A SWIFT/BIC code validator verifies the format of a bank identifier code used in international wire transfers. SWIFT codes are 8 or 11 characters and encode the bank name, country, location, and optional branch. This tool validates format and parses each component — it cannot verify if a code is currently active in the SWIFT network.
Auto-converts to uppercase. Enter 8 or 11 characters.
Validation Checks
SWIFT Code Breakdown
SWIFT Code Structure
(4 letters)
(2 letters)
(2 chars)
(3 chars, opt)
Bank Code (pos 1-4): Letters only. Identifies the bank or financial institution.
Country Code (pos 5-6): ISO 3166-1 alpha-2. Identifies the country where the bank is registered.
Location Code (pos 7-8): Alphanumeric. Identifies the head office location. Second character '1' indicates a passive participant; '0' indicates a test BIC.
Branch Code (pos 9-11, optional): Alphanumeric. 'XXX' means head office. If omitted, head office is implied.
Example SWIFT Codes
| Code | Bank | Country |
|---|
How to Use the SWIFT Code Validator
A SWIFT/BIC code is the international standard identifier for banks and financial institutions, used whenever you send money abroad. Without a valid SWIFT code, international wire transfers cannot be routed correctly. Verifying the format before submitting a transfer prevents delays and potential fees from rejected transactions.
Entering a SWIFT Code
Type or paste your SWIFT or BIC code into the input field. The tool automatically converts to uppercase (SWIFT codes are case-insensitive by standard but always displayed uppercase). You can enter either an 8-character code (bank + country + location) or an 11-character code (bank + country + location + branch). Validation runs automatically as you type.
Understanding the Five Validation Checks
The validator runs five sequential checks. First, it verifies the total length is exactly 8 or 11 characters. Second, it confirms positions 1-4 contain only letters (bank code must be alphabetic). Third, it verifies positions 5-6 are a recognized ISO 3166-1 alpha-2 country code (two letters). Fourth, it confirms positions 7-8 are alphanumeric (location code). Fifth, if present, it verifies positions 9-11 are alphanumeric (branch code).
Finding a Bank's SWIFT Code
Your bank's SWIFT code is typically found on your bank statements, in your online banking account settings, or by calling your bank's customer service. For international recipients, ask them to provide their bank's SWIFT code along with their account number or IBAN. Some countries use IBAN exclusively for domestic transfers but still require SWIFT codes for international routing.
FAQ
What is a SWIFT/BIC code?
A SWIFT code (also called BIC — Bank Identifier Code) is an 8 or 11-character alphanumeric code that uniquely identifies a bank or financial institution worldwide. It is used in international wire transfers to route money to the correct bank. SWIFT stands for Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication. Every bank participating in SWIFT has at least one BIC code.
What is the difference between SWIFT and BIC?
SWIFT and BIC refer to the same code. 'SWIFT code' is the common name used in everyday banking, while 'BIC' (Bank Identifier Code) is the official ISO standard name (ISO 9362). The terms are interchangeable. You may also see it called a 'SWIFT number' or 'SWIFT ID' — all refer to the same 8 or 11-character bank identifier.
What does each part of a SWIFT code mean?
A SWIFT code has four parts: positions 1-4 are the bank code (letters identifying the institution), positions 5-6 are the ISO country code (e.g., US, DE, GB), positions 7-8 are the location code (where the head office is located), and positions 9-11 (optional) are the branch code — 'XXX' or absent means the head office. For example, DEUTDEDB: DEUT = Deutsche Bank, DE = Germany, DB = Frankfurt.
What does it mean when a SWIFT code is 8 vs 11 characters?
An 8-character SWIFT code identifies the primary office of a bank — it implicitly means the head office. An 11-character code with 'XXX' as the branch code also refers to the head office. An 11-character code with any other branch code (e.g., 'LON') identifies a specific branch office. For international transfers, either format is typically acceptable — the bank will route to its head office if no branch is specified.
Is this tool free?
Yes, completely free with no signup required. The validation runs entirely in your browser.
Can this tool tell me if a SWIFT code belongs to a real bank?
No. This tool validates FORMAT only — it checks the structural rules (bank code letters only, valid ISO country code, alphanumeric location and branch). It cannot query the SWIFT network database to verify if a code is active or belongs to a specific institution. To verify an actual bank's SWIFT code, check the bank's official website or contact them directly.