What Is a SWIFT Code?
A SWIFT code is the global identifier for your bank — required whenever you send or receive an international wire transfer.
SWIFT Code Format Explained
| Characters | Position | What It Means | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 1–4 | Bank code | CHAS = Chase |
| 2 | 5–6 | Country code | US = United States |
| 2 | 7–8 | Location code | 33 = New York |
| 3 (optional) | 9–11 | Branch code | XXX = primary office |
Full example: CHASUS33 = Chase Bank, United States, New York primary office
Quick sanity check: For a US bank, characters 5–6 should read “US.” If a SWIFT code you’ve been given shows a different country’s letters in that position, stop and verify directly with the bank before sending money — that’s the single most common sign of a mixed-up or outdated code (for example, using a foreign parent company’s or foreign-affiliate’s code instead of the US entity’s own code).
SWIFT Codes for Major US Banks
| Bank | SWIFT Code |
|---|---|
| JPMorgan Chase | CHASUS33 |
| Bank of America | BOFAUS3N |
| Wells Fargo | WFBIUS6S |
| Citibank | CITIUS33 |
| US Bank | USBKUS44 |
| PNC Bank | PNCCUS33 |
| Capital One | Confirm directly with Capital One before using — verify the code shows “US” in positions 5–6 |
| Ally Bank | No SWIFT code of its own — international wires route through correspondent bank JPMorgan Chase using CHASUS33 (confirmed at ally.com/help/bank/transfers/) |
Always verify with your bank before initiating a transfer — codes can change, and some banks (especially online banks with foreign-owned or foreign-affiliated parent companies) have had their US entity’s code confused with a foreign affiliate’s code in third-party listings. When in doubt, get the code directly from the bank’s own wire transfer instructions rather than a general reference table like this one.
When You Need a SWIFT Code
Required for:
- Sending money internationally from your US bank account
- Receiving international wire transfers into your US account
- International payroll or freelance payments from overseas clients
Not needed for:
- Domestic ACH transfers (use routing number + account number)
- Domestic wire transfers within the US (use ABA routing number)
- Zelle, Venmo, PayPal (domestic P2P)
International Wire Transfer Checklist
To send an international wire, you typically need:
- Recipient’s full name and address
- Recipient’s bank name and address
- Recipient’s SWIFT/BIC code
- Recipient’s IBAN or account number
- Transfer purpose (some countries require)
- Your bank’s routing number (for your account)
For receiving: provide the sender with your SWIFT code, account number, and bank address.
Lower-Cost Alternatives to Bank Wires
Specialized money transfer services (Wise, OFX, Remitly, Revolut, and similar) frequently charge lower flat fees and a smaller markup over the mid-market exchange rate than a traditional bank wire, especially for smaller transfer amounts. For regular international transfers, compare the total cost (fee plus exchange-rate markup) at your bank and at a specialist service before choosing — published fees and exchange-rate spreads change often, so check current numbers directly with each provider rather than relying on a fixed comparison table.
Related Guides
- Bank Statement Basics — banking documentation
- Banking Basics Hub — complete banking guide
The content on Wealthvieu is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, tax, or investment advice. Consult a qualified professional before making financial decisions. Full disclaimer · Editorial policy