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

A SWIFT code (also called a BIC code) is an eight- or eleven-character identifier that tells the global banking system which bank to send your money to. Chase's SWIFT code is CHASUS33 for domestic U.S. wire transfers. If you are sending money to someone outside the United States, you may need a different Chase SWIFT code depending on which country the recipient's bank is in — Chase maintains separate codes for its international branches and correspondent relationships.

The terms SWIFT and BIC are used interchangeably. SWIFT stands for Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication; BIC stands for Bank Identifier Code. They are the same thing. You will see both terms on Chase's website and in wire transfer instructions, so knowing they refer to the same code prevents confusion when you are gathering information to complete a transfer.

You need a SWIFT code when you are sending a wire transfer outside the United States or when a foreign bank is sending money to your Chase account. For transfers between two U.S. banks, you typically use a routing number instead, which is different from a SWIFT code. However, some international banks may ask for a SWIFT code even when sending to the U.S., so it is useful to have on hand.

Key Takeaways

  • Chase's primary SWIFT code for U.S. wire transfers is CHASUS33, an eight-character code that identifies Chase to the global banking network.
  • SWIFT and BIC are the same thing — both refer to the same bank identifier code used for international wire transfers.
  • You need a SWIFT code when sending money internationally or when receiving a wire from a foreign bank, but not for transfers between U.S. banks.
  • Chase maintains different SWIFT codes for different countries and purposes, so confirm which code applies to your specific transfer before sending.
  • Your Chase account number and routing number are separate from your SWIFT code and serve different purposes in the wire transfer process.

Where to find Chase's SWIFT code and what information goes with it

You can find Chase's SWIFT code on the bank's official website under the international wire transfer section, or by calling Chase customer service at 1-800-935-9935. The code CHASUS33 appears in Chase's wire transfer instructions and on documents related to international payments. Writing it down or taking a screenshot before you start the transfer process saves time and reduces the chance of entering it incorrectly.

When you provide a SWIFT code to send or receive a wire, you will also need to supply your Chase account number and the routing number for your specific Chase branch. The routing number for Chase varies by state and branch, so do not assume all Chase accounts use the same routing number. You can find your routing number on the bottom left of your checks, in your Chase online banking portal, or by calling Chase directly.

Some wire transfer forms ask for an "intermediary bank" SWIFT code as well. This applies when the receiving bank is not directly connected to the SWIFT network and the money must pass through another bank first. Chase can tell you whether an intermediary bank is needed for your specific transfer destination — this is not something you need to figure out on your own.

How SWIFT codes fit into the wire transfer process

When you initiate a wire transfer through Chase, the bank uses your SWIFT code (along with your account number and routing number) to route the money through the global banking network to the correct destination. The SWIFT code tells each bank in the chain where the money is coming from and where it needs to go. Without it, the transfer cannot be processed internationally.

The process typically works like this: you provide Chase with the recipient's bank name, SWIFT code, account number, and country. Chase then sends the transfer instruction through the SWIFT network, which routes it to the recipient's bank. The recipient's bank uses the SWIFT code to identify itself and confirm it is the correct destination. The entire process usually takes one to three business days for international transfers, though some routes are faster.

Chase charges a fee for outgoing international wire transfers, which varies depending on whether the transfer goes to a Chase account in another country or to a non-Chase bank. The fee is typically deducted from the amount you send, so the recipient receives less than the amount you initiated. Ask Chase about the exact fee before you send the transfer so there are no surprises.

SWIFT codes for different Chase locations and purposes

Chase's primary SWIFT code CHASUS33 works for most U.S.-based wire transfers. However, Chase also operates international branches and correspondent accounts in other countries, each with its own SWIFT code. If you are sending money to a Chase account in another country, that country's Chase branch may have a different SWIFT code. For example, Chase's London branch has a different code than Chase's New York headquarters.

If you are unsure which SWIFT code to use, the safest approach is to contact Chase directly or ask the recipient's bank which code they expect. Providing the wrong SWIFT code can delay your transfer or send the money to the wrong bank, which then has to be traced and redirected. This process can take weeks and may result in additional fees.

Some wire transfer platforms and money transfer services also maintain their own SWIFT codes separate from Chase's. If you are using a third-party service that partners with Chase, that service may provide you with a different SWIFT code to use. Always verify which code the service instructs you to use rather than assuming it is Chase's main code.

Common mistakes when using Chase's SWIFT code

The most frequent error is transposing digits or letters in the SWIFT code. CHASUS33 is straightforward to mistype as CHASUS3 (missing a digit) or CHASUS333 (adding an extra digit). Copy and paste the code directly from Chase's website or your confirmation email rather than typing it by hand. A single character wrong will cause the transfer to fail or go to the wrong destination.

Another common mistake is using a SWIFT code when a routing number is what you actually need. If both the sender and recipient have accounts at U.S. banks, you use routing numbers, not SWIFT codes. Using a SWIFT code for a domestic transfer may cause the bank to treat it as an international transfer, which takes longer and costs more. Confirm with Chase whether your specific transfer requires a SWIFT code or a routing number.

A third mistake is assuming all Chase accounts use the same SWIFT code. While CHASUS33 is the standard code for Chase in the United States, some older or specialized accounts may have different codes. If your transfer is rejected, contact Chase to confirm you are using the correct code for your account type and the recipient's bank location.

What happens if you use the wrong SWIFT code

If you provide an incorrect SWIFT code, the transfer may be rejected outright by the receiving bank, which will send the money back to Chase. This process typically takes five to ten business days. Chase will then return the funds to your account, though some banks charge a fee for the return. You will then need to resubmit the transfer with the correct SWIFT code.

In rare cases, an incorrect SWIFT code may route the money to a different bank entirely. If this happens, you will need to contact that bank and ask them to return the funds. This can take significantly longer and may involve multiple banks. To avoid this situation, always double-check the SWIFT code with the recipient or their bank before sending the transfer.

If a transfer goes missing or is sent to the wrong place, contact Chase's international wire transfer department when ready. Provide them with the confirmation number from your transfer, the amount sent, the date, and the SWIFT code you used. Chase can often trace the transfer and work with other banks to recover the funds, but the sooner you report the issue, the better the outcome.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Chase's SWIFT code the same for all types of accounts?

The standard SWIFT code CHASUS33 applies to most Chase checking and savings accounts in the United States. However, some business accounts, trust accounts, or accounts held at Chase's international branches may use different codes. Contact Chase directly if you are unsure which code applies to your account.

Can I use Chase's SWIFT code to receive money from outside the U.S.?

Yes. When someone outside the U.S. sends you money to your Chase account, they will need Chase's SWIFT code (CHASUS33), your account number, and your routing number. Provide all three pieces of information to may support the transfer reaches your account without delay.

What is the difference between a SWIFT code and a routing number?

A routing number identifies a specific Chase branch within the United States and is used for domestic transfers. A SWIFT code identifies Chase to the global banking network and is used for international transfers. Domestic transfers use routing numbers; international transfers use SWIFT codes.

How long does an international wire transfer using a SWIFT code take?

Most international wire transfers take one to three business days after Chase sends them. The exact time depends on the receiving bank's location, whether an intermediary bank is involved, and the time of day you submit the transfer. Transfers submitted after business hours may not process until the next business day.

Do I need to provide a SWIFT code if I am sending money to another Chase customer?

If both accounts are at Chase in the United States, you typically do not need a SWIFT code — you can use Chase's internal transfer system, which is faster and free. If one account is at a Chase branch outside the U.S., you will need the appropriate SWIFT code for that country's branch.