A Chase BIC code is an 8 or 11-character identifier that tells the sending bank which Chase branch or processing center should receive your wire transfer

When you send money internationally from Chase, the receiving bank needs to know not just that the money is going to Chase, but which Chase location handles the account. The BIC code (also called a SWIFT code) is that routing number. For most Chase wire transfers, you will use CHASUS33 — the code for Chase's main U.S. processing center in New York. Some older or specialized accounts may route through a different Chase BIC, but CHASUS33 works for the vast majority of domestic and international wires.

The BIC code is different from your account number or your bank's routing number. Your routing number tells the system which bank to use; your BIC tells it which part of that bank. If you are sending money out of Chase, you typically do not need to provide your own BIC — the receiving bank asks for it. If you are receiving money into Chase, you give the sender your BIC so their bank knows where to send it.

Key Takeaways

  • Chase's standard BIC code for U.S. wire transfers is CHASUS33, which routes to Chase's main processing center in New York.
  • BIC codes are 8 or 11 characters long and are required by international banks to route wire transfers correctly.
  • You need your BIC code when receiving a wire transfer into Chase, not when sending one out.
  • Chase customer service can confirm your specific BIC code if your account uses a non-standard routing, though this is rare.

When you need to provide your Chase BIC code

You provide your BIC code to someone sending you money internationally. If a relative abroad, a business partner, or a payment processor needs to wire funds into your Chase account, they will ask for your BIC along with your account number and your bank's name. Give them CHASUS33 unless Chase has told you otherwise.

Domestic wire transfers within the United States do not use BIC codes — they use routing numbers instead. So if someone in the U.S. is sending you money via wire, they will ask for your Chase routing number (which varies by state and branch) and your account number, but not your BIC. The BIC code is only for international wires or for transfers between banks in countries that use the SWIFT system.

How to find your Chase BIC code

For almost all Chase accounts, the answer is CHASUS33. You can verify this by logging into Chase Online or the Chase Mobile App, going to your account details, and looking for wire transfer information — many accounts display the BIC code there. If you do not see it listed, you can call Chase customer service at the number on the back of your debit card or in your account statements.

If you have a Chase business account, a Chase Private Client account, or an older account that was acquired through a merger, your BIC code might be different. Chase customer service will tell you the correct code for your specific account type. Write it down and keep it somewhere you can find it, because you may need to provide it to multiple people over time.

The difference between BIC, SWIFT, and routing numbers

These three terms are often confused because they all identify parts of the banking system, but they serve different purposes. Your routing number is a nine-digit code specific to your bank and branch location in the United States. It is used for domestic transfers like ACH payments and checks. Your BIC code (also called a SWIFT code) is an international standard that identifies your bank and sometimes your branch. It is used for international wire transfers and is recognized by banks worldwide.

SWIFT stands for the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication, the organization that manages the BIC system. So "SWIFT code" and "BIC code" mean the same thing — SWIFT is the network, and BIC is the code format. When someone asks for your SWIFT code, they are asking for your BIC. Your routing number is not the same as either one, and you cannot use a routing number for an international wire.

What happens if you provide the wrong BIC code

If you give someone an incorrect BIC code, the wire transfer will likely be rejected by the receiving bank before it leaves the sender's account. The sender's bank will see that the code does not match Chase's records and will bounce the transfer back with an error message. This can delay the money by several days, but the funds will return to the sender — they will not be lost.

If by chance an incorrect BIC code somehow routes the money to a different bank, that bank will eventually reject it and send it back. International wires have built-in safeguards to prevent money from going to the wrong institution. The worst-case scenario is a delay of one to two weeks while the transfer is rejected and returned, so it is worth double-checking the BIC code before the sender initiates the wire.

Receiving international wires into your Chase account

When someone abroad sends you money, they will need four pieces of information: your name, your account number, your bank's name (Chase Bank), and your BIC code (CHASUS33). Some senders may also ask for your bank's address — Chase's main wire processing center is located in New York, but you can straightforward tell the sender to use CHASUS33 and Chase will route the money correctly.

International wires typically take one to three business days to arrive, depending on the sender's bank and the time zone difference. The money will appear in your Chase account as a credit, and Chase will send you a notification. If the wire does not arrive within the expected timeframe, contact Chase with the sender's bank name, the amount, and the date it was sent — Chase can trace the wire and find out where it is in the system.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is CHASUS33 the BIC code for all Chase accounts?

Yes, for the vast majority of personal and business Chase accounts in the United States. Some specialized accounts acquired through mergers or Chase Private Client accounts may use a different code, but your account details or a call to Chase customer service will confirm which one applies to you.

Do I need a BIC code to send money out of Chase?

No. When you send a wire transfer from Chase, you provide the recipient's information to Chase, and Chase handles the routing. You only need your own BIC code when someone else is sending money to you.

Can I use my routing number instead of my BIC code?

Not for international wires. Routing numbers are U.S.-specific and are not recognized by foreign banks. International banks require a BIC code. For domestic U.S. wires, you use your routing number, not your BIC.

What if the sender says they need my SWIFT code?

That is the same thing as your BIC code. SWIFT is the organization that manages the BIC system, so the terms are used interchangeably. Give them CHASUS33, your account number, and your name.

How long does an international wire take if the BIC code is correct?

Most international wires arrive within one to three business days. The exact timing depends on the sender's bank, the receiving country, and whether any intermediate banks are involved. Chase will notify you when the money arrives in your account.