What is a BIC/SWIFT code?

A BIC (Bank Identifier Code), also known as a SWIFT code, is a unique identification code used to identify banks and financial institutions globally. It consists of 8 or 11 alphanumeric characters that specify the bank, country, location, and optionally the branch. BIC codes are essential for international wire transfers and interbank communication, ensuring money reaches the correct financial institution anywhere in the world through the SWIFT network.

Tool description

A reliable BIC/SWIFT code validator that instantly verifies if bank identification codes are properly formatted. This tool validates BIC codes against international banking standards, breaking down the code structure to show the bank code, country code, location code, and branch code components. Whether you're processing international payments, validating banking information, or developing financial applications, this validator provides immediate feedback with detailed code analysis.

Features

  • Instant Validation: Real-time BIC/SWIFT code format checking as you type
  • Detailed Breakdown: Shows all code components (bank, country, location, branch)
  • Standard Compliance: Validates against ISO 9362 BIC specifications
  • Visual Feedback: Clear indicators for valid and invalid codes
  • Case Insensitive: Accepts both uppercase and lowercase input
  • 8 or 11 Character Support: Validates both short (8) and long (11) BIC formats
  • User-friendly Interface: Simple input field with immediate results

Use Cases

  • International Payments: Verify BIC codes before initiating wire transfers
  • Form Validation: Check bank identification codes in payment and registration forms
  • Financial Data Processing: Validate BIC codes in banking applications and systems
  • API Testing: Verify BIC parameters in financial API requests and responses
  • Database Management: Clean up and validate bank code records
  • Payment Gateway Integration: Ensure correct BIC format in payment processing
  • Compliance Checking: Verify bank codes meet international standards
  • Development Testing: Test BIC validation logic in financial applications

BIC Code Structure

A valid BIC code consists of:

  • Bank Code (4 letters): Identifies the financial institution
  • Country Code (2 letters): ISO 3166-1 alpha-2 country code
  • Location Code (2 letters/digits): Identifies the bank's location or region
  • Branch Code (3 letters/digits, optional): Identifies a specific branch (XXX for primary office)