How do I check a SWIFT code?

A valid SWIFT code is 8 or 11 characters: 4-letter bank code + 2-letter ISO 3166-1 country code + 2-character location code + optional 3-character branch code (XXX means primary office). Our checker verifies the format and looks up the bank name from the SWIFT directory.

What is the difference between an 8-character and 11-character SWIFT code?

An 8-character SWIFT code identifies the bank's primary office. An 11-character code adds a 3-character branch code to identify a specific branch. The suffix XXX denotes the head office or primary office.

Is a SWIFT code the same as a BIC?

Yes. SWIFT code and BIC (Bank Identifier Code) are the same identifier. SWIFT (Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication) is the organisation that administers the BIC registry, so the two terms are used interchangeably.

Does a valid SWIFT code mean the bank will receive my payment?

No. Checking a SWIFT code confirms that the code is well formed and, where we hold the record, which institution it belongs to. It cannot confirm that the receiving account exists or that the beneficiary name matches.

SWIFT Code Checker

Q: What is a SWIFT code?

A SWIFT code, formally called a BIC (Bank Identifier Code), is an 8 or 11-character identifier for a financial institution defined by ISO 9362. It is used in international wire transfers to identify the recipient's bank and route the payment correctly.

Enter a SWIFT code to check its format against ISO 9362 and look up the bank name, country, and branch details. Free, no registration required.

Not sure if what you have is a SWIFT code in the first place? Try Identify a Bank Code.

Enter a SWIFT code

8 characters (standard) or 11 characters (with branch code)

What Is a SWIFT Code?

A SWIFT code, formally a BIC (Bank Identifier Code), is an internationally standardised identifier for financial institutions. It is defined by ISO 9362 and used in cross-border payments, SEPA transfers, and SWIFT messages to identify the recipient bank.

Every SWIFT code is either 8 characters (standard, identifies the head office) or 11 characters (includes an optional 3-character branch code). When you see XXX as the branch code, it refers to the primary office.

SWIFT Code Format Explained

DEUT DE DB XXX
│    │  │  └── Branch code (3 chars, optional; XXX = primary office)
│    │  └───── Location code (2 alphanumeric)
│    └──────── Country code (2 letters, ISO 3166-1)
└───────────── Bank code (4 letters)

Bank code (4 letters): Identifies the institution, e.g. DEUT for Deutsche Bank, BNPA for BNP Paribas
Country code (2 letters): ISO 3166-1 alpha-2 country code, e.g. DE for Germany, FR for France
Location code (2 alphanumeric):Identifies the city or region; if the second character is "1", the bank is a passive SWIFT participant
Branch code (3 alphanumeric, optional):Identifies the branch; "XXX" always means the primary office

SWIFT Code vs BIC: Is There a Difference?

No. SWIFT code and BIC refer to the same thing. "SWIFT code" is the informal term used by customers and banks in everyday language. "BIC" is the formal ISO 9362 term used in regulatory and technical contexts. Both follow the same 8 or 11 character format, which is why this page checks either one.

When Do You Need a SWIFT Code?

International wire transfers (SWIFT/IBAN payments)
SEPA Credit Transfers to banks outside your home country
Receiving payments from abroad
Setting up payroll for employees in other countries

For most SEPA payments within the eurozone, the SWIFT code is no longer mandatory. The IBAN alone is sufficient. However, non-SEPA international transfers and many fintech platforms still require a valid SWIFT code.

What This Checker Cannot Tell You

A well-formed SWIFT code is not proof that a payment will arrive. This page checks the ISO 9362 structure and, where we hold the record, names the institution. It cannot confirm that the receiving account exists, that it is open, or that the account holder name matches the beneficiary you intend to pay. To browse institutions rather than check one code, use the SWIFT/BIC directory.

Last updated: August 2026