BIC / SWIFT code validator
Paste in a BIC or SWIFT code and see whether its structure holds up, what each part means, and whether it points at a head office or a branch. Nothing is sent anywhere, the whole check runs in your browser.
This checks the code's structure and country. It doesn't look the code up in a bank directory, so it can't confirm the code is registered, still active, or belongs to the bank you're paying. For that, use the official BIC search or ask the recipient's bank.
A structure check, not a bank lookup
Four parts, one code
A BIC is a fixed layout: a 4-character institution code, a 2-letter country code, a 2-character location code, and an optional 3-character branch code. We split what you paste into those parts and check each one.
The country has to be real
Characters 5 and 6 must be a valid country code. That catches a lot of typos, and it's the part of a BIC you can check properly without a bank directory.
8 or 11, same destination
An 8-character BIC points at the institution's primary office. An 11-character one adds a branch code, and XXX means the primary office again. So ABCDGB2L and ABCDGB2LXXX go to the same place.
What this can't do: tell you the code is registered, still in use, or belongs to the bank on the invoice. That takes a real directory check or a call to the bank. This is a first pass to catch typos and copy-paste mistakes before they turn into a returned payment. Paying by IBAN as well? The IBAN validator checks the account number the same way.
BIC, SWIFT and IBAN
Is a BIC the same as a SWIFT code?
Yes. BIC stands for business identifier code, and it's defined in the ISO 9362 standard. Swift is the messaging network, and also the registration authority for the standard, which is why most people say SWIFT code.
Is a BIC the same as an IBAN?
No. An IBAN identifies one bank account. A BIC identifies the bank or institution that holds it. For euro payments inside the EU and EEA the IBAN alone is normally enough, but payments to and from many other countries still ask for a BIC.
Where do I find a supplier's BIC?
On the supplier's invoice, their bank statement, or their bank's website. If a BIC on a new invoice doesn't match the one you already hold for that supplier, ask them to confirm it through a channel you trust before you pay.
Does a valid format mean it will work?
No. Plenty of well-formed codes don't belong to anyone. A valid format means the code could be a BIC, not that it is one. Confirm important ones in the official directory.