SWIFT / BIC Code Checker
Enter a SWIFT/BIC code to check that it is well formed (8 or 11 characters) and that its country code is a real country. The tool breaks the code into its bank, country, location, and branch parts. It checks the structure, not whether the bank exists.
Processed entirely in your browser. This validator runs on your device using JavaScript. The number you enter is never sent to a server, stored, or logged, and nothing leaves your device.
How It Works
A SWIFT code, also called a BIC, identifies a bank in international transfers. It is defined by the ISO 9362 standard and is either 8 or 11 characters, built from four fixed parts read left to right.
| Part | Length | What it is |
|---|---|---|
| Bank code | 4 letters | The institution, for example BANK or NWBK |
| Country code | 2 letters | The ISO country the bank is in, such as US or GB |
| Location code | 2 letters or digits | The city or office within that country |
| Branch code | 3 letters or digits | Optional. A specific branch. Left off, it means the head office (XXX) |
This tool checks two things: that the code has one of the two valid lengths and the right pattern of letters and digits, and that the two-letter country code is a real ISO 3166-1 country. What it cannot check is whether the code belongs to a bank that is actually operating, because that lives only in the official SWIFT directory.
Worked Example
Take the sample code BANKUS33XYZ, which is made up rather than a real bank. Splitting it into its parts gives BANK as the bank code, US as the country (United States), 33 as the location code, and XYZ as the branch code. It has 11 characters and the right shape, and US is a real country code, so it passes the structure check.
When You Would Use This
Anyone sending or receiving an international bank transfer runs into a SWIFT/BIC. A quick structure check catches a mistyped or mis-copied code before it delays a payment, and breaking the code into its parts is a fast way to confirm it is at least pointing at the right country. If you are setting up a payment, it is worth validating the IBAN too, since the SWIFT code identifies the bank and the IBAN identifies the account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a valid result mean the bank actually exists?
No. This checks that the code is shaped correctly and that its country code is real. It does not confirm the code is registered to an operating bank. Only the official SWIFT directory can do that, because it holds the live list of assigned codes.
What is the difference between a SWIFT code and a BIC?
They are two names for the same thing. BIC stands for Business Identifier Code, the ISO 9362 standard, and SWIFT is the network that uses it. A bank will call it a SWIFT code or a BIC interchangeably.
Why are some codes 8 characters and others 11?
The last three characters are an optional branch code. An 8-character code refers to the bank's primary office, which is the same as adding XXX on the end. An 11-character code points to a specific branch.
Do I need both a SWIFT code and an IBAN?
For many international transfers, yes. The SWIFT/BIC identifies the bank, and the IBAN identifies the exact account at that bank. It is worth checking both before you send money.
Is my SWIFT code sent anywhere when I check it?
No. The check runs entirely in your browser with JavaScript. Nothing you type is transmitted, stored, or logged.