Routing Numbers for International Wires: SWIFT vs ABA
Sending money abroad? You'll need a SWIFT/BIC code, not just a US ABA routing number. Here's how the two systems work together.
When you send money internationally, the US ABA routing number system hands off to a completely different global standard: the SWIFT network and its BIC (Bank Identifier Code) codes. Understanding how these two systems interact — and what information you need for each — is essential for anyone who sends or receives international wire transfers.
What Is a SWIFT Code?
SWIFT stands for the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication — the global messaging network that banks use to communicate payment instructions across borders. A SWIFT code (also called a BIC, or Bank Identifier Code) is an 8 or 11 character alphanumeric identifier that uniquely identifies a bank anywhere in the world.
The format is: 4-letter bank code + 2-letter country code + 2-character location code + optional 3-character branch code. For example, CHASUS33 is JPMorgan Chase's primary SWIFT code: "CHAS" for Chase, "US" for United States, "33" for New York location.
What Is an ABA Routing Number?
ABA routing numbers are the US domestic equivalent of SWIFT codes — they identify specific financial institutions within the United States. The key difference is scope: ABA routing numbers only work within the US payment system (ACH and Fedwire), while SWIFT codes work globally. For a full explanation of ABA routing numbers, see our guides section or use our routing number lookup tool.
When Do You Need Each?
| Transfer type | ABA routing number | SWIFT/BIC code |
|---|---|---|
| Domestic US ACH | Required | Not used |
| Domestic US wire (Fedwire) | Required | Not used |
| International wire (inbound to US) | Usually required | Required |
| International wire (outbound from US) | Not used (destination side) | Required for receiving bank |
How International Wires Work Step by Step
When a bank in Germany wants to send money to your US checking account, the process typically looks like this:
- The German bank enters your US bank's SWIFT code into the SWIFT network to identify the receiving institution.
- The message travels through the SWIFT network (possibly through one or more correspondent banks).
- When the payment reaches the US banking system, the receiving bank uses your ABA routing number and account number to credit your account.
For inbound international wires, you'll typically provide the sender with your US bank's SWIFT code and your ABA routing number, plus your account number. Not all US banks participate directly in SWIFT — smaller banks and credit unions may process international wires through a correspondent bank, in which case you'd provide the correspondent's SWIFT code and your credit union's routing number for further credit.
IBAN: The European Account Number Standard
Many countries, particularly in Europe, have adopted IBAN (International Bank Account Number) as a standardized account number format. IBANs combine the country code, check digits, bank code, and account number into a single string. The US does not use IBAN — US accounts are identified by ABA routing number plus account number.
When sending a wire to a European account, you'll provide the recipient's IBAN. When receiving a wire from Europe to a US account, you'll provide your ABA routing number and account number (not an IBAN, since you don't have one).
Finding the Right Information for International Wires
Before initiating or receiving an international wire, confirm the following with your bank directly:
- Your bank's SWIFT/BIC code (may differ from the ABA routing number)
- Whether your bank uses a correspondent bank for international wires, and if so, the correspondent's SWIFT code
- The wire-specific ABA routing number (may differ from your ACH routing number)
- Any intermediary bank instructions required by the sending institution
You can verify your bank's ABA routing numbers using our lookup tool, and browse institutions by state or by bank name. Our guides section covers related topics including ACH vs wire and domestic wire transfer routing numbers.