SWIFT / BIC Checker – Validate Bank Identifier Codes
Check any SWIFT/BIC code against the ISO 9362 format. Free, no signup — the check runs entirely in your browser.
Last reviewed: · Source: ISO 9362
How a BIC is structured
A BIC packs four pieces of information into 8 or 11 characters. Take COBADEFFXXX — the BIC of Commerzbank in Frankfurt — as a worked example:
| Part | Example | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Institution code (4) | COBA | Four letters identifying the bank (Commerzbank). |
| Country code (2) | DE | ISO 3166-1 country code (Germany). |
| Location code (2) | FF | Two characters for the city/region (Frankfurt). |
| Branch code (3, optional) | XXX | Specific branch; XXX means the head office. |
Drop the last three characters and you get the 8-character form, COBADEFF, which also points to the head office. Both forms are valid.
What a valid format does not tell you
A structurally valid BIC has the right length and the right character classes in every position — but that alone does not prove the code is registered to a working bank. To be sure a payment arrives, confirm the BIC against your recipient’s bank details or your own bank’s records before you send.
Frequently asked questions
Is a BIC the same as a SWIFT code?
Yes. "BIC" (Business Identifier Code) is the official ISO 9362 term; "SWIFT code" is the everyday name. SWIFT operates the network that assigns and manages the codes, so the two words refer to the same identifier.
When do I need a BIC?
For SEPA euro transfers (EU/EEA, plus Switzerland, the UK and a few others) you usually do not need a BIC — the IBAN alone is enough. For international transfers outside the SEPA area, or payments in a foreign currency, the BIC is still required to route the payment to the right bank.
What is the difference between an 8-character and an 11-character BIC?
An 8-character BIC identifies the bank’s head office. An 11-character BIC adds a three-character branch code that points to a specific branch or business unit. A branch code of "XXX" also means the head office, so COBADEFF and COBADEFFXXX refer to the same institution.
Does a valid format mean the bank actually exists?
No. This checker confirms only that the code follows the ISO 9362 structure — the right length and the right character classes in each position. It cannot confirm that the BIC is actually registered to a bank. Always confirm the BIC with your recipient or your own bank before sending money.
How is a BIC structured?
A BIC has 4 + 2 + 2 + (optional) 3 characters: a four-letter institution code, a two-letter ISO 3166 country code, a two-character location code, and an optional three-character branch code. Total length is 8 or 11 characters.
Where do I find my BIC?
Your BIC is printed on your bank statement, in your online banking profile, and often next to your IBAN. For German accounts it can also be looked up from the bank code (BLZ) in the Bundesbank directory.