What is a SWIFT code?

A SWIFT code is an alphanumeric code to identify specific banks around the world. It is a type of Bank Identification Code (BIC), and the two terms are often used interchangeably. The SWIFT code, or a variation on it, is an important part of international money transfers. SWIFT codes are often used for international wire transfers and currency exchanges. Learn more about SWIFT codes in our glossary .

Where do I find my bank's SWIFT code?

Normally, the fastest and easiest way to find your bank's SWIFT code is to Google it. Banks themselves often don't make this information all too accessible, but the information is almost always readily available through a quick search online.

Do all bank branches have the same SWIFT/BIC code?

Typically, most banks have the same SWIFT/BIC code across all branches. However, this isn't always the case, and some banks have different SWIFT/BIC codes by individual branch. It's for this reason that it's always a good idea to double-check your SWIFT/BIC code in advance of a money transfer.

What does XXX stand for in a SWIFT/BIC code?

The last three digits of a SWIFT/BIC code represent a specific bank branch. However, when these digits are XXX, this represents that the branch in question is the bank's head office. The last three digits are optional. If omitted, it is assumed to refer to the head office of the bank.

Do Wells Fargo SWIFT/BIC codes differ by branch?

Yes, Wells Fargo SWIFT/BIC codes differ by branch (and also service type). We therefore recommend double-checking to make sure your transfer is going to the right place.

Wells Fargo SWIFT/BIC Codes

The SWIFT/BIC code for Wells Fargo is WFBIUS6SXXX. If you're sending money to the US from overseas, you will need to provide this number, plus your recipient's full name and bank account number.

Wells Fargo uses different SWIFT codes for different banking services. We recommend double-checking to make sure your transfer is going to the right place.

If you're looking for Wells Fargo's SWIFT/BIC code, you probably are either:

sending money to the US from abroad, or
receiving money to your Wells Fargo account from abroad.

If so, then you should beware of hidden bank fees and consider using a digital provider to save money instead. To see why we recommend most people avoid the bank for international money transfers, select the link below that applies to your situation:

Which Applies to You?

01. I'm overseas, sending money to the US
02. I'm in the US, receiving money from overseas
03. I'd like more information about Wells Fargo SWIFT/BIC codes

Key Takeaways

❌ Don't send money to Wells Fargo in the US with your bank

✅ Compare cheaper, faster, and savvier alternatives instead

Find out why

Sending Money to the US

If you're sending money internationally to a Wells Fargo account in the US through your local bank, the transaction will likely be much pricier than it ought to be. —

This is because fixed international bank transfer fees, bad exchange rates, and correspondent banking fees can stack up very quickly. At Monito, we analyzed the cost of sending money with around 50 major banks in eight countries around the world, and we can confidently say that we don't recommend using your bank to send money to the US.

Additionally, bank transfers via the SWIFT network tend to take quite long (between one and five business days on average), meaning they're not a good option if you want to make a speedy transfer.

Fortunately for you, much smarter alternatives exist. Using a digital money transfer provider, not only could you up to 95% in fees compared to the bank, but you'll also be able to send money more quickly to your beneficiary's account at Wells Fargo. Compare now on Monito's real-time comparison engine to find the cheapest way to send to any Wells Fargo account in the US:

Receiving Money From Abroad

Are you expecting a transfer from abroad and is the sender asking you to provide a Wells Fargo SWIFT/BIC code? Then you're likely going to receive less than you should because of the high international bank transfer fees and bad exchange rates that are usually applied by the senders' bank.

For example, a typical foreign bank will charge between 5% and 10% in total fees for sending a $1,000 equivalent to the US. With costs like this, you'd easily receive $50 to $100 less per $1,000 sent than you would've had transferred at the real, mid-market exchange rate.

Luckily, a much better alternative exists to save money when receiving money in the US from abroad. It's called the Wise Account and it's available for both individuals and businesses. Using a Wise Account (available in the US), you'll get local bank account details for 10 different currencies. What's more, you'll be able to send, hold, spend, and receive US dollars and other foreign currency at the mid-market exchange rate with low, transparent fees. This means you'll be able to use Wise to receive money like a local in the US (and other currencies), making it an excellent online account for this purpose.

Open your Wise account ❯

or see the full review