFT transfer

Recipient's details

Full name, address, and bank account number of the person or business receiving the funds.

Bank details

Bank name, branch address, and the correct BIC/SWIFT code of the recipient's bank branch.

Transfer information

Amount being sent, the currency, and the purpose of the transfer.

Personal identification

Identification and compliance documents may be required by either bank depending on the amount, corridor, and regulations.

Structure

The BIC/SWIFT code format

Every SWIFT/BIC code follows the same 8 or 11-character structure, set by the ISO 9362 standard. Each set of characters tells the network something different about where your money is going.

Position	Length	Represents	Example
1-4	4 letters	Bank code. A shortened version of the bank's name.	“DEUT” for Deutsche Bank
5-6	2 letters	Country code. Represents the country in which the bank is.	“DE” for Germany
7-8	2 characters (letters or numbers)	Location code. The bank's city or location.	“FF” for Frankfurt
9-11	3 characters (optional)	Branch code. “XXX” means bank's head office.	“500” for a specific branch

Behind the scenes

How does SWIFT work?

The SWIFT network doesn't move money itself. Instead, it securely sends payment instructions between banks. When you make an international transfer, your bank sends a SWIFT message containing details such as the recipient's bank, account information, and payment amount.

Depending on the countries and banks involved, the payment may pass through one or more correspondent banks before reaching the recipient's bank. Each intermediary helps route the payment, which can add processing time and fees before the funds arrive.

The SWIFT network carries instructions, not funds — settlement happens across the banks' own accounts along the chain, which is why each correspondent can add time and fees.

Sending money using SWIFT? Upgrade the way you send money internationally with Echo Money.

Reduce settlement times, avoid unnecessary intermediary fees, and access mid-market FX rates with a single global payments platform.

Live rate calculator

Live

You send

Recipient gets

—

Exchange rate —

Platform fee —

Delivery Arrives in minutes

Send money

Indicative rate — your exact quote is shown before you confirm a transfer.

See exactly how much your recipient gets before you send, every time.

Why it matters

Benefits of a BIC/SWIFT code

Accurate routing

Ensures international payments reach the correct bank and branch.

Global acceptance

Recognized by thousands of banks and financial institutions worldwide.

Secure communication

A trusted standard for exchanging payment instructions between banks.

Standardized format

A globally consistent code that reduces errors and simplifies international transfers.

Fewer payment errors

Helps minimize failed or delayed transfers caused by incorrect bank details.

Cross-border ready

Enables quicker, reliable processing of international bank transfers in many countries.

Use cases

Where a SWIFT/BIC code comes in

Receive international payments

Used by individuals and businesses to receive cross-border payments into the correct bank account without delays.

Send money overseas

Required for securely sending payments to suppliers, partners, employees, and customers worldwide.

Verify bank details

Helps validate a bank's SWIFT/BIC code before initiating an international transfer.

Power global business payments

Enables businesses and platforms to process high-volume cross-border payments efficiently and accurately.

How to find yours

Four ways to find your own SWIFT code

Check your bank account

You'll usually find your SWIFT/BIC code in your online banking, bank statement, or account details.

Use Echo Money's SWIFT finder

Search by country, bank, and city to find the correct SWIFT/BIC code - head office or branch - instantly.

Contact your bank

Your bank's customer support can quickly confirm the correct SWIFT/BIC code.

Let Echo Money handle it

When supported, simply enter the recipient's bank details and we'll resolve the routing automatically.

Know your codes

SWIFT vs. everything else people confuse it with

Code	Full name	Used for	Used in
SWIFT/BIC	Business Identifier Code	Identifying the bank and branch for international transfers	Globally
IBAN	International Bank Account Number	Identifying the specific account receiving funds	Europe, Middle East, parts of Africa & Asia
Routing number (ABA)	American Bankers Association number	Domestic transfers only	United States
Sort code	—	Domestic transfers only	United Kingdom, Ireland
IFSC	Indian Financial System Code	Domestic transfers only	India

Two codes, one transfer

Also need an IBAN?

Many international transfers require both an IBAN and a SWIFT code. Use Echo Money's IBAN calculator to generate or validate your IBAN quickly.

Generate an IBAN Validate an IBAN

When it goes wrong

What happens if you use the wrong SWIFT code?

A wrong SWIFT code doesn't usually mean your money vanishes, but it will slow things down and may cost you:

Wrong but invalid code

If the code doesn't match any real bank, the transfer typically bounces back to your account automatically, minus any fees already charged. This can take several business days.

Wrong but valid code

If the code matches a real, different bank, the payment is sent to the wrong institution. Recovering it requires your bank to formally request a recall — the receiving bank isn't obligated to return funds quickly, and some charge a fee to process it.

What to do immediately?

Contact your bank the same day and ask them to initiate a SWIFT recall (MT192 message) or payment cancellation request. The faster this happens, the higher the chance of full recovery.

How to avoid it!

Always verify a SWIFT code against the receiving bank directly before a large transfer, as banks occasionally reassign or retire codes after mergers.

Skip the SWIFT fees. Send money to 110+ countries with Echo Money.

SWIFT payments

Slow settlements (1-5 business days)
High fees at every hop
Hidden FX markups
Limited visibility while in transit

Echo Money payments

Instant settlements
Lowest processing fee
Mid-market FX
Real-time payment updates

Send money Talk to Sales

FAQs