BIC Code Calculator: Find SWIFT/BIC

This BIC code calculator helps you find the SWIFT/BIC code for a bank by entering the bank name and country, or by validating a code you already have. You enter the bank’s name (or part of it) and select the country, and the calculator returns the BIC code structure and a list of possible codes. It also lets you check whether a BIC you have follows the correct format.

Formula

The BIC (Bank Identifier Code) is an 8 or 11-character code defined by ISO 9362. The formula for a standard BIC is:

BIC = Bank Code (4 letters) + Country Code (2 letters) + Location Code (2 alphanumeric) + Branch Code (3 alphanumeric, optional)

Where:

• Bank Code – 4 letters representing the bank (e.g., CHAS for JPMorgan Chase).
• Country Code – 2 letters per ISO 3166-1 alpha-2 (e.g., US for United States).
• Location Code – 2 characters (letters or digits) identifying the city or region (e.g., NY for New York).
• Branch Code – 3 characters (letters or digits) for a specific branch; if the BIC is 8 characters, it defaults to the head office (often ‘XXX’).

The calculator above takes the bank name and country you enter and constructs a placeholder BIC using ‘XX’ for the location and branch codes, because those depend on the specific branch. It also checks if the bank name is at least 4 letters and the country code is 2 letters, which are the minimum requirements for a valid BIC prefix.

Worked Example

Using the default inputs: Bank name = ‘CHASE’, Country = ‘US’.

1. Bank code: take the first 4 letters of ‘CHASE’ → ‘CHAS’.
2. Country code: ‘US’ (already 2 letters).
3. Location code: placeholder ‘XX’.
4. Branch code: placeholder ‘XX’ (for 8-character BIC, we omit the branch).
5. Result: CHASUSXX (8-character BIC).

The calculator shows ‘CHASUSXX’ as the output. The validity check returns 1 because ‘CHASE’ has more than 4 letters and ‘US’ is exactly 2 letters.

When to Use a BIC Calculator

A BIC calculator is useful when you need to send or receive an international wire transfer, set up a direct deposit from a foreign employer, or verify a BIC you received from a counterparty. Banks require a valid BIC (also called SWIFT code) to route payments across borders. You might also use it to check if a code you have is formatted correctly before contacting your bank.

However, the calculator here only generates a placeholder based on the bank name and country. To get the actual BIC for a specific branch, you must look up the bank’s official directory or use your bank’s online lookup tool. The placeholder is useful for understanding the structure and for testing validation logic.

Common Mistakes and Misconceptions

• Confusing BIC with IBAN: The IBAN is an international bank account number that identifies your specific account, while the BIC identifies the bank itself. You need both for many international transfers.
• Assuming BIC is always 8 characters: Many banks have 11-character BICs for specific branches. The 8-character version refers to the head office.
• Using the wrong country code: The country code must be the ISO alpha-2 code, not the bank’s home country if the branch is in another country. For example, a British bank’s branch in the US would have a US country code.
• Thinking BIC is the same as a routing number: Routing numbers are used for domestic transfers in the US, while BICs are for international transfers. They are not interchangeable.
• Ignoring the branch code: For large banks, the branch code can be crucial. Using the head office BIC for a branch might cause delays or rejection.

Limitations of This Calculator

This calculator provides a structural placeholder, not a real BIC. It cannot know the specific location and branch codes for every bank branch worldwide. To obtain the exact BIC, you should:

• Check your bank statement or online banking portal.
• Use the official SWIFT/BIC lookup tool on the SWIFT website.
• Contact your bank directly.

The calculator also does not validate whether the bank name you enter corresponds to an actual bank. It only checks the length of the input.

How to Find the Real BIC for Your Bank

If you need the actual BIC for a transfer, follow these steps:

1. Look at a recent bank statement – BICs are often printed on statements or invoices.
2. Log into your online banking and look for ‘Account Details’ or ‘SWIFT Code’.
3. Use the bank’s official branch locator tool, if available.
4. If you are receiving money, ask the sender to confirm the BIC with their bank, or provide them with your bank’s BIC from an official source.
5. For international transfers, double-check the BIC with your bank to avoid errors that could delay the payment.

BIC vs. SWIFT vs. IBAN

BIC and SWIFT are often used interchangeably – SWIFT is the messaging network, and BIC is the code used within it. IBAN is a separate standard for account numbers, used primarily in Europe and the Middle East. For a transfer, you typically need the recipient’s IBAN and the bank’s BIC. Some countries also require the recipient’s bank name and address.

Understanding the difference helps avoid confusion when filling out international transfer forms. For example, a US bank might not have an IBAN, but it will have a BIC. In Europe, the IBAN is mandatory for SEPA transfers, but the BIC is not always required for domestic transfers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a BIC and a SWIFT code?

There is no difference – they are the same thing. BIC stands for Bank Identifier Code, and SWIFT is the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication, which assigns and manages these codes. The terms are used interchangeably in banking.

Can I use a BIC calculator to generate a real BIC for a transfer?

No, a calculator like this only shows the structure. For a real transfer, you must use the exact BIC provided by your bank. Using a guessed or placeholder BIC will likely cause the transfer to fail or be delayed.

Why does my BIC have 11 characters instead of 8?

An 11-character BIC includes a branch code, while an 8-character BIC refers to the head office. Many banks use 11-character codes for specific branches, especially large international banks. If you are unsure which one to use, contact your bank.

Is the BIC the same for all branches of a bank?

No, it can vary. Some banks use a single BIC for all branches, but others assign unique branch codes. Always verify the BIC for the specific branch where the account is held.

Can I find a BIC from an IBAN?

Yes, the first four characters of an IBAN are the bank code, and the next two are the country code, which together form the first six characters of the BIC. However, the full BIC also requires the location and branch codes, which are not part of the IBAN. You can often derive the 8-character BIC from the IBAN, but for 11-character BICs you need additional information.

What happens if I enter the wrong BIC?

If you enter an incorrect BIC, the transfer may be rejected, or in some cases, it could be sent to the wrong bank. Always double-check the BIC with the recipient or your bank before sending money.

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in bank | Bank name | - | CHASE | 0
in country | Country | - | US | 0
out bic | BIC code | - | bank + country + "XX" | 0
out valid | Valid format | - | (len(bank) >= 4 && len(country) == 2) ? 1 : 0 | 0