SWIFT Code Finder: Complete Guide to Bank SWIFT Codes in India | IFSC Code
SWIFT Code Finder: Complete Guide to International Banking Codes
When sending money internationally, you'll surely encounter the term "SWIFT code." These codes are crucial for ensuring your money reaches the correct destination. This comprehensive guide explains everything you need to know about SWIFT codes, how they differ from IFSC codes, and how to find the SWIFT codes for major Indian banks like SBI, HDFC, and Kotak.
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What is a SWIFT Code?
A SWIFT code (also known as BIC - Bank Identifier Code) is a standard format of Business Identifier Codes approved by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). These codes are crucial for enabling bank-to-bank money transfers, especially when conducting international wire transfers.
Key Points About SWIFT Codes
- SWIFT full from is Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication
- Used primarily for international money transfers
- Identifies banks and financial institutions globally
- Consists of 8 or 11 characters
- Different from domestic codes like IFSC (used in India)
- Essential for foreign currency transactions
Founded in 1973, the SWIFT network is based in Belgium and serves as a central hub for global financial communications. Today, it connects more than 11,000 financial institutions in over 200 countries and territories. To transfer money internationally or receive funds from another country, the sending bank needs the SWIFT code of the recipient's bank to guarantee the funds are directed to the correct financial institution.
SWIFT Code vs. IFSC Code: Understanding the Difference
The question "Is SWIFT code and IFSC code same?" is one that gets asked a lot. The answer is no - they serve different purposes in the banking system, though both are used for identifying banks in transactions.
Key Differences Between SWIFT and IFSC Codes:
| Feature | SWIFT Code | IFSC Code |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | International transfers | Domestic transfers within India |
| Format | 8 or 11 characters | 11 characters |
| Usage | Global | India only |
| Governing Body | SWIFT Organization | Reserve Bank of India (RBI) |
| Transfer Systems | International wire transfers | NEFT, RTGS, IMPS |
In simple terms, if you're transferring money within India, you'll use the IFSC code. The SWIFT code is necessary when sending or receiving money abroad. For Indian banks, both codes exist, but they're used for different types of transactions.
Important Note
When someone asks "Swift code kya hota hai?" (What is a SWIFT code?), explain that it's an international bank code used for foreign money transfers, while IFSC codes are used only for domestic transfers within India. You'll need both codes if you regularly handle both domestic and international transactions.
Understanding SWIFT Code Format
SWIFT codes follow a specific structure that provides information about the bank and its location. A standard SWIFT code consists of 8 or 11 characters, broken down as follows:
SWIFT Code Structure
- First 4 characters: Bank code (identifies the bank)
- Next 2 characters: Country code (based on the ISO standard)
- Next 2 characters: Location code (city or region)
- Last 3 characters (optional): Branch code (specific branch)
If the SWIFT code is 8 characters long, it refers to the bank's head office. An 11-character code specifies a particular branch.
Example: HDFC Bank SWIFT Code
- HDFC - Bank code (HDFC Bank)
- IN - Country code (India)
- BB - Location code (Mumbai)
- XXX - Branch code (not mentioned, refers to head office)
Understanding this format can help you verify if a SWIFT code is correct. For example, the SWIFT codes of all banks in India will include "IN" to indicate the country code. If you see a different country code, it might be incorrect or belong to an international branch of the bank.
SWIFT Codes for Major Indian Banks
If you're wondering "What is SWIFT code of SBI?" or looking for SWIFT codes of other major Indian banks, here's a quick reference guide to the most commonly used SWIFT codes in India:
State Bank of India SWIFT Code
This is the primary SWIFT code for State Bank of India's head office. For specific branches, additional characters may be added.
- SBININBBXXX - Head Office
- SBININBB104 - New Delhi Main Branch
- SBININBB157 - Mumbai Main Branch
HDFC Bank SWIFT Code
This is the primary SWIFT code of the head office of HDFC Bank. For specific branches, additional characters may be added.
- HDFCINBBXXX - Head Office
- HDFCINBBDEL - Delhi Branch
- HDFCINBBCHE - Chennai Branch
Kotak Mahindra Bank SWIFT Code
This is the primary SWIFT code of Kotak Mahindra Bank's head office. For specific branches, additional characters may be added.
- KKBKINBBXXX - Head Office
- KKBKINBBBLR - Bangalore Branch
Other Major Indian Banks
- ICICI Bank: ICICINBB
- Axis Bank: AXISINBB
- Punjab National Bank: PUNBINBB
- Bank of Baroda: BARBINBB
- Canara Bank: CNRBINBB
- Union Bank of India: UBININBB
Important Note About Bank SWIFT Codes
While the SWIFT codes provided above are generally correct for the head offices of these banks, specific branches may have different codes. Additionally, banks occasionally update their SWIFT codes. For the most up-to-date and precise information, we recommend the following:
- Checking the official website of the bank
- Contacting the bank's customer service
- Using our SWIFT Code Finder tool for verified and updated codes
How to Find SWIFT Codes
If you're wondering "What is a SWIFT code for a bank?" and how to find it, there are several reliable methods to locate the correct SWIFT code for any bank:
Official Sources
- Bank's official website (usually in the "International Banking" section)
- Bank statements or account documentation
- Directly contacting the bank's customer service
- Asking to a bank agent in a branch
- Online banking portal (may be listed in account details)
Online Tools
- Our SWIFT Code Finder website - complete database of Indian bank SWIFT codes
- The official SWIFT website (requires registration)
- Your bank's mobile banking app
- Central bank websites (like RBI for Indian banks)
Frequently Asked Questions About SWIFT Codes
Choose the Appropriate SWIFT Code for Your Foreign Transactions
For international money transactions to go smoothly, SWIFT codes are necessary. Using the wrong code can lead to delays or even failed transactions. Whether you're sending money to family abroad, receiving payments from international clients, or managing cross-border business transactions, having the correct SWIFT code is crucial.
Our comprehensive SWIFT Code Finder tool makes it easy to find accurate SWIFT codes for all major Indian banks, including State Bank of India, HDFC Bank, Kotak Mahindra Bank, and many more. Our database is regularly updated to ensure you always have access to the most current information.
Disclaimer
The information provided in this article about SWIFT codes is for general informational purposes only. Despite our best efforts to maintain the information current and accurate, we make no explicit or implied claims or warranties on the availability, suitability, accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the material provided here.
It is entirely at your own responsibility to rely on such information. The SWIFT codes mentioned in this article are based on current information, but we recommend verifying them from official sources before initiating any financial transactions.
This website is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or officially connected with SWIFT or any of the banks mentioned. You can access the official SWIFT website at www.swift.com.