BIC/SWIFT Code Information
Understanding Business Identifier Codes (BIC), also known as SWIFT codes.
A BIC (Business Identifier Code), often referred to as a SWIFT code, is an international standard code (ISO 9362) used to identify banks and financial institutions globally. It's crucial for international money transfers.
BIC/SWIFT Code Structure
BIC/SWIFT codes typically have 8 or 11 characters:
- AAAA: 4-letter bank code (letters only)
- BB: 2-letter country code (ISO 3166-1 alpha-2, letters only)
- CC: 2-character location code (letters or digits)
- DDD: 3-character branch code (optional, "XXX" for primary office, letters or digits)
Generating random BIC/SWIFT codes is not practical, as they correspond to specific registered institutions. To find a specific BIC/SWIFT code, you typically need to know the bank's name and location.
How to Find a Bank's BIC/SWIFT Code
- Check the bank's official website (often in the "International Transfers" section)
- Contact the bank directly via phone or in-branch
- Check your bank statement or online banking portal
- Use official SWIFT lookup tools (verify the source)
Note: Always confirm BIC/SWIFT codes with official sources before initiating international transfers.
Why we don't generate BIC/SWIFT codes: Unlike IBANs or tax IDs which follow algorithmic patterns, BIC/SWIFT codes are assigned to specific institutions by SWIFT (Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication). Random codes would have no correlation to real financial institutions.