What are SWIFT and BIC codes?

SWIFT codes (also known as BIC codes) ensure safe and speedy international payments through the SWIFT system. When making an overseas transaction, a SWIFT code is used to verify the identity of the banks or financial institutions. This safety measure helps ensure that funds are sent to the correct account.

Between 8 and 11 characters long, each character of a SWIFT or BIC code provides specific details that can be validated, such as the bank, the country of origin, or the branch location. Once the bank is authenticated, a quick and secure overseas payment can be made.

Why was the SWIFT/BIC code system created?

The Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication (or SWIFT) system was created to provide a standardized and secure way of sending international payments. SWIFT is essentially a messaging network that allows different banks to send and receive information electronically. Thanks to its standardized format, SWIFT helps to avoid confusion between banks in different countries, making payments simpler and faster with less room for error.

SWIFT and BIC codes—defined

When it comes to SWIFT and BIC codes, things can get a little confusing—so let’s lay out a simple definition. In short, SWIFT is the name of the overall messaging system, and BIC is the code used for the system—or the ‘Bank Identifier Code’. Both terms are used interchangeably to describe the code, or even the system. This means that if you request your SWIFT or BIC code, you’ll receive the exact same 8-11 digit number.

Do I need a SWIFT or BIC code to make an international payment?

Wherever you are in the world, if you need to send or receive funds overseas through your bank, the SWIFT code of the recipient is usually required. Without this code, the transaction will likely not go through.

You’ll also typically need to provide an IBAN, or International Bank Account Number, when making an international transfer. Need some insight on IBANs and how they work? Learn more about what an IBAN number is here, and how to use one here!

Understanding BIC code formats

Consisting of both numbers and letters, your BIC code has 8 characters—or possibly 11 if the branch location is included.

The first 4 letters of the code indicate the financial institution unique to your banking service provider—to make it simple, this may be the initials of the bank’s name! Next is a 2-letter country code, such as ‘FR’ for France or ‘DE’ for Germany, and a 2 character location code that indicates the bank’s head office. The last 3 digits, if they’re provided, refer to the specific branch that your bank account is associated with.

SWIFT/BIC coded security

Because SWIFT/BIC codes only communicate the sender and receiver’s bank identity rather than facilitating the transaction itself, they’re a very secure way to manage international payments. By sending and receiving secure, standardized instructions between financial institutions, SWIFT helps reduce any errors that might occur between international banks.

N26 BIC code access

At N26, we like to keep things simple. That’s why your BIC code can be easily found on your bank card, or at the top of your digital bank statements. To get access to your statements, or download a PDF for your records, go to the ‘My Account’ tab in your N26 app. Easily access your BIC code, as well as a host of other features—including Statistics, which offers a categorized breakdown of your spending, and 24/7 chatbot support to answer any questions you might have.