Are BIC and SWIFT the Same?
In practice the BIC and the SWIFT code are the same thing. This guide explains why two names are used and the technical distinction between them.
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Quick answer
They are the same thing in practice — BIC is the name of the standard, SWIFT is the name of the network.
"BIC" and "SWIFT code" refer to the same 8- or 11-character bank code. Whichever your bank asks for, you give the same code.
"They asked for a BIC, but I have a SWIFT code — is it the same?" This is a question people making international transfers ask often. The short answer: yes, in practice it is the same. In this guide we explain why two different names are used and the single technical distinction between them.
Two names, one code
BIC (Bank Identifier Code) is the official standard name of the code that identifies a bank (ISO 9362). SWIFT is the name of the global organisation and network that operates these codes and secure interbank messaging. Because the code is managed by the SWIFT network, it is also called the "SWIFT code" in everyday language. So "BIC" and "SWIFT code" are two different names for the same 8- or 11-character code. For the structure of the code, see What is a BIC; for the network side, see What is a SWIFT code.
The practical upshot
When a bank or a payment form asks for a "BIC" or a "SWIFT code", it means the same information; you enter the same code. To decode the structure of a code (institution, country, location, branch) and check its validity, you can use the BIC/SWIFT lookup tool. For how to find the code, see the How to find a BIC code page.
Summary
The BIC and the SWIFT code are the same thing in practice: BIC is the name of the standard, while SWIFT is the name of the network that manages the code. Whichever your bank asks for, you give the same 8- or 11-character code.
Frequently asked questions
Are the BIC and the SWIFT code the same?
In practice, yes. 'BIC' (Bank Identifier Code) is the name of the standard, while 'SWIFT code' is the name in everyday use. Both refer to the same 8- or 11-character bank code.
Why are there two different names?
BIC is the official name of the ISO 9362 standard. SWIFT is the name of the organisation/network that manages these codes and interbank messaging. That is why the same code is called both 'BIC' and 'SWIFT code'.
My bank asked for a BIC, can I give the SWIFT code?
Yes. Your bank asking for a 'BIC' or a 'SWIFT code' is the same thing; you give the same code.
Sources
Confidence is graded from A (official document) to E (unverified).