SWIFT/BIC Codes
You’re preparing to send funds overseas, and as you go through your bank or your online payments platform, a field labelled “SWIFT code” or “BIC” appears. If you’re unsure what this is or why it’s necessary, you’ve come to the right place. Understanding SWIFT codes might sound a bit technical at first, but it’s actually pretty straightforward and super helpful if you’re sending money internationally.
Read on to discover how to find a SWIFT/BIC bank code, what they look like and a list of BIC codes for banks.
What do the letters and numbers mean in the SWIFT/BIC code?

A SWIFT code or BIC (sometimes known as a SWIFT Number) are 8 to 11 characters long and made of both letters and numbers. The first four letters of the BIC code represent the financial institution, often the initials of the bank’s name. Following that is a 2-letter country code, like ‘AA’ for Australia or ‘GB’ for the United Kingdom, and a 2-character location code indicating the bank’s head office. If included, the final three digits identify the specific branch linked to your bank account.
They’re arranged like this: AAAABBCCDDD
- Bank code (A-Z): 4 letters identifying the bank
- Country Code (A-Z): 2 letters representing the country where the bank is located
- Location Code (0-9, A-Z): 2 characters usually comprising of letters or numbers, representing the bank’s head office
- Branch code (0-9, A-Z): 3 digits or letters to identify a unique branch of the bank. ‘XXX’ is typically used to represent the head office
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What is a SWIFT code/BIC code?
SWIFT/BIC codes are the global standard for identifying banks and financial institutions, ensuring your wire transfers payments happen smoothly and land exactly where they should.
Whether you’ve heard it referred to as a SWIFT code (Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication) or a BIC (Bank Identifier Code), they’re essentially the same thing—unique identifiers that pinpoint a bank right down to its country, city, and even the specific branch, using an 8 or 11-character sequence made up of letters and numbers.
Although the code is the same, for distinction SWIFT is the name of the messaging system, and BIC is the code used for the system or the ‘Bank Identifier Code’.
When do you need a SWIFT/BIC code?
If you’re sending or receiving money internationally between banks or financial institutions, particularly international wire payments that use the SWIFT network and sometimes SEPA payments, you may be asked for a SWIFT code.
Here at OFX, when you’re sending money internationally, we typically require you to provide your recipient’s SWIFT code along with their IBAN (International Bank Account Number). Without it, there’s a chance your transfer might not reach the right place.
Note: It’s important to double-check with your recipient that the Swift/BIC code and IBAN you’ve received is accurate before authorizing a payment. Using an incorrect code could result in your payment being returned, delayed, or even sent to the wrong account.
Where can you find your SWIFT/BIC code?
Whether you’re looking for your own or someone’s else’s SWIFT code, you can usually find SWIFT/BIC codes in the following ways:
- check any paper or digital banking statements
- log in and look at your account details on your online banking profile
- call your provider or local branch on the phone
- search for your BIC code using a digital SWIFT/BIC search tool
- find below our list of BIC codes for banks
Why was the SWIFT/BIC code system created?
The Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication (SWIFT) system was developed to provide a standardized and secure method for sending international wire payments. SWIFT functions as a messaging network, enabling banks to exchange information electronically. Its standardized format reduces confusion between banks across different countries, making payments faster and less prone to errors.
Who uses the SWIFT and BIC code system?
More than 200 countries and 11,000 institutions rely on the SWIFT/BIC system, making it the largest international payment network in the world. The system processes these codes by matching the characters in a transfer to a global database, identifying where the money should be sent. If you’re sending or receiving money internationally, you’ll likely be asked for a SWIFT or BIC code.
SWIFT/BIC codes at OFX
Here at OFX, to help minimize your fees when sending money internationally and make our payments faster, we use a global network of local banks. You can find out more on how we keep our fees so low using this network here.
You can find the list of OFX’s banks SWIFT codes you may need for transferring money below, however
please note the following on how to find the correct SWIFT codes:
- The specific OFX bank SWIFT code you will need depends on what currency you are sending or receiving.
- If you’re an OFX client, you’ll be able to provide the SWIFT code for the person receiving your payment either when you upload the details, or if you need some help you can contact us.
- The person receiving your payment should provide you with their SWIFT/BIC code in order to make your payments easy and efficient.
List of SWIFT/BIC codes for banks
Australia
Canada
Germany
Hong Kong
New Zealand
Poland
Singapore
United Kingdom
United States
If you’re an existing OFX client and unsure which SWIFT code is relevant for your payment and currency, we’re here to help.
Why choose OFX for international money transfers
International payments can be tricky, confusing and sometimes, time consuming. When you register with OFX, we make the initial sign-up as painless as possible, and you’ll get the peace of mind of knowing that you can make payments at our great competitive rates—no matter which currency you choose or when. With 25+ years in business and trusted by over 1 million clients worldwide, you can rest assured we’ll handle your payments with care and expertise.
SWIFT/BIC Codes FAQ
What are SWIFT and BIC codes?
To put it simply, SWIFT refers to the global messaging system, while BIC stands for “Bank Identifier Code,” the code used within the system. The terms are often used interchangeably to describe either the code or the system itself. So, whether you request a SWIFT or BIC code, you’ll receive the same 8-11 digit number.
Is a BIC code the same as a SWIFT code?
Yes, SWIFT codes and BIC codes are the same thing and serve the same purpose. SWIFT stands for “Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication,” referring to the global messaging system. BIC stands for “Bank Identifier Code,” which is the specific code assigned by this system. However, it’s important to know they’re different from domestic banking codes.
Is a SWIFT code the same as an IBAN?
IBAN, often mentioned in international banking, is widely used in Europe and other countries. It includes a country code, and a bank and account number in a standard format, helping to reduce errors in international payments.
Do you need a SWIFT code for international wire payments?
Typically yes you’ll need a SWIFT code for international wire payments payments when your transfer uses the SWIFT network, to make sure your money reaches the right destination. However there are other methods for sending money internationally, these include using local bank details, ACH, SEPA, BACS and CHAPS. Which one you use depends on your payment provider, which country you’re sending to, the currency you’re sending, the cost of the transfer and how long it takes.
Is a SWIFT code the same as an ABA or ACH Routing Number?
In the U.S., a routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies a bank during transactions. You’ll find it on cheques, and it’s used for domestic payments like direct deposits and bill payments. Unlike SWIFT/BIC codes, routing numbers aren’t used internationally.
Is a SWIFT code the same for all branches?
It really depends on the bank. Some use the same SWIFT code for all their branches, while others have unique codes for each one. If you’re not sure which code to use, you can usually go with the SWIFT code for the bank’s head office to send your money.