How to Verify a SWIFT/BIC Code in 2026
Sending an international wire transfer? A wrong SWIFT code can delay your payment by weeks. Follow these 5 steps to verify any SWIFT/BIC code before you send money abroad:
1. Check the Length
A valid SWIFT code is always 8 or 11 characters. An 8-character code identifies the bank's head office, while an 11-character code points to a specific branch. For example, EBILAEAD is the 8-character SWIFT code for Emirates NBD.
2. Verify the Country Code
Characters 5 and 6 of a SWIFT code represent the country. Make sure it matches where you're sending money. For instance, POALILIT is Bank Hapoalim in Israel (IL), while POALLUL2 is Hapoalim in Luxembourg (LU) — two very different destinations.
3. Confirm the Code Is Active
Banks occasionally change or deactivate SWIFT codes. Search the code in the Bank Pulse database to confirm it is currently connected to the SWIFT network.
4. Ask the Beneficiary to Confirm
Request that the recipient double-checks the SWIFT code with their bank. Some banks require additional details such as a correspondent bank for international transfers.
5. Review Before You Send
Cross-check the bank name, city, and country returned by the lookup against the details your beneficiary provided. A single mismatch could mean your funds go to the wrong institution.
What Happens If You Use the Wrong SWIFT Code?
If you enter an incorrect SWIFT code, the payment will be held or routed to the wrong bank. Your sending bank will need to recall the transfer, which typically takes 4–8 weeks and may incur additional fees. Always verify before you send.