SWIFT code 

 

 

The SWIFT code is 8 or 11 characters, made up of:

  • 4 characters - bank code (only letters)
  • 2 characters - ISO 3166-1 alpha-2 country code (only letters)
  • 2 characters - location code (letters and digits) (if the second character is '1', then it denotes a passive participant in the SWIFT network)
  • 3 characters - branch code, optional ('XXX' for primary office) (letters and digits)

Where an 8-digit code is given, it may be assumed that it refers to the primary office.

 

SWIFT identifies the payment beneficiary’s bank; the bank designated to receive the funds transfer. It usually consists of 8 to 11 characters that adds bank identification to the details provided by the Basic Bank Account Number or BBAN. SWIFT has been renamed BIC which stands for Bank Identifier Code, however most banks still refer to SWIFT codes, SWIFT numbers or SWIFT addresses.

Please note SWIFT codes does not contain a check sum for automatic validation unlike the modern IBAN.

 

Example of SWIFT payment overseas Instructions to send & receive payments around the world.

The following information must be provided.

  • Your full name, e.g. JOHN CHARLES SMITH  or  ABC COMPANY LTD.
  • Your full residential address, including town/city and country, i.e. No PO Boxes.
  • Beneficiary's full name, e.g. EDWARD MATTHEW JONES or XYZ PTY LTD.
  • Beneficiary's full residential address, including town/city and country, i.e. No PO Boxes.
  • Beneficiary's account number (Note, IBAN if European country or Pakistan).
  • The full name and address of the Beneficiary's Bank

 

 

 

Click here to access the SWIFT BIC Checker.

 

What is an International Payment?

International Wire Transfer

SWIFT MT 103 Basic Format for Wire Transfer

 

List of SWIFT Codes Worldwide

 

 


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