Why should you use a SWIFT Finder?
By using this page, you can find the latest available SWIFT/BIC code for any bank in India, see the format used for all the bank codes in the country, check whether your transfer also needs an IBAN, identify the right correspondent bank to avoid lifting charges, and follow a step-by-step guide for both sending and receiving payments between India and India.
Key Takeaways
- 01Finding the right SWIFT code in India helps you route international transfers to the correct bank in India, avoiding rejected wires and additional intermediary bank charges.
- 02Each SWIFT/BIC code for banks in India includes a country-specific code used in international payment routing.
- 03For outward remittances sent from India, banks may additionally require details such as the sender’s PAN, purpose code under RBI guidelines, and local banking information depending on the transaction type.
What is a SWIFT Code?
SWIFT (Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication) code is a unique identifier used by banks for international money transfers. It allows banks to communicate securely with each other and ensures that funds are routed to the correct bank and branch.
Benefits
- 01Global Recognition: Recognized by banks and financial institutions worldwide for verifed transfers.
- 02Security: Ensures funds are routed to the correct bank and branch, minimizing transfer errors and risks.
- 03Speed: Enables quicker and reliable processing of international payments across global banking networks.
- 04Standardization: Provides a uniform format that simplifies and streamlines global payment communication.
Use-cases
- 01Used by individuals and businesses to receive overseas payments accurately and without delays.
- 02Helps organizations send payments to international partners or suppliers securely and on time.
- 03Enables users to validate a bank’s SWIFT code before initiating cross-border transfers.
- 04Used by platforms and companies to manage large-scale or recurring international payments efficiently.
How is a SWIFT Code structured
SWIFT codes follow a standardized format of 8 or 11 characters that identify banks worldwide. Here's how they break down:
- 01Bank Code: 4 letters representing the bank, often resembling an abbreviation of the bank’s name.
- 02Country Code: 2 letters representing the country (ISO standard code).
- 03Location Code: 2 letters or digits identifying the bank’s city or location.
- 04Branch Code: 3 letters or digits (optional) identifying a specific branch. XXX denotes the bank’s primary office.
What common mistakes should you avoid when using SWIFT codes in India?
Common mistakes when sending funds to India include:
- 01Wrong branch suffix: Using an 8-character BIC when the receiving bank requires an 11-character branch-level code can cause misrouting or rejection. Always confirm the full BIC with your correspondent before sending.
- 02Unverified BIC status: Sending to a passive or disconnected BIC results in immediate rejection. Verify whether your bank's BIC is live on the SWIFT network before initiating the transfer.
- 03Beneficiary name mismatch: The recipient name in F59 must match exactly what is registered with your bank. Abbreviations, punctuation differences, or trading names instead of legal names trigger compliance holds of 1 to 5 business days.
- 04Wrong currency causing double FX: Sending in the wrong currency can trigger two conversion events, once at your bank and once at the recipients bank, which will significantly erode the transferred amount. Confirm the account's operating currency before sending.
- 05Wrong correspondent bank: Using an outdated or incorrect correspondent for the destination currency adds delays and intermediary fees. Always confirm the current correspondent chain with your sending bank.
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Frequently asked questions
A SWIFT code is a unique identifier code that helps the transacting banks recognize each other during international money transfers. It’s usually 8 or 11 characters long and includes details such as the bank’s name, country, and branch.
You can find your bank’s SWIFT code using Xflow’s SWIFT Finder tool. Just enter your bank name and country to get the correct code instantly. You can also check your bank statement or online banking page for confirmation before sending an international transfer.
No, SWIFT and IFSC codes are not the same. SWIFT codes are used for international transactions, while IFSC codes are used for domestic transfers within India through methods such as NEFT, RTGS, or IMPS. Both the codes help in identifying banks, but they work in different payment systems.
Yes, SWIFT code and BIC (Bank Identifier Code) are the same. “SWIFT” is the network that assigns these codes, and “BIC” is the official term used in the ISO standard.
No, all banks do not have SWIFT codes. Only banks and branches that handle international payments are assigned one. Smaller banks or local branches may be using the SWIFT code of a correspondent or partner bank for cross-border transactions.
When an international transfer is made, the SWIFT code helps route the payment to the correct bank. It ensures that the funds reach the intended institution securely and accurately.
Data Source
SWIFT/BIC data cross-checked against publicly available banking references and institution-published details.
Last Reviewed: 20/05/2026