THE RIGHT PLACE TO START

A bank. A city.
Find the SWIFT code.

Look up the institution behind the payment details. Start with a country, then choose a bank and city.

Start with the country where the receiving institution is located.

Reference data: ListBase.org · Release · Sources & coverage

01

Choose the country.

Use the country of the receiving institution, which may be different from the recipient’s home country.

02

Find the institution.

Select its listed name and, if helpful, a city. Different branches or departments may have different codes.

03

Open the code details.

View the full SWIFT code, explore its structure and copy it in one click.

GOOD TO KNOW

SWIFT code questions,
answered.

What is a SWIFT code, and is it the same as a BIC?

BIC means Business Identifier Code. “SWIFT code” is a common name for the same identifier. A BIC identifies an institution, and sometimes a particular branch or department. It does not identify your individual account. BICs can also identify non-financial organisations.

Why are some codes 8 characters and others 11?

The first eight characters identify the institution and its country and location suffix. An optional three-character suffix identifies a branch or department. XXX is used for the primary office representation of an eight-character BIC. The branch suffix distinguishes offices or departments within the same institution.

What does the SWIFT checker check?

It checks the 8- or 11-character BIC structure and searches the directory for the institution, country, city and branch details.

How is a SWIFT code different from an IBAN?

A SWIFT/BIC identifies an institution or branch. An IBAN identifies an individual account using a country-specific international format.

How can I search without a complete code?

Use the finder to choose a country, then narrow the results by bank and city. Open a branch record to see and copy its full SWIFT/BIC.

Where can I find Ostro’s available payment options?

Your Ostro workspace shows the receiving details and payout options available to your account. Visit the Help Center for country eligibility and supported routes.

THE DETAILS, EXPLAINED

A little context goes a long way.