what is bic number

A BIC number is a Bank Identifier Code used to identify a specific bank for international payments. It’s usually 8 or 11 characters long and is often called a SWIFT code as well.

What it’s for

• Helps banks route money correctly across countries.
• Used together with an IBAN in many international transfers.
• Reduces the chance of delays or failed payments.

Simple example

If you send money abroad, the BIC tells the banking network which bank should receive it, while the IBAN points to the exact account.

Format

A BIC typically includes:

• 4 letters for the bank.
• 2 letters for the country.
• 2 letters or numbers for the location.
• 3 optional characters for a branch.

If you want, I can also show you where to find the BIC on your bank statement or how it differs from an IBAN.