BIC tool
BIC/SWIFT Format Checker
Review an 8- or 11-character BIC/SWIFT code locally. The result covers visible length and segment structure only; it does not use a licensed directory or test Swift network connectivity. No upload, no login, no persistent storage.
How the BIC checker works
The checker removes spaces, uppercases letters, checks length, and parses the business party prefix, country code, location/business party suffix, and optional branch identifier.
BIC8 vs BIC11 at a glance
- BIC8 contains the business party prefix, country code, and location/business party suffix.
- BIC11 is a BIC8 plus an optional three-character branch identifier.
- A BIC8 or BIC11 format match does not confirm directory status, live Swift connectivity, or payment success.
BIC8 and BIC11 segment map
| Position | Segment | What to review |
|---|---|---|
| 1-4 | Business party prefix | Four letters or digits identifying the visible party prefix. |
| 5-6 | Country code | Two letters that should look like an ISO-style country code. |
| 7-8 | Location/business party suffix | Two letters or digits used in the visible BIC structure. |
| 9-11 | Optional branch identifier | Only present in BIC11; do not invent this segment. |
Examples and common mistakes
- DEUTDEFF is an 8-character format example.
- DEUTDEFF500 is an 11-character format example with a branch identifier.
- NWBKGB2LXXX shows the common XXX branch-style ending.
- Review similar-looking characters such as O and 0, or I and 1, before copying a code.
- Do not add random branch characters to make a BIC8 into a BIC11.
Is a SWIFT checker the same as a BIC format checker?
People often use SWIFT code checker, BIC checker, and BIC format checker for the same visible code field. BankCodeKit checks only the 8- or 11-character format and visible segments; it does not perform live directory or network validation.
BIC segments reviewed locally
- Whether the BIC is 8 or 11 characters long.
- Whether the value uses allowed letters and digits.
- Whether the business party prefix is 4 alphanumeric characters.
- Whether the country code is 2 alphabetic characters.
- Whether the location/business party suffix is 2 alphanumeric characters.
- Whether the optional branch identifier is 3 alphanumeric characters.
Directory and network questions outside this checker
- It does not confirm that a bank exists.
- It does not confirm BIC directory status or Swift network connectivity.
- It does not use a licensed BIC directory.
- It does not confirm sanctions status, fraud risk, payment readiness, or payment success.
FAQ
What is the difference between BIC8 and BIC11?
BIC8 contains the business party prefix, country code, and location/business party suffix. BIC11 also includes a three-character branch identifier.
Can a BIC8 be used without a branch code?
Sometimes a payment form accepts an 8-character BIC when no branch identifier is required. Requirements still depend on the bank, country, currency, and payment provider.
What does XXX mean at the end of a BIC11?
XXX is commonly used as a branch-style ending in BIC11 examples. It is still only a visible format segment here, not confirmation of a live directory record or payment route.
Does a BIC format match prove the bank is active?
No. This page checks format only. Directory status and Swift network connectivity are not checked.
Does a BIC country code prove the bank is in that country?
No. It only means the visible country-code segment is in the expected position and uses the expected letter pattern. This page does not check licensed directory data or a live bank record.
Is the value sent to a server?
No. The check runs locally in your browser with no login or persistent storage.
BIC/SWIFT checker sources
Public references for BIC8 and BIC11 visible-format checks are linked below; detailed standard scope, review methods, and licensing boundaries are documented on the Sources and Updates page.
Matching the cited format and reference data for BIC8 and BIC11 visible-format checks does not confirm account existence, ownership, bank reachability, or payment success. Read the detailed disclaimer.
Reference data reviewed: 2026-07-17 Next scheduled data review: 2026-10-17 Sources: Swift BIC / ISO 9362 information Reference data is reviewed periodically. BankCodeKit does not perform live bank, account, sanctions, or payment-network confirmation.