SWIFT / BIC Code Finder

SWIFT / BIC Code Finder helps you look up Bank Identifier Codes (ISO 9362) for international transfers. Search the imported global ISO BIC directory by country, bank name, city, branch text, or paste a BIC directly. Validate 8- and 11-character codes with a segment breakdown (institution, country, location, optional branch). Results show bank name, country, and branch or address fields when present in the dataset. This is a static directory extract — not a live official SWIFT verification service — so always confirm payment details with the receiving bank before sending funds.

How to Use the SWIFT / BIC Code Finder

Search a bundled directory extract or validate the structure of an 8- or 11-character ISO 9362 BIC.

  1. Select a country, then search for the bank or institution and narrow by city, branch text, or head-office status when those fields exist.
  2. Or paste a full BIC into Search or Validate to look up that code directly.
  3. Review the bank, country, address, head-office or branch label, and code before copying it.
  4. Use the Validate tab to normalize a BIC, check its structure, and inspect institution, country, location, and optional branch segments.
  5. Confirm the payment instructions directly with the receiving bank before sending funds.

Methodology, examples, and interpretation

Search is case-insensitive across fields available in the imported records and returns at most the first 100 displayed matches, so broad queries should be narrowed. Format validation checks four institution letters, two country letters, two location characters, and an optional three-character branch. A valid structure does not prove that the code exists, is active, or belongs to the intended account.

An 8-character BIC identifies an institution or primary office; an 11-character BIC adds a branch identifier, and XXX commonly denotes the head office. Dataset fields may be blank or derived from address text, so branch and city labels are directory clues rather than transfer authorization.

  • Search a bank name with a country and city before preparing an international transfer.
  • Paste an 8-character BIC to inspect its institution, country, and location segments.
  • Compare 11-character rows when a receiving bank specifies a particular branch.
  • Check whether a code printed on an invoice appears in the bundled extract.

Mistakes, limitations, and privacy

This is a static imported directory, not a live SWIFT network or official bank-verification service. It does not check account ownership, IBAN, sanctions, routing availability, or current code status. Search and validation run in the browser after the dataset loads; never paste account numbers, credentials, or payment secrets because only a bank name, location, or BIC is needed.

  • Assuming the first bank-name match is the intended branch.
  • Treating an 8-character institution BIC and every 11-character branch BIC as interchangeable.
  • Assuming valid ISO 9362 syntax means the code is live.
  • Concluding that a bank has no BIC merely because this extract has no match.
  • Sending money without independently confirming the recipient bank details.

FAQ

What is a SWIFT code?

A SWIFT code is a Bank Identifier Code used in international payments to identify a financial institution. It follows the ISO 9362 format and is typically 8 or 11 characters long.

Are SWIFT and BIC the same thing?

For everyday use, yes. SWIFT operates the messaging network, while BIC is the ISO identifier format. Transfer forms commonly use either name for the same 8- or 11-character code.

How can I find a bank's SWIFT code?

Optionally choose a country, then search by bank name, city, branch text, or BIC. Review the matching bank and branch details before copying the code.

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

An 8-character BIC identifies the institution or primary office. An 11-character BIC adds a three-character branch code; XXX commonly denotes the head office.

What does each part of a BIC code mean?

Characters 1–4 are the institution code, 5–6 the ISO country code, 7–8 the location code, and 9–11 an optional branch code. The Validate tab displays these segments.

Are the BIC codes live or officially verified?

No. Results come from a static imported directory extract. Format validation checks ISO 9362 structure but does not confirm real-time network status, ownership, or current bank use.

What should I do if I cannot find a BIC code?

Broaden the bank name, try another city spelling, or use the country filter. A structurally valid code can be absent from this static extract; ask the receiving bank for current payment instructions.

Should I verify a SWIFT code before sending money?

Yes. Always verify payment instructions with the receiving bank before an international transfer. Bank details and BIC usage can change after a directory extract is published.