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.

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Enter your 4 digit bank code. Your IBAN details and bank code can generally be found through your online banking account through either a 'Details' or 'Payments' section. If you cannot find your bank code, it is best to call your bank to confirm.
Enter your account details. Your bank details will also be known as your BBAN. This is a combination of your full sort / bank code and account number.
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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

Online banking account

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

Online or paper bank statements

Online or paper bank statements

These will display your SWIFT code

Call your bank branch

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:

Example IBAN: GB33BUKB20201555555555
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-Z

The country that the bank account is held in - this is generally the universal country code.

Check Digits

0-9

This enables the sending bank to perform a security check of the routing destination.

Bank Identifier

A-Z 0-9

This code identifies the recipient account holder’s bank.

Sort/Bank Code

0-9

The sort/bank code for the bank transfer.

Account Number

0-9

The 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.

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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 example SMCOGB2LXXX
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-Z

4 letters representing the bank. It usually looks like a shortened version of that bank's name.

Country code

A-Z

2 characters made up of letters or numbers. It says where that bank's head office is.

Location code

A-Z 0-9

2 characters made up of letters or numbers. It says where that bank's head office is.

Branch code

A-Z 0-9

3 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).

A map showing usage of IBAN around the world. Source: Reddit.
A map showing usage of IBAN around the world. Source: Reddit.
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.

Virtual IBANs
Making or Receiving International Payments? Get a Free Virtual IBAN

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:

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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

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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.

FAQs

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

Contributors

Mehdi Punjwani
Author

Mehdi Punjwani

Lead Writer and Editor
Mehdi is an accomplished writer and editor, specializing in personal finance with over five years of experience. His expertise is reflected in his work for prominent brands such as MoneySuperMarket, Equifax, and The AA. Additionally, Mehdi contributes as an author at USA Today, further showcasing his proficiency in the field.
Artiom Pucinskij
Editor

Artiom Pucinskij

Financial Content Strategist
With 6+ years of hands-on experience in international money transfer services, Artiom has tested and analyzed dozens of companies, services, and apps firsthand. From sending money between the UK, EU, US, JP, and ID, to helping friends and family transfer large amounts abroad, he combines deep personal experience with industry insight. He has worked on content and product at MoneyTransfers.com since 2019, with a focus on FX rates, transfer apps & companies, and comparison tools. His work has been featured in Forbes, Yahoo Finance, Decrypt, PoundSterling, and more.