The BIC/SWIFT Code Checker validates the format of Bank Identifier Codes and decodes each part.
BIC Structure: 4-letter bank code + 2-letter country code (ISO 3166) + 2-character location code + 3-character branch code (optional)
8-character BIC: Represents the bank's head office, e.g. DEUTDEFF
11-character BIC: Represents a specific branch, e.g. DEUTDEFF500
Note: A valid format does not guarantee the code exists. Confirm with your bank.
BIC (Bank Identifier Code) and SWIFT code are different names for the same thing. SWIFT is the organization name, BIC is the standard code name. They are completely equivalent.
Branch code XXX indicates the bank's primary office (headquarters), equivalent to an 8-character BIC code.
Format validation only checks if the code follows ISO 9362 standards, not whether it's registered in the SWIFT network. Check with your bank or the SWIFT official directory.
Yes, international SWIFT transfers typically require the recipient bank's BIC/SWIFT code to ensure funds reach the correct bank.