SWIFT / BIC Codes

A SWIFT code, also called a BIC (Bank Identifier Code), is an 8 or 11 character code that identifies a bank or branch in international payments. The first four letters are the bank code, the next two letters are the ISO country code, the next two characters are the location code and the optional last three characters are the branch code. Take NBEGEGCXXXX as an example: NBEG is the bank, EG is Egypt, CX is the location and XXX means the primary office. An 8-character code always points to the primary office. To send an international transfer you usually need the recipient's SWIFT/BIC to reach the bank and the IBAN to reach the account. The validator above checks the structure of any code in your browser; the directory lists publicly known bank SWIFT codes. Always confirm the exact code with your bank or the recipient before sending money.