BIC / SWIFT Code Validator

Enter any BIC or SWIFT code to validate its format against ISO 9362 and look up the bank name, country, and branch details. Free, no registration required.

What Is a BIC Code?

A BIC (Bank Identifier Code), also called a SWIFT code, is an internationally standardised identifier for financial institutions. It is defined by ISO 9362 and used in cross-border payments, SEPA transfers, and SWIFT messages to identify the recipient bank.

Every BIC is either 8 characters (standard, identifies the head office) or 11 characters (includes an optional 3-character branch code). When you see XXX as the branch code, it refers to the primary office.

BIC Structure Explained

DEUT DE DB XXX
│    │  │  └── Branch code (3 chars, optional — XXX = primary office)
│    │  └───── Location code (2 alphanumeric)
│    └──────── Country code (2 letters, ISO 3166-1)
└───────────── Institution code (4 letters)

• Institution code (4 letters): Identifies the bank, e.g. DEUT for Deutsche Bank, BNPA for BNP Paribas
• Country code (2 letters): ISO 3166-1 alpha-2 country code, e.g. DE for Germany, FR for France
• Location code (2 alphanumeric): Identifies the city or region; if the second character is "1", the bank is a passive SWIFT participant
• Branch code (3 alphanumeric, optional): Identifies the branch; "XXX" always means the primary office

BIC vs SWIFT Code — Is There a Difference?

No. BIC and SWIFT code refer to the same thing. "SWIFT code" is the informal term used by customers and banks in everyday language. "BIC" is the formal ISO 9362 term used in regulatory and technical contexts. Both follow the same 8/11 character format.

When Do You Need a BIC?

• International wire transfers (SWIFT/IBAN payments)
• SEPA Credit Transfers to banks outside your home country
• Receiving payments from abroad
• Setting up payroll for employees in other countries

For most SEPA payments within the eurozone, the BIC is no longer mandatory — the IBAN alone is sufficient. However, non-SEPA international transfers and many fintech platforms still require a valid BIC.

Last updated: June 2026