Free SWIFT/BIC Code Validator

What is a SWIFT code?

A SWIFT code — also called a BIC, or Bank Identifier Code — is a unique code that identifies a specific bank anywhere in the world for international transfers. It's maintained by SWIFT (the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication), a global messaging network used by over 11,000 banks across more than 200 countries to send secure payment instructions between institutions.

BIC8 vs BIC11

SWIFT codes come in two lengths. A BIC8 (8 characters) identifies the bank's primary or head office — for example DEUTDEDB for Deutsche Bank's main branch. A BIC11 (11 characters) adds a 3-character branch code to the end, identifying a specific branch rather than the head office — DEUTDEDBXXX, where XXX conventionally denotes the primary office. Both formats are valid; which one you need depends on what your specific receiving bank issues.

How to read a SWIFT code

Every SWIFT/BIC follows the same structure: characters 1–4 are the bank code (letters only), characters 5–6 are the ISO country code, characters 7–8 are the location or city code, and characters 9–11, if present, are the branch code. So in ADCBAEAA: ADCB identifies Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank, AE is the UAE, and AA is the location code.

Test BICs

Banks sometimes issue "test" or dummy BICs for sandbox environments — these are not valid for real, live payments. If a SWIFT code you've been given looks unusual or the bank name doesn't match what you expect, confirm it directly with the bank before sending funds, since submitting a payment against a test BIC will simply fail or bounce.

SWIFT vs IBAN — which do I need?

They serve different purposes and are often required together. The SWIFT/BIC code tells the international payment network which bank to route the payment to; the IBAN identifies the specific account at that bank to credit. For transfers into IBAN countries — most of Europe, the UAE, Saudi Arabia — you typically need both. For transfers into non-IBAN countries like the US or India, SWIFT is paired with a routing number or IFSC code instead.

Common SWIFT code errors

The most common mistake is entering a SWIFT code from an old bank statement after the receiving bank has merged or rebranded — bank codes can and do change. Another frequent error is confusing similar-looking codes between a bank's different country subsidiaries (large international banks often have a different SWIFT code per country they operate in, even under the same brand name). Always confirm the SWIFT code directly with the recipient rather than reusing one from months ago, and double-check the bank name Banqcheq returns matches who you actually intend to pay.