Chase's Swift Code and What It Does
Chase Bank's Swift code is CHASUS33, a standardized identifier that tells international banks how to route money to your Chase account. When someone outside the United States sends you money, their bank uses this code to find Chase in the global banking system and deliver the funds to the right place. Every major bank has its own Swift code; Chase's never changes regardless of which branch you use or which state you're in.
The code itself breaks down into parts: CHASUS33 means Chase (CHAS), United States (US), and a specific routing identifier (33). International banks recognize this format when ready. Without it, a wire transfer from abroad would have nowhere to go — the sending bank would reject the transaction or send it to the wrong institution.
Swift codes are different from the routing numbers you use for domestic wire transfers within the U.S. A routing number is nine digits and works only within American banking infrastructure. A Swift code is eight or eleven characters and works across the international SWIFT network, which connects over 11,000 financial institutions in nearly 200 countries.
Key Takeaways
- Chase's Swift code is CHASUS33 for all Chase accounts in the United States, regardless of branch location.
- Swift codes are required for incoming international wire transfers but not for domestic transfers within the U.S.
- You may also need your account number and a SWIFT-compatible bank address when receiving money from abroad.
- The sending bank's system initiates the lookup using the Swift code; you do not need to do anything except provide it to the person sending the money.
- If a transfer arrives slowly or fails, the sending bank can use the Swift code to trace where the money went.
When You Need Chase's Swift Code
You need to provide CHASUS33 when someone outside the United States is sending you money by international wire transfer. This includes family members abroad, employers paying you from overseas offices, clients in other countries, or anyone else initiating a wire from a foreign bank.
The sending party's bank will ask for it during the wire setup process. They may call it the "Swift code," "BIC code," or "SWIFT-BIC" — these terms are interchangeable. Some banks also ask for the receiving bank's address; Chase's main address is 383 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10179, though providing the address is optional if you give the Swift code.
You do not need a Swift code for money coming in through other methods: ACH transfers from U.S. accounts, checks, credit card payments, or transfers between two Chase accounts all use different routing systems. You also do not need it if you are sending money out of Chase to someone abroad — that process uses different codes depending on where the money is going.
How the Swift Code Routes Your Money
When a foreign bank initiates a wire transfer to you, the sending bank's system looks up CHASUS33 in the SWIFT directory. This directory is maintained by the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication, a cooperative organization that runs the global payment network. The lookup tells the sending bank that CHASUS33 belongs to Chase in the United States.
The sending bank then transmits the wire message through the SWIFT network using a standardized format. The message includes the Swift code, your account number, the amount, and details about who is sending the money. Chase's system receives the message, matches it to your account, and deposits the funds — usually within one to three business days, though timing depends on the sending bank's processing speed and any intermediate banks involved.
If the wire cannot be matched to an account (for example, if your account number is wrong), Chase will hold the money and contact you. The Swift code itself does not determine whether the transfer succeeds; it only routes the message to the right bank. Your account number is what actually identifies your account once the money arrives at Chase.
Providing Your Swift Code Safely
Sharing CHASUS33 is safe — it is public information that Chase publishes on its website and in banking directories. The code alone cannot be used to withdraw money from your account or access your funds. Someone would also need your account number, and even then, they could only send money in, not take it out.
You can share the Swift code via email, text, phone call, or any other method. There is no security risk in doing so. However, when you provide your account number alongside the Swift code, verify that you are communicating with the actual person or organization sending the money. Scammers sometimes pose as legitimate senders to collect account information.
If you are unsure whether a request for your account number is legitimate, contact the sender directly using a phone number or email address you know is theirs — not one they provided in the message asking for the information.
Swift Code vs. Other Chase Identifiers
| Identifier | Format | Used For | Who Provides It |
|---|---|---|---|
| Swift Code | CHASUS33 (8 characters) | International wire transfers into Chase | You give it to the sender |
| Routing Number | 9 digits (e.g., 021000021) | Domestic wire transfers and ACH payments | You give it to the sender or your employer |
| Account Number | Varies by account (typically 10–12 digits) | All transfers, domestic and international | You give it to the sender |
| IBAN | Starts with country code (e.g., US + digits) | Some international transfers; not always required for U.S. banks | Chase may provide if sender requests |
Chase's routing number for domestic transfers is 021000021, but this does not work for international wires. The Swift code CHASUS33 is what international banks recognize. If someone sending you money from abroad asks for a routing number, provide the Swift code instead — their bank will know what to do with it.
An IBAN (International Bank Account Number) is sometimes requested for transfers to Europe or other regions, but U.S. banks do not use IBANs. If a foreign sender asks for one, let them know you have a U.S. account and provide the Swift code and account number instead.
What to Do If a Wire Transfer Is Delayed or Fails
International wires can take longer than domestic ones because the money may pass through one or more intermediate banks before reaching Chase. A transfer that takes three to five business days is normal. If it has been longer than a week, contact the sender and ask them to check the status with their bank using the Swift code CHASUS33 and the wire reference number (a tracking code the sending bank provided).
If the wire was rejected or returned, the most common reasons are a mismatched account number, an incorrect Swift code, or a closed account. Ask the sender to verify they used CHASUS33 and your correct account number. If both are right but the wire still failed, contact Chase directly — the bank can investigate using the wire reference number and may be able to locate the funds.
Some international transfers require additional information like a SWIFT-compatible address or a reference note explaining the purpose of the transfer. If the sender's bank requests this, provide it. Chase's address is 383 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10179.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chase's Swift code the same for all branches?
Yes. CHASUS33 is the same whether your account is at a Chase branch in New York, California, Texas, or anywhere else in the United States. The code identifies Chase as a bank, not a specific location. Your account number is what identifies your individual account.
Can I use the Swift code to send money out of Chase to someone abroad?
No. To send money internationally from Chase, you use Chase's outgoing wire system, which requires the recipient's bank's Swift code and their account details — not Chase's code. Contact Chase or log into your account to initiate an outgoing international wire.
What if the sender's bank does not recognize CHASUS33?
This is extremely rare. CHASUS33 is in the official SWIFT directory and recognized by all major international banks. If a sender's bank says it cannot find the code, ask them to try again or contact their bank's support line. The problem is almost never with Chase's code.
Do I need to do anything to receive an international wire once I provide the Swift code?
No. Once you give the sender CHASUS33 and your account number, the sending bank handles everything. The money will arrive in your Chase account automatically. You do not need to contact Chase or take any action on your end.
What is the difference between a Swift code and a BIC code?
They are the same thing. BIC stands for Bank Identifier Code, and Swift code is another name for it. CHASUS33 is both a Swift code and a BIC code — the terms are used interchangeably in international banking.