What is a SWIFT Code?

A SWIFT Code is a standard format of Bank Identifier Code (BIC) used to specify a particular bank or branch. These codes are used when transferring money between banks, particularly for international wire transfers. Banks also use these codes for exchanging messages between them.
SWIFT codes comprise of 8 or 11 characters. All 11 digit codes refer to specific branches, while 8 digit codes (or those ending in ‘XXX’) refer to the head or primary office. SWIFT codes are formatted as follows:
 AAAA BB CC DDD 

• First 4 characters – bank code (only letters)
• Next 2 characters – ISO 3166-1 alpha-2 country code (only letters)
• Next 2 characters – location code, passive participant will have “1” in the second character (letters and digits)
• Last 3 characters – branch code, optional – ‘XXX’ for primary office (letters and digits)