What's the difference between a SWIFT code and a BIC?

They're the same thing under two names — "BIC" (Business Identifier Code) is the formal ISO 9362 term, while "SWIFT code" is the common name from the SWIFT network that popularized it. Both refer to the same 8 or 11-character code used to identify a specific bank (and often a specific branch) for international wire transfers.

Why is my code 8 characters in one place and 11 in another?

An 8-character code identifies a bank's primary office. An 11-character code adds a 3-character branch code — "XXX" also means the primary office, while any other 3 characters point to a specific branch. Banks often quote the 8-character form and it's treated as equivalent to the 11-character form ending in XXX.

Does this confirm the code is real and active?

No — it only checks that the code is structurally well-formed (right length, valid letter/country/location pattern) and decodes what the structure implies. It doesn't query SWIFT's live registry, so a code can pass this check and still not correspond to an actual bank. Always confirm SWIFT/BIC codes directly with your bank before wiring money.

What does the second character of the location code mean?

A "0" in that position marks a test or passive BIC used in non-production environments rather than live transfers — it's a convention worth knowing if a code you were given unexpectedly flags as a test BIC.

SWIFT/BIC CHECKER

Validate a SWIFT/BIC code's structure and decode its bank code, country, location, and branch before you wire money.

Checked entirely on your device — this only verifies the SWIFT/BIC structure, not whether the code is actually issued or active.

SWIFT / BIC code

Valid SWIFT/BIC format

Bank code	DEUT
Country	Germany (DE)
Location code	FF
Branch code	500
Office	Branch office

How to check a SWIFT/BIC code

1
Type or paste the 8 or 11-character SWIFT/BIC code from your bank details or an invoice.
2
The checker validates its structure: 4-letter bank code, 2-letter country code, 2-character location code, and an optional 3-character branch code.
3
Read the decoded bank code, country, and whether it's a primary office or a specific branch.

Questions

What's the difference between a SWIFT code and a BIC?: They're the same thing under two names — "BIC" (Business Identifier Code) is the formal ISO 9362 term, while "SWIFT code" is the common name from the SWIFT network that popularized it. Both refer to the same 8 or 11-character code used to identify a specific bank (and often a specific branch) for international wire transfers.
Why is my code 8 characters in one place and 11 in another?: An 8-character code identifies a bank's primary office. An 11-character code adds a 3-character branch code — "XXX" also means the primary office, while any other 3 characters point to a specific branch. Banks often quote the 8-character form and it's treated as equivalent to the 11-character form ending in XXX.
Does this confirm the code is real and active?: No — it only checks that the code is structurally well-formed (right length, valid letter/country/location pattern) and decodes what the structure implies. It doesn't query SWIFT's live registry, so a code can pass this check and still not correspond to an actual bank. Always confirm SWIFT/BIC codes directly with your bank before wiring money.
What does the second character of the location code mean?: A "0" in that position marks a test or passive BIC used in non-production environments rather than live transfers — it's a convention worth knowing if a code you were given unexpectedly flags as a test BIC.