Where the records come from
Our directory uses the ListBase.org SWIFT/BIC dataset, published under the MIT licence. The imported release is v2026.08, dated . We imported it on .
After removing exact duplicates, this version contains 112,886 distinct codes across 232 countries and territories. Institution and branch details come from this published dataset.
What the checker does
- Removes spaces and converts lowercase Latin letters to uppercase.
- Checks for exactly 8 or 11 characters, the expected character groups, and a recognised country segment.
- Looks for the full code in the imported directory. For a primary-office code ending in XXX, it can display the corresponding eight-character record, and vice versa.
- Shows the institution, city, country, and branch description present in that record.
The structure follows the BIC standard described by SWIFT: four alphanumeric characters, a two-letter country code, two alphanumeric characters, and an optional three-character branch suffix. There is no checksum in a BIC. Format validation and the directory lookup are separate steps.
Directory coverage
The directory provides institution and branch records from the release above. BICs identify financial and non-financial institutions. Each result shows the code and the fields supplied in its source record.
Fields in each record
Records include the SWIFT/BIC, institution name, country, city and branch description where supplied. Institution names and branch descriptions retain the source’s wording.
Ostro payment options
For product availability, visit Ostro’s country eligibility guide. Your workspace shows the receiving details and payout options available to your account.
Suggest a correction
To flag an incorrect directory entry, contact Ostro with the BIC, the field that needs correcting, and a public bank source if available. Include public reference information only. Source updates and corrections are reviewed before publication.