A SWIFT code — sometimes also called a SWIFT number
— is a standard format for Business Identifier Codes (BIC). It’s used to identify banks and financial institutions globally. It says who and where they are
— a sort of international bank code or ID.These codes are used when transferring money between banks, in particular for international wire transfers or SEPA payments. Banks also use these codes to exchange messages between each other.How to find a bank SWIFT codeYou can usually find your bank’s BIC or SWIFT code in your bank account statements. Or, you can use our BIC / SWIFT code finder.
A SWIFT code is a set of 8 or 11 digits that represents a bank branch. You’ll need to use one when sending money internationally. Find your SWIFT code here.
- What does BIC mean?
BIC stands for Bank Identifier Code. It's a set of digits that represents a bank branch for international payments on the SWIFT network. Find your BIC code here- What’s the difference between BIC and SWIFT codes?SWIFT stands for Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication. It's a global network for processing payments between countries. BIC stands for Bank Identifier Code, which refers to the set of digits you can use to send international payments.In practice, many people use 'BIC' and 'SWIFT' interchangeably to describe the code for international payments. Find your BIC code here
- Is a SWIFT code the same as an IBAN?
SWIFT codes are not the same as IBANs, but they do a similar job.IBANs identify individual bank accounts for domestic and international payments. They're mostly used in Europe, but other countries around the world are starting to adopt the same system.SWIFT codes help to identify bank branches for international payments. They're used all over the world.
- Is a SWIFT code the same as a sort code?
SWIFT codes are not the same as sort codes, but they do a similar job.
Sort codes help to identify bank branches for payments within a country, while SWIFT codes help to identify bank branches for international payments. Find your BIC code here
- Is a SWIFT code same as a routing number?
SWIFT codes are different to routing numbers, but they do a similar job.
Routing numbers help to identify banks by state in the US, making it easier to process domestic payments. SWIFT codes identify bank branches for international payments.
- How does a SWIFT code work?
SWIFT codes identify bank branches for international payments. By doing this, they help banks to send your money to the right place.
- Do I need a SWIFT code or an IBAN number?
It depends on the country you're sending money to. In the Eurozone, you'll always need an IBAN and a SWIFT/BIC code. Banks in the USA use SWIFT codes, but they don't use IBANs. It's the same in New Zealand too. More on IBAN numbers.