SWIFT codes: Germany

What a SWIFT/BIC code is

The BIC (Business Identifier Code), commonly called SWIFT code, identifies a bank or institution in international payments. It has 8 or 11 characters: 4 letters for the institution, 2 for the country, 2 for the location, and an optional 3 for the branch. XXX, or no branch code at all, means the head office.

For a transfer in euros within SEPA the IBAN is enough. For a transfer outside the area, or in another currency, the sending bank needs the beneficiary's IBAN or account number plus the BIC of the receiving bank. A wrong BIC delays the transfer or sends it back, with fees charged.