SWIFT/BIC vs IBAN: How to Find Swift Code From IBAN?
IBAN does not contain a Swift/BIC code. However, finding the Swift code is quick and easy without IBAN. This guide will take you through your options, explain key differences between the codes, and answer your questions.
Calculate an IBAN
Validate IBAN
Table of contents
Author: Mehdi Punjwani
Editor: Artiom Pucinskij
We only list companies that are trustworthy and appropriately licensed. Our aim is to give you a comprehensive view of the regulated money transfer marketplace.
DisclosureMoneyTransfers aims to help users find the best money transfer provider for their needs. To support our free service, we may earn a commission from some of the providers listed in our search results. The commission may also impact the ordering of the providers shown. Our reviews are independent from this and are based on our editorial policy, research and testing of dozens of remittance providers on the market.
Table of contents
Can you use an IBAN to find a SWIFT code?
Your IBAN will contain some of the same characters as the SWIFT code. However, these codes are not the same and therefore it is not possible to use an IBAN to find a SWIFT code.
Then... where do I find it?
Here's a list of places where you can find:

Online banking account
View your account details or search for the option to display your SWIFT code

Online or paper bank statements
These will display your SWIFT code

Call your bank branch
If the bank does not have the SWIFT code displayed on their website you can call the bank or visit the branch to find out your SWIFT code
IBAN vs SWIFT/BIC
IBAN and SWIFT codes are both used to identify and facilitate international money transfers but the key difference between the two lies in the information that each code conveys. An IBAN is a unique identifier of an individual account, while SWIFT codes specify the bank.
IBAN | SWIFT/BIC | |
|---|---|---|
Short for | International Bank Account Number | Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication or Business Identification Code |
Characters | Letters and numbers | Letters and numbers |
Length | Up to 34 characters | 8 to 11 characters |
Purpose | Used to identify specific bank accounts around the world | Used to identify specific banks around the world |
Example | GB33BUKB20201512345678 | BUKBGB22 |
IBAN explained
An International Bank Account Number – more commonly known in its shorter form IBAN – is a bank code consisting of up to 34 letters and numbers. It is used as a unique identifier for bank accounts around the world when initiating international money transfers. An IBAN contains the account holder’s country, bank, and bank account and is used to ensure funds are deposited to the right account.
Here's how IBAN number looks
The format of any IBAN number can be translated as follows:
- Country Code:
- GB
- Check Number:
- 33
- Bank Identifier:
- BUKB
- Sort Code:
- 202015
- Account Number:
- 55555555
Format of an IBAN
As per the example, each part of an IBAN should follow this format.
Country
A-ZThe country that the bank account is held in - this is generally the universal country code.
Check Digits
0-9This enables the sending bank to perform a security check of the routing destination.
Bank Identifier
A-Z 0-9This code identifies the recipient account holder’s bank.
Sort/Bank Code
0-9The sort/bank code for the bank transfer.
Account Number
0-9The account number for the bank transfer.
When do I need an IBAN?
You’ll need an IBAN when making an international money transfer, to identify the specific bank account you want to send money to.
How do I find my IBAN number?
You can find your IBAN on account statements or your internet banking account.
Where are IBANs used?
IBANs are used in most countries around the world, though they aren’t used in the US.
Basic Bank Account Number (BBAN)...?
All characters after the two-digit check numbers may be referred to as the basic bank account number. This will usually contain the actual individual bank account number as well as the bank code and bank branch reference.
Each country has its own specific format for basic bank account numbers, and depending on the country involved, it can be up to 30 digits long.
"Over 15 million customers use Wise, mostly for their excellent mobile app, transparent fee structure & use of mid-market rates. Now increasingly used for larger transfers."
Please share your experience with Wise
Would you recommend Wise?
Russell Pinkes
I can’t send money to Belize
Katsiaryna
Once trying to open sire, was automatically blocked for no reason
Alan
Unable to transfer money from Philippines to any other country. Philippines Wise does not work
Anonymous
Retiro de dinero en transferencia
Uwe
great rates and service - unfortunately for some countries not yet available
Martin Premprakash Anantharaman
On the first transfer to a hospital in NY they were already screaming that this was a sure scam and the same on my next transfer to a fried in Nigeria. They then summarily closed my account TERMINATING THE RUNNING TRANSFER TO NIGERIA, claiming that, hold on, I was being scammed🤦♂️ Sure, I could have appealed but immediately found that I would have had to provide so much intrusive detail that I desisted.
Martin Premprakash Anantharaman
Setting up is a bit unwieldy if you want to make a one-off transfer, as you have to create an account with complete identification - but it works and the process as well as charges are great.
Anonymous
My brother wants to send me money from India to Nigeria but he's finding it difficult how can he do it
Mohammed
WARNING : Wise was Great until main office decided to ruin WISE By letting the TW India office control handling Random verifications and do what ever they want by insane replies and no replies etc. If you want to waste your time and enjoy a journey into Black Hole of Insane then go ahead and try WISE !
Anonymous
Can't receive money from php to idr so far
sudheir
They don't allow transfer to Brokerage firms from India
Anonymous
Good app to transfer money
Anonymous
I didn't find Cuba on your list.
Anonymous
cuba not work
Nina
I made a transfer to a Canadian company 1.5 months ago, and the funds have not yet been received. After multiple emails, Wise insists that the money was paid out. However, I have received an official statement from the recipient’s bank confirming that the money has not been received. Wise's complaints department sent me a final letter stating that, according to their records, the funds were paid out. Additionally, Wise states the following in their Customer Agreement regarding their responsibility for losses: Quote from Wise's Terms: "Our Customer Agreement also explains our responsibility for losses in Section 29: 29.1 Unforeseeable loss or damage. We are not responsible for any loss or damage that is not foreseeable. Loss or damage is foreseeable if either it is obvious that it will happen or if, at the time the contract was made, both we and you knew it might happen, for example, if you discussed it with us during your sign-up process. 29.9 We are not liable for things which are outside of our control. We (and our affiliates) cannot be liable for our inability to deliver or delay because of things which are outside our control." Despite these terms, Wise has not been able to resolve this issue, and the money has still not been delivered as promised. I find it irresponsible that Wise does not conduct any investigations into the matter. The Canadian bank associated with Wise is unable to provide any information, as everything goes through Wise. Wise must be capable of tracking the funds and providing precise details about where exactly the money is, who received it, and to which bank account it was deposited. I would advise everyone to be cautious when transferring large sums of money with Wise. They are not capable of executing a secure money transfer!
Shengjie Yin
good and perfect
Tristan
Beware: Wise's Unethical Policies and Unresponsive Support Cost My Business I am sharing my experience with Wise to warn fellow business owners about the serious risks and unacceptable practices you may encounter if you choose to use their services. My business, is a legally registered travel agency in the UK, and I relied on Wise to manage payments for my photography and cultural tours, primarily in South America. Things took a turn for the worse when Wise froze my account and accused my business of violating their Acceptable Use Policy, citing my once-a-year humanitarian trip to Cuba. Despite explaining multiple times that: No Cuba-related transactions were ever processed through Wise (I use a separate European bank for this purpose), My tours comply with the “Support for Cuban People” category authorized by OFAC, designed to help Cuban citizens outside state control, Wise completely ignored the facts. Their customer support team responded with automated messages, refused to engage in any meaningful dialogue, and even lied, claiming they didn't monitor my emails—despite clear evidence to the contrary. After days of chasing them and providing thorough documentation, they chose to close my account without justification. The Consequences: Wise left my business in chaos, disrupting essential transactions and client arrangements. Their rigid policies align with sanctions widely condemned by the global community, and in doing so, they indirectly support humanitarian suffering. The Bottom Line: Wise is unreliable, unresponsive, and unethical. If your business has any complexity or humanitarian focus, beware: Wise will shut you down without notice or explanation, and customer support will abandon you. Their actions have serious real-world consequences. Avoid Wise if you value your business stability or require ethical and accountable financial services. There are far better alternatives out there that won’t put your livelihood at risk Beware: Wise's Unethical Policies and Unresponsive Support Cost My Business
Anonymous
I have been a customer for a few years. Yes I love the instant deposits as I make around $1K. However as many non US entities Wise uses a bank out of New York. Therefore the TRANSFER and DEPOSIT from an account transfer can take 4 to 6 days. What this means is that you will not able to make another ACH transfer during this time. This is frustrating if you have to make a follow up transfer in a few days. All in all don't plan to make more than 4 transfer in a month because it may not fo through, Not sure if other transfer companies operate the same way but I am about to find out as I will try Revolute. Bottom linw will require you to use ANOTHER payment method like credit card or some other method. Understand this: YOU MAY HAVE THE MONEY IN YOUR ACCOUNT but they WILL NOT TRY TO VERIFY IT WITHIN THE THE PERIOD IT WILL TAKE THEM TO DEPOSIT IT IN YOUR ACCOUNT. To add insult to injury I called in and the agent siad that they can see that they got paid but the computer takes time to update/reconcille I guess! It is a slow system!
Anonymous
There is a lot of advice on RECEIVING INHERITANCE in the UK from overseas but nothing on the rules for SENDING money gifts to grandchildren living OVERSEAS and the rules on Inheritance Tax in that case.
Anonymous
The service is decent, nothing more. I have had security issues that are not quickly resolved. Call center personnel are average. The app is not, in general, user friendly. You should definitely do research on a variety of service providers before making a choice. Do not take the reviews at face value. I chose Wise based on positive reviews but now regret not doing more research on other companies.
Anonymous
So far so good
Daniel
I checked to see if Wise even sends money to Colombia. Colombia is not even in their list of countries. Why is it even advertising for Colombia?
Bill Sanders
I have used Wise for several years. They once rejected a large transfer because it was to a coal company. Apparently, they are a woke company! But they refused to tell me why. More recently, they required verification of my identity using a smart phone. I am 69 and never owned a cell phone because I don't need one. But they forced me to buy one, which I did last week. Getting the phone updates ate up all my data, so i got 1 GB more. I took 12 different pics of my passport and another 12 of my face for them. They rejected them - and are holding up my transfer. Now my phone ate up that gig of data and I must buy another gig (thru Tracfone) just to use the phone. What a hassle. This is not a photo studio! They know who i am already. Note: This comment has been edited by the MoneyTransfers.com team to align with our content guidelines.
Ziggy Meilus
It used to be always instant, now it may come right away or it can take 5 even 7 days to get the money.
Anonymous
i've heard of people having issues with accounts being locked/restricted, but i think that was mostly for business accounts, maybe they were locked for good reason. for me, i've had no issue with my account though i've only used it for small transfers and not very often, over the past 5+ years
SWIFT/BIC codes explained
A SWIFT code is another type of bank code, internationally recognized by banks and financial institutions as a method of identification when transferring money overseas. SWIFT codes are issued by the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication (SWIFT) and should not be confused with IBANs.
SWIFT codes are shorter than IBAN numbers – made up of 8 to 11 characters – but they serve a similar purpose: to provide crucial details during the process of transferring funds to an overseas bank account. The SWIFT codes identify the bank, while the IBAN identifies the bank account.
SWIFT codes include the bank’s address, branch number, and destination country of the relevant global remittance. SWIFT codes may also be referred to as a BIC: this stands for Business Identification Code.
What does a SWIFT code look like?
This information is interpreted by banks and financial institutions and translated into the following:
- SWIFT code (8 characters)
- SMCOGB2L
- Bank Code
- SMCO
- Country Code
- GB
- Location Code
- 2L
- Branch Code
- XXX
Format of a SWIFT/BIC code
A SWIFT/BIC is an 8-11 character code that identifies your country, city, bank, and branch.
Bank code
A-Z4 letters representing the bank. It usually looks like a shortened version of that bank's name.
Country code
A-Z2 characters made up of letters or numbers. It says where that bank's head office is.
Location code
A-Z 0-92 characters made up of letters or numbers. It says where that bank's head office is.
Branch code
A-Z 0-93 digits specifying a particular branch. 'XXX' represents the bank’s head office.
When do I need a SWIFT code?
You’ll need a SWIFT code when making an international payment when you’ll be required to identify the bank of the recipient you are sending money to. You’ll also need their IBAN to show which bank account the money is going to - as well as any other relevant bank details.
Where do I find a SWIFT code?
You can normally find a bank’s SWIFT code on their website, app, where your account details are, and on any statements.
Do I need an IBAN if I have a SWIFT?
You’ll likely need an IBAN as they are required for international transfers to many countries around the world, even if you have a SWIFT code too.
Where are SWIFT codes used?
Most countries are on the SWIFT banking system – it’s used in over 200 countries and territories around the world.
Will you ever need both an IBAN and a SWIFT code?
You might need to use both an IBAN and SWIFT code for international bank transfers, as one specifies which bank the money is headed to and the other specifies which account within that bank. However, not all countries are on the IBAN system, so for transfers to these places you’ll only need a SWIFT code. Here's a map summarising IBAN usage around the world (and a breakdown below).

Here's a quick table summarising which countries are using the IBAN system.
COUNTRY | IBAN EXAMPLE |
|---|---|
Albania | AL47212110090000000235698741 |
Algeria | DZ4000400174401001050486 |
Andorra | AD1200012030200359100100 |
Angola | AO06000600000100037131174 |
Argentina | AR9120148000502617301041 |
Armenia | AM43000000010000004136540 |
Australia | AU611234567891234567 |
Austria | AT611904300234573201 |
Azerbaijan | AZ21NABZ00000000137010001944 |
Bahrain | BH29BMAG1299123456BH00 |
Bangladesh | BD0800012030200359100100 |
Belarus | BY86AKBB10100000002966000000 |
Belgium | BE68539007547034 |
Benin | BJ11B00610100400271101192591 |
Bosnia and Herzegovina | BA391290079401028494 |
Brazil | BR1500000000000010932840814P2 |
Bulgaria | BG80BNBG96611020345678 |
Burkina Faso | BF1030134020015400945000643 |
Burundi | BI41123456789012 |
Cambodia | KH121234123456789012345678912 |
Cameroon | CM2110003001000500000605306 |
Canada | CA321234567890123456789 |
Cape Verde | CV301234567890123456789 |
Central African Republic | CF3912345678901234567890123 |
Chad | TD8960002000010271091600153 |
Chile | CL5612345678901234567890 |
China | CN5312345678901234567890 |
Colombia | CO691234567890123456789 |
Comoros | KM1712345678901234567890123 |
Congo | CG3930011000101013451300019 |
Costa Rica | CR05123456789012345678 |
Croatia | HR1210010051863000160 |
Cyprus | CY21123456789012345678901234 |
Czech Republic | CZ5508000000001234567899 |
Denmark | DK5000400440116243 |
Djibouti | DJ2110002010010409943020008 |
Dominican Republic | DO28BAGR00000001212453611324 |
East Timor | TL381234567890123456789 |
Ecuador | EC741234567890123456789012 |
Egypt | EG8012345678901234567890123 |
El Salvador | SV62CENR00000000000000700025 |
Equatorial Guinea | GQ7050030001001206301500157 |
Estonia | EE382200221020145685 |
Ethiopia | ET131234567890123456789012345 |
Faroe Islands | FO6223456789012345 |
Fiji | FJ10100430123456789012 |
Finland | FI2112345600000785 |
France | FR1420041010050500013M02606 |
Gabon | GA21400410100505000135789 |
Gambia | GM25SMLC0000000109213350000A |
Georgia | GE29NB0000000101904917 |
Germany | DE89370400440532013000 |
Ghana | GH131234567890 |
Gibraltar | GI75NWBK000000007099453 |
Greece | GR1601101250000000012300695 |
Greenland | GL8964710001000206 |
Guatemala | GT82TRAJ01020000001210029690 |
Guinea | GN3820111010000135255050403 |
Guinea-Bissau | GW04GW1430010181800637601 |
Haiti | HT5310200013202000000007120101 |
Honduras | HN54PISA00000000000000123124 |
Hong Kong | HK861234567812345678 |
Hungary | HU42117730161111101800000000 |
Iceland | IS140159260076545510730339 |
India | IN901234567890123456789 |
Indonesia | ID8612345678901234567890 |
Iran | IR8612345698709876543210 |
Iraq | IQ20CBIQ861800101010500 |
Ireland | IE29AIBK93115212345678 |
Israel | IL620108000000099999999 |
Italy | IT60X0542811101000000123456 |
Ivory Coast | CI93CI0080111301134291200589 |
Jamaica | JM1331250000012345678902 |
Japan | JP3912345678901234567890 |
Jordan | JO15AAAA1234567890123456789012 |
Kazakhstan | KZ176010251000042993 |
Kenya | KE641234567891 |
Kosovo | XK051212012345678906 |
Kuwait | KW81CBKU0000000000001234560101 |
Kyrgyzstan | KG391234567890123456 |
Laos | LA241234567890123456789 |
Latvia | LV80BANK0000435195001 |
Lebanon | LB62123456789012345678901234 |
Lesotho | LS301234567890123456789012345 |
Liberia | LR121234567890123456789012345678 |
Libya | LY831234567890123456789012345678 |
It's worth noting, that more countries are currently partially trialing the IBAN system.
Sending money in the UK and EU
For those based in the UK and EU, an IBAN number will be required for SEPA transfers, whereas SWIFT codes will be needed for international deposits from outside the EEA: check out our SEPA vs SWIFT code guide here. Every country within the European Union (EU) uses IBAN, so if you are making a Euro transfer you will need both IBAN and BIC.

A virtual IBAN lets you make and receive international payments as a local. Virtual IBANs are like "add-ons" to your main account, but for a specific location.
We recommend using Wise Business if you need a virtual IBAN. It offers:
10 Local accounts
Low transfer fees (sending fees from 0.33%)
Very simple & intuitive app
Wise Business has a one-time setup fee, which is cheaper than many other alternatives.
Making an international wire transfer
Here's how you can swiftly initiate and make a wire transfer.
Sign up to your provider
If you aren’t already registered with your chosen provider, sign up for an account. You may need to verify your identity
Fill in details about the recipient
You’ll normally need to provide their name, address, contact information, and bank details - including their SWIFT/BIC and IBAN if required
Confirm your transfer
Ensure all the details are correct and finalize your transfer – it will normally take at least a day to process
Cheaper alternative to international wire transfers
International wire transfers are expensive and time-consuming - if you’re looking for a cheaper alternative then you’ll find the best bet is a money transfer provider. These providers specialize in moving money abroad and have their own network of bank accounts around the world that lets them avoid using the SWIFT system.
As a result, money transfer providers like WorldRemit, Wise, and XE can offer faster and cheaper transfers abroad than traditional banks. They offer a range of options, from bank deposits to cash pickups, and often complete transfers faster and cheaper than banks can. To get started, fill in the form below.
Find cheaper alternative to international wire transfers
A bit more on IBANs and SWIFT codes
Is there a difference between BIC and SWIFT?
BIC means Business Identification Code, and it is interchangeable with SWIFT as they both refer to the same service. SWIFT refers to the global messaging system for banks, and BIC refers to the code that is provided by SWIFT.
Is there a difference between SWIFT codes and account numbers?
While a SWIFT code lets you identify a specific bank or financial institution for international transfers, an account number is used to identify a specific account, while account numbers are used in domestic and international transfers - but you may find that the account number forms part of the IBAN when giving these details for money transfers abroad.
Is there a difference between SWIFT codes and routing numbers?
A routing number, also known as an ABA routing number, an RTN, or a routing transit number, is used to identify banks in the USA in a similar way to account numbers. These are different to SWIFT codes, which are used to identify banks or financial institutions for international transactions.
Is there a difference between SWIFT codes and IFSC codes?
While SWIFT codes are used for international transfers to help identify a bank or financial institution, an IFSC (Indian Financial System Code) is used to identify bank accounts in India. IFSC is used more for domestic transfers than international transfers. We've put a guide together on the key differences between Swift codes and IFSC
Is there a difference between SWIFT codes and sort codes?
A sort code is a way of identifying the location of a bank in the UK, usually used for domestic transfers. They aren’t related to SWIFT codes, but you can find them as part of an IBAN.
Does the US use IBAN?
The US does not use IBAN - instead, banks are identified using their ABA or routing number. This means if you’re sending money to banks in the USA you won’t need an IBAN - but if you’re sending money from the USA to a bank in a different country you’ll likely need their IBAN.
What is an ABA or routing number?
An ABA or routing number is a 9-digit code used to identify banks in the USA. It’s also known as a bank routing number or routing transfer number.
Do US banks use SWIFT?
US banks are on the SWIFT banking system - you can find a list of US bank SWIFT codes on our website.
What is my bank’s SWIFT?
You can find our list of SWIFT codes for different banks and countries on our website.
Help & FAQ
Get answers to the most common questions asked when sending money abroad. Covers costs, fees and the best way to compare.
Let's recap: How do you find swift code with IBAN?
The simple answer is you can't as both numbers have separate purposes and are used for international transfers. There is some overlap in the formatting and structure, however you can't get it directly from IBAN. To find BIC/Swift, look at your bank statements, in your online banking account or by calling your branch.
Sources & further reading
SWIFT Calculator
What is a SWIFT Transfer?
SWIFT stands for the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunications which is a member-owned cooperative network designed to improve the communication of financial transactions. The network was set up in 1973 to support electronic international wire transfers.
SWIFT Code vs Routing Number: Which One Do You Need for Your Transfer?
SWIFT codes are used for international transfers, and routing numbers are used for domestic transfers in the US. All US banks have their own SWIFT code and routing number.
SWIFT Code vs IFSC Code
You may have been prompted for a SWIFT or IFSC code in the past, depending on the requirements of your overseas transfer, but when is this information needed? We investigate.
Sort Code vs SWIFT Code: Which One Do You Need for Your Transfer?
Money can be transferred in a multitude of different ways: from paying a vendor for goods and services, to using a mobile app to send funds to a friend; and some transactions require more information than others. Unlike a contactless purchase in a restaurant or store, arranging a money transfer from one country requires specific details.
Contributors

Mehdi Punjwani

Please share your experience with …