What Is a SWIFT Code and How to Find It

If you have ever needed to send money abroad, you have probably wondered what a SWIFT code is and why it is often required to complete an international transfer. 

This identifier allows financial institutions to recognize one another and helps ensure funds reach the correct destination. 

Keep reading! In this guide, you will learn what a SWIFT code is, how to find it, how it works, and when it is required.  

A SWIFT code (short for Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication) is a standardized identifier used to identify a financial institution when sending money internationally. Also known as a Bank Identifier Code (BIC), it helps direct payments between financial institutions in different countries securely and accurately. 

When an individual or business sends money internationally, the SWIFT code identifies the recipient’s financial institution within the global payment network. This helps facilitate the transaction and reduces the risk of errors when transferring funds between financial institutions. 

A SWIFT code typically consists of 8 or 11 characters, organized as follows: 

• Bank code (4 characters): identifies the financial institution. 
• Country code (2 characters): indicates the country where the institution is registered. For example, US for the United States or ES for Spain. 
• Location code (2 characters): identifies the city or region of the institution. For example, MM may indicate Madrid. 
• Branch code (3 characters): optional characters that specify a particular branch or office. 

Understanding what a SWIFT code is essential when making international payments, as entering an incorrect code can delay or prevent the transfer from reaching its destination. 

In most cases, yes, because it identifies the recipient's financial institution within the global banking network. However, requirements may vary depending on the destination country, the financial institution, and the payment method used.  

For most international transactions, your bank or payment provider will request the SWIFT code for the recipient’s financial institution, along with other details such as the recipient’s full name, their bank account number, and their IBAN (where applicable). 

Not every international transfer requires the same information. The details requested may vary depending on the destination country, currency, financial institution, or transfer service. 

Before initiating a transaction, always verify the required banking details and confirm the information with the recipient to avoid rejected, delayed, or misdirected payments. 

If you are wondering how to find a SWIFT code, there are several reliable options. You can check the recipient financial institution’s website, review online banking or account statements, or contact the institution directly. Before sending money, it is also a good idea to confirm the SWIFT code with the recipient to avoid errors. 

Here are the most common ways to find a SWIFT code: 

• Visit the financial institution’s website: This is usually the most reliable source, as the information is published and maintained by the institution itself. 
• Check online banking or account statements: If you already have an account with the institution, the SWIFT code may appear among your account details. 
• Contact customer support: This is useful if you need to confirm the code for a specific branch or have questions about the information required for your transfer. 
• Confirm with the recipient: This helps ensure the code matches the financial institution where the funds will be credited and reflects the most up-to-date banking information. 

Important: The SWIFT network does not move money directly. Instead, it securely transmits the information financial institutions need to process transactions. This standardized messaging system helps institutions exchange payment instructions efficiently while reducing the risk of errors in wire transfers. 

Now that you know what a SWIFT code is, let’s look at how it compares with a routing number. 

The main difference in the SWIFT code vs. routing number comparison is that a SWIFT code identifies a financial institution during an international transfer, while a routing number is primarily used to process domestic payments and transfers within the United States. Both serve different purposes and are not interchangeable. 

If you are wondering about the SWIFT code vs. routing number, the table below summarizes the key differences: 

It is important not to confuse these two identifiers. If you enter a routing number when a SWIFT code is required, your transfer may be delayed or even rejected by the financial institution. Before sending money internationally, verify which identifier your bank or payment provider requires. 

In short, both identifiers are used to identify financial institutions — not individual bank accounts. The key difference is that a SWIFT code is used for international transactions, while a routing number is used for domestic transactions within the United States. 

Understanding what a SWIFT code is can help you complete international transfers more confidently and reduce the risk of entering incorrect recipient banking details. 

With Inter, you can manage these transactions through a fully digital experience. Before sending money, you will be able to review the required information and manage your transfers from a single platform. 

Download the Inter app for international mon ey transfers.