What Chase's SWIFT and BIC codes are and when you need them

Chase uses a SWIFT code and a BIC code to receive wire transfers from outside the United States. These codes are the same thing — SWIFT stands for Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication, and BIC stands for Bank Identifier Code. Banks use them to route money across international payment networks.

If someone outside the US is sending you money to a Chase account, they will need Chase's SWIFT/BIC code along with your account number and routing number. The code tells the sending bank which Chase location to send the money to. For most Chase customers, the code is CHASUS33, though some older accounts or specific Chase divisions may use different codes.

You do not need a SWIFT/BIC code to send money out of Chase — only to receive international wire transfers into a Chase account. Domestic US wire transfers use routing numbers instead.

Key Takeaways

  • Chase's standard SWIFT/BIC code for incoming international wires is CHASUS33, which works for most personal and business checking and savings accounts.
  • The sender needs your SWIFT/BIC code, your account number, and your full name to route the wire correctly to your Chase account.
  • Some Chase accounts opened before 2010 or held at certain Chase divisions may have different SWIFT codes; you can confirm yours by calling Chase or checking your account documents.
  • International wires typically take one to three business days to arrive and may include a fee charged by Chase or the sending bank.

How to find your Chase SWIFT/BIC code

The easiest way is to call Chase directly at the number on the back of your debit card or on your monthly statement. Tell them you need the SWIFT/BIC code for your account to receive an international wire transfer. They will confirm whether it is CHASUS33 or a different code specific to your account type or branch.

You can also log into Chase online banking and look for wire transfer instructions or international payment details in the settings or help section. Some Chase branches will print this information on a letter if you ask in person, which you can then send to the person wiring you money.

Do not assume all Chase accounts use the same code. While CHASUS33 covers the vast majority of Chase customers, some business accounts, older accounts, or accounts tied to specific Chase subsidiaries may use CHASUS33XXX or other variations. Confirming with Chase takes five minutes and prevents the wire from being delayed or sent to the wrong place.

What information the sender needs from you

The person or business sending you an international wire will ask for several pieces of information. You need to provide your full name exactly as it appears on your Chase account, your complete Chase account number, and the SWIFT/BIC code you confirmed with Chase.

They may also ask for your address, your bank's address, or an IBAN (International Bank Account Number). Chase accounts do not have IBANs — that is a European and international standard that US banks do not use. If they ask for an IBAN, tell them you have a US bank account and provide the SWIFT code, account number, and routing number instead.

Some senders use a form or template that asks for a "bank code" or "sort code." For Chase, the bank code is your routing number (usually 021000021 for most Chase locations, though this varies slightly by branch). The SWIFT code is separate and is what they need for international routing.

How long international wires take and what they cost

An international wire sent to your Chase account typically arrives within one to three business days, depending on the sending country, the sending bank, and whether any intermediate banks are involved. Wires sent on a Friday or weekend may not process until Monday.

Chase may charge you a fee to receive an international wire transfer — this is usually between $15 and $25, though the exact amount depends on your account type and the wire amount. The sending bank may also charge a fee on their end. Ask the sender to confirm what fees they will pay and what you will pay before they send the money.

The amount you receive may be less than the amount sent if multiple banks take fees along the way. Some senders can choose to have you receive the full amount by paying all fees themselves, or they can split the fees with you. This is negotiated between the sender and their bank before the wire is sent.

Differences between SWIFT codes and routing numbers

A routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies a specific Chase branch or processing center within the US. It is used for domestic wire transfers, ACH transfers, and checks. A SWIFT code is an 8 or 11-character code that identifies a bank internationally and is used only for cross-border wire transfers.

If someone in the US is sending you money via wire, they need your routing number and account number. If someone outside the US is sending you money, they need your SWIFT code, account number, and often your full name and address. You may need both codes depending on where the money is coming from.

Chase's routing number varies by location and account type, so confirm it the same way you confirm your SWIFT code — by calling Chase or checking your account documents. Do not guess or use a routing number you find online, as it may not match your specific account.

What happens if the wrong code is used

If the sender uses an incorrect SWIFT code, the wire may be delayed, sent to the wrong bank, or rejected entirely. If it is rejected, the sending bank will usually return it to the sender within a few business days, though the sender may lose their bank's wire fee in the process.

If the wire is sent to the wrong bank but has your account number and name, that bank may be able to forward it to Chase. This adds several days to the process. If the wire cannot be traced, the sender will have to contact their bank to file a claim and request a reversal or re-send.

This is why confirming the code with Chase before the sender initiates the wire is important. Once a wire is sent, it is difficult and time-consuming to correct.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is CHASUS33 the code for all Chase accounts?

CHASUS33 works for most Chase personal and business accounts opened in the last 15 years. Some older accounts, accounts at specific Chase divisions, or accounts opened at certain branches may use a different code. Call Chase to confirm your specific code rather than assuming.

Can I use my routing number instead of my SWIFT code for an international wire?

No. International wires require a SWIFT code. A routing number is for US domestic transfers only. If the sender tries to use a routing number for an international wire, the wire will likely be rejected or delayed.

Do I need to do anything to receive an international wire?

No. Once you provide the sender with your SWIFT code, account number, and name, the wire will arrive automatically. You do not need to notify Chase in advance or take any action. The money will appear in your account once it clears, usually within one to three business days.

What if the sender says they need my IBAN?

US bank accounts do not have IBANs. Tell the sender you have a US account and provide your SWIFT code, account number, and routing number instead. If their bank's system requires an IBAN field, they may need to contact their bank to process the wire differently or use an alternative payment method.

Will Chase charge me a fee to receive the wire?

Chase typically charges $15 to $25 to receive an international wire, though this varies by account type. The sending bank may also charge a fee. Ask the sender to confirm the total cost before they send the money so there are no surprises.