SWIFT / BIC Validator
Check SWIFT/BIC code structure, country, location and branch.
About this tool
Paste one or more SWIFT/BIC codes. Each is broken into bank code, country (with its name), location and branch, checked for structure and a real ISO country code, and flagged if it's a test or passive-participant BIC.
How a BIC is built
A BIC (Business Identifier Code, ISO 9362, usually called a SWIFT code) identifies banks and financial institutions in international payments. It's either 8 or 11 characters. There are 4 letters for the institution (DEUT = Deutsche Bank), a 2-letter ISO country code (DE), a 2-character location code (FF = Frankfurt) and an optional 3-character branch code (500). An 8-character BIC refers to the head office, the same as using XXX as the branch. A second location character of 0 marks a test and training BIC that never carries live payments, and 1 marks a passive participant without a direct SWIFT connection. The validator checks the pattern, confirms the country code exists using the browser's built-in country list, and decodes each part. Honest limits: unlike IBANs and routing numbers, BICs have no check digit, so a well-formed code can still be wrong, outdated or belong to a different bank. Always confirm the BIC with the recipient or their bank before sending money, and use SWIFT's official BIC directory or your bank for lookups. Not financial advice. The ABA routing validator and the check digit calculator (which validates IBANs) are related.
Frequently asked questions
How many characters is a SWIFT code?
8 or 11. Eight-character codes mean the head office, equivalent to branch XXX.
Is a SWIFT code the same as a BIC?
Yes. BIC is the formal name, and SWIFT code is the everyday one.
Does a SWIFT code have a check digit?
No, so always confirm it with the recipient's bank.
Is my data sent anywhere?
No. Everything is checked in your browser, and nothing is stored, looked up online or sent.