The easiest way to find out the SWIFT code of your bank is to look at your bank statement. In most cases there will be the BIC, this is same thing as the SWIFT code.
Alternative ways to find out the SWIFT code are: to contact relevant bank or look for it on their website.
The BIC is a standard identifier for banks. It is issued by SWIFT* and should be used on all international payments. A BIC is either 8 or 11 digits long.
You would use BIC when you are or someone else (e.g. your relative, customer etc.) instructing a foreign bank to make payments to your account.
An IBAN code is always used in conjunction with a Bank Identifier Code (BIC).
IBAN is a standardised way of identifying a bank account – it stands for International Bank Account Number. Using an IBAN cuts down errors and delays.
An IBAN is also a legal requirement when you make or receive payments across country borders in the European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland.
*SWIFT
SWIFT is the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication, a member-owned cooperative through which the financial world conducts its business operations with speed, certainty and confidence. More than 9,000 banking organisations, securities institutions and corporate customers in 209 countries trust us every day to exchange millions of standardised financial messages.
SWIFT enables its customers to automate and standardise financial transactions, thereby lowering costs, reducing operational risk and eliminating inefficiencies from their operations. By using SWIFT customers can also create new business opportunities and revenue streams.
SWIFT is solely a carrier of messages. It does not hold funds nor does it manage accounts on behalf of customers, nor does it store financial information on an on-going basis. As a data carrier, SWIFT transports messages between two financial institutions. This activity involves the secure exchange of proprietary data while ensuring its confidentiality and integrity.
Please visit www.swift.com for more information.
