US Bank SWIFT Codes Explained (2024)

US Bank SWIFT Codes Explained (1)

  • Wells Fargo Wells Fargo's SWIFT code is WFBIUS6SXXX.
  • Bank of America Bank of America's SWIFT code is BOFAUS6SXXX.
  • Citibank Citibank's SWIFT code is CITIUS33XXX.
  • Chase Chase's SWIFT code is CHASUS33XXX.
  • BMO Harris BMO Harris' SWIFT code is HATRUS44XXX.

US Bank SWIFT/BIC Codes

A SWIFT code (also called a BIC code) is an alphanumeric code used to identify specific banks in the US and around the world. An important part of international money transfers, SWIFT codes are often used for international wire transfers and currency exchange.

SWIFT codes are also used to identify the recipient’s bank network, and when used together with other information like bank identifiers and account numbers, they can verify exactly where transferred money should be deposited. Entering a SWIFT code allows for the faster and easier exchange and deposit of currency around the world.

When you're sending money to the United States, you'll need to provide the generic SWIFT/BIC code for your recipient's bank, as well as more specific personal information, such as:

  • Your recipient's full name;
  • Your recipient's physical address;
  • Your recipient's bank account number.

SWIFT Transfers: Beware The Hidden Costs

If you're looking for information about US bank SWIFT/BIC codes, then you're probably either:

  1. sending money to the US from abroad, or
  2. receiving money to your US-based account from abroad.

If so, then you should beware of hidden bank fees and consider using a digital provider to save money instead. To see why we recommend most people avoid the bank for international SWIFT transfers, see the two use cases below:

1 — Sending an International Transfer to the US

If you're sending money internationally to an American bank account through your local bank overseas, the transaction will likely be much pricier than it ought to be. —

This is because fixed international bank transfer fees, bad exchange rates, and correspondent banking fees can stack up very quickly. At Monito, we analyzed the cost of sending money with around 50 major banks in eight countries around the world, and we can confidently say that we don't recommend using your bank to send money to the US.

Additionally, bank transfers via the SWIFT network tend to take quite long (between one and five business days on average), meaning they're not a good option if you want to make a speedy transfer.

Fortunately for you, much smarter alternatives exist. Using a digital money transfer provider, not only could you up to 95% in fees compared to the bank, but you'll also be able to send money more quickly to your beneficiary's account in the US. Compare now on Monito's real-time comparison engine to find the cheapest way to send to any bank account in the US:

Compare better ways to send money to a bank in the US:

2 — Receiving an International Transfer in the US

Are you expecting a transfer from abroad and is the sender asking you to provide a SWIFT/BIC code for your bank in the US? Then you'll likely receive less than you should because of the high international bank transfer fees and bad exchange rates that the senders' bank usually applies.

For example, a typical foreign bank will charge between 5% and 10% in total fees for sending a $1,000 equivalent to the US. With costs like this, you'd quickly receive $50 to $100 less per $1,000 sent than you would've had transferred at the real, mid-market exchange rate.

Luckily, a much better alternative exists to save money when receiving money in the US from abroad. It's called the Wise Account, and it's available for both individuals and businesses. Using a Wise Account (available in the US), you'll get local bank account details for 10 different currencies. Moreover, you'll be able to send, hold, spend, and receive US dollars and other foreign currency at the mid-market exchange rate with low, transparent fees. This means you'll be able to use Wise to receive money like a local in the US (and other currencies), making it an excellent online account.

Open your Wise account ❯

FAQ About US Bank SWIFT Codes

  • What is a SWIFT code?

    A SWIFT code is an alphanumeric code to identify specific banks around the world. It is a type of Bank Identification Code (BIC), and the two terms are often used interchangeably. The SWIFT code, or a variation on it, is an important part of international money transfers. SWIFT codes are often used for international wire transfers and currency exchanges. Learn more about SWIFT codes in our glossary.

  • Where do I find my bank's SWIFT code?

    Normally, the fastest and easiest way to find your bank's SWIFT code is to Google it. Banks themselves often don't make this information all too accessible, but the information is almost always readily available through a quick search online.

  • Do all bank branches have the same SWIFT/BIC code?

    Typically, most banks have the same SWIFT/BIC code across all branches. However, this isn't always the case, and some banks have different SWIFT/BIC codes by individual branch. It's for this reason that it's always a good idea to double-check your SWIFT/BIC code in advance of a money transfer.

  • What does XXX stand for in a SWIFT/BIC code?

    The last three digits of a SWIFT/BIC code represent a specific bank branch. However, when these digits are XXX, this represents that the branch in question is the bank's head office. The last three digits are optional. If omitted, it is assumed to refer to the head office of the bank.

  • Do US bank SWIFT/BIC codes differ by branch?

    Yes, many US bank SWIFT/BIC codes differ by branch (and also service type). We therefore recommend double-checking to make sure your transfer is going to the right place.

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Why Trust Monito?

You’re probably all too familiar with the often outrageous cost of sending money abroad. After facing this frustration themselves back in 2013, co-founders François, Laurent, and Pascal launched a real-time comparison engine to compare the best money transfer services across the globe. Today, Monito’s award-winning comparisons, reviews, and guides are trusted by around 8 million people each year and our recommendations are backed by millions of pricing data points and dozens of expert tests — all allowing you to make the savviest decisions with confidence.

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US Bank SWIFT Codes Explained (2024)

FAQs

What is the format of SWIFT code for US bank? ›

For international wires, they need to use a Swift Code instead of the routing number. U.S. Bank's Swift Code is USBKUS44IMT.

How do I read SWIFT details? ›

How is a SWIFT/BIC code formatted?
  1. 1 – Bank code (4 letters) The first four letters represent the bank and usually look like an abbreviated version of the bank name.
  2. 2 – Country code (2 letters) ...
  3. 3 – Location code (2 letters or numbers) ...
  4. 4 – Branch code (3 digits)

What do the digits of the SWIFT code mean? ›

A SWIFT/BIC is an 8-11 character code that identifies your country, city, bank, and branch. Bank code A-Z4 letters representing the bank. It usually looks like a shortened version of that bank's name. Country code A-Z2 letters representing the country the bank is in.

What is the breakdown of a SWIFT code? ›

The SWIFT code is an 8-11 alphanumeric character code structured in a standard format from left to right as: Bank code (four letters abbreviating bank's name) Country code (two letters representing the country) Location code (two letters or numbers for bank's head office)

What are the last three digits of a SWIFT code? ›

first 4 digits will define a code of the bank or financial institution, 2 digits to define a country, other 2 for the place of residence or location code, and the last 3 (in case of 11-digit SWIFT) will indicate a branch code.

Do all US banks have swift codes? ›

Whilst most banks have a BIC / SWIFT code assigned to them, there are some financial institutions that do not use them. A number of smaller banks and credit unions in the United States do not connect to the SWIFT network, which means that they do not use international routing codes.

How to decode a swift message? ›

To decode the codes and values, you can use the SWIFT User Handbook, which provides the definitions, formats, and examples of each code and value for each message type and category. Alternatively, you can use online tools or software that can translate SWIFT messages into plain text or other formats.

What do the first 4 digits of the SWIFT code refer to? ›

Each bank has a unique SWIFT code indicating its name, location and branch. The first 4 characters of the SWIFT Code are the bank code, the next 2 are the country code, the following 2 are the city code, and the last 3 are optional codes indicating the bank branch.

What is the difference between 8 digit and 11 digit SWIFT code? ›

All BIC and SWIFT codes consist of 8 to 11 characters long and follow the same format. There are a couple of things worth noting; 11 digit codes refer to specific branches of that company whereas 8 digit codes (or those ending in XXX) refer to the head office of the company.

Is A SWIFT code 8 or 11 digits? ›

A SWIFT/BIC is an 8-11 character code that identifies your country, city, bank, and branch. Bank code A-Z4 letters representing the bank. It usually looks like a shortened version of that bank's name. Country code A-Z2 letters representing the country the bank is in.

Is the Bank of America SWIFT code the same for all branches? ›

Each Bank Of America branch has a unique SWIFT code. You can check the correct SWIFT codes for your Bank Of America branch here. However, if you're not sure, or can't find the branch code, you can use the 8 character head office SWIFT code, and your payment will still make its way to your account.

Are SWIFT codes different for each branch? ›

Is a SWIFT code the same for all branches? This varies by bank. Some banks use the same SWIFT code for all their branches while other banks designate a unique SWIFT code for each branch. If you are unsure of which code to use, you can typically use the bank's head office SWIFT code to send money.

Is SWIFT code 9 digit? ›

Please note the SWIFT code is an 8 or 11 digit alphanumeric code and differs from branch to branch of every bank. Please note that it is not the same as IFSC code.

Where is bank SWIFT code written? ›

The SWIFT code can be found on a bank's website, on your bank statement, or through an online search. Make sure you copy down the correct characters when recording a SWIFT code, and check that it has 8 or 11 characters. The first 4 characters stand for the bank to which money is being transferred.

Is the SWIFT code the same as the routing number? ›

Swift codes are used for international transactions. This involves transfers across different countries and continents. Routing numbers, on the other hand, are specific to the United States and are meant to facilitate domestic transactions within the country.

Are BIC and SWIFT the same? ›

Yep, a SWIFT code and BIC code are the same thing and provide the same service. The acronym SWIFT stands for “Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication”, which is the messaging for the global system. The abbreviation BIC stands for “Bank Identifier Code”, which is the code the service provides.

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