Echo Money

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.

PRIVATE

Paste an 8 or 11-character SWIFT/BIC code to instantly check its bank, country, location, and branch structure.

The basics

What is 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 an SWIFT code

Bank Code DEUTCountry DELocation FFBranch 500
Bank Deutsche Bank
Country 🇩🇪 Germany
Location Frankfurt
Branch Specific branch

Before you send

Details required for a SWIFT transfer

  1. 1.Recipient's details.
    Full name, address, and bank account number of the person or business receiving the funds.

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

  3. 3.Transfer information. Amount being sent, the currency, and the purpose of the transfer.

  4. 4.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 Represents Length Example
1 – 4 Bank code 4 letters DEUT for Deutsche Bank 1 – 4 • 4 letters Eg: DEUT for Deutsche bank
5 – 6 Country code 2 letters DE for Germany 5 – 6 • 2 letters Eg: DE for Germany
7 – 8 Location code 2 characters FF for Frankfurt 7 – 8 • 2 characters Eg: FF for Frankfurt
9 – 11 Branch code 3 characters
(optional) 500 for a specific branch,
XXX = head office 9 – 11 • 3 characters 500 for a specific branch,
XXX = head office

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.

You

Shares account number and SWIFT / BIC code

Swift message
routes the payment

AAAA BB YY XXX

Payment credited to account

Recipient

Still using SWIFT? Upgrade to Echo Money.

With a single global payments platform :

  • Reduce settlement times
  • Avoid unnecessary intermediary fees
  • Access mid-market FX rates
Real-Time Quote LIVE
You Send
1000 USD
Recipient Gets
95,340.00 INR
Exchange rate
1 USD = 95.34 INR
Platform fee
0.00 INR
Delivery
Instant

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.

  • 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

SWIFT/BIC · Business Identifier Code

Identifies the bank and branch for international transfers

Used In: Globally

IBAN · International Bank Account Number

Identifies the specific account receiving funds.

Used In: Europe, Middle East, parts of Africa & Asia

Routing number · American Bankers Association number

Used for Domestic transfers only

Used In: United States

Sort code

Used for Domestic transfers only

Used In: United Kingdom, Ireland

IFSC · Indian Financial System Code

Used for Domestic transfers only

Used in: 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

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 SWIFT code

Invalid SWIFT format

  • No matching bank found
  • Transfer is automatically rejected
  • Funds return to your account
  • Fees already charged may still apply
  • May take several business days

Valid SWIFT format

  • Code matches a different bank
  • Payment is sent to the wrong institution
  • Your bank must initiate a SWIFT recall
  • The receiving bank may delay or decline the return
  • Recall processing fees may apply
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.

THE DIFFERENCE

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

SWIFT payments
Slow settlements (1-5 days) Instant settlements
High fees at every hop Lowest processing fee
Hidden FX markups Mid-market FX
Limited visibility while in transit Real-time payment updates

SWIFT payments

Slow settlements (1-5 days) High fees at every hop Hidden FX markups Limited visibility while in transit
Instant settlements Lowest processing fee Mid-market FX Real-time payment updates

Questions, answered