Chase's SWIFT and BIC codes are the same thing, and the code you use depends on which country you're sending money to

SWIFT and BIC are two names for the same identifier — a code that tells the international banking system which bank should receive your wire transfer. Chase uses different codes depending on whether you're sending money within the United States or internationally. For domestic U.S. wires, you don't need a SWIFT code at all; you use a routing number instead. For international wires, you'll need Chase's SWIFT code, which is CHASUS33 for most U.S. locations.

The code changes slightly if you're sending from a specific Chase branch or to certain countries. Some international banks ask for a longer version that includes a branch code. Knowing which code to use prevents your wire from being delayed or sent to the wrong account.

Key Takeaways

  • Chase's standard SWIFT/BIC code for international wires is CHASUS33, where CHAS is the bank code and US identifies the United States.
  • Domestic U.S. wire transfers use Chase's routing number (varies by account type and location), not a SWIFT code.
  • Some wire instructions ask for an 11-character code that includes a branch identifier; Chase's full code is CHASUS33XXX, where XXX represents the specific branch.
  • The receiving bank's instructions will tell you whether to provide a SWIFT code, routing number, or both.
  • Entering the wrong code can delay your wire by days or send it to an unintended account; always verify the code with Chase or the receiving bank before sending.

What SWIFT and BIC codes actually do

A SWIFT code is a standardized way for banks worldwide to identify each other during international transfers. The code itself breaks down into parts: the first four letters identify the bank (CHAS for Chase), the next two are the country code (US for United States), the following two identify the location or region, and the last three (if included) point to a specific branch.

BIC stands for Bank Identifier Code and is straightforward another name for the same thing. You'll see both terms used interchangeably on wire transfer forms, especially those used by international banks. The code ensures your money reaches Chase's system and then gets routed to your specific account based on the account number you provide.

Chase's SWIFT code for international wires

For most international wire transfers to a Chase account in the United States, use CHASUS33. This is the code you'll enter on a foreign bank's wire form when you're receiving money from abroad. The "33" portion identifies Chase's main processing center.

If the receiving bank's form has a field for an 11-character code (some international forms do), you can use CHASUS33XXX. The XXX at the end is a placeholder for branch codes, but Chase typically processes all international wires through the same main system, so XXX can remain as written or be replaced with 000. Check with the sending bank if they require a specific three-letter branch code.

If you're sending money from your Chase account to someone abroad, your Chase banker or the wire transfer form will provide the correct code for the receiving bank's country — not Chase's code.

Routing numbers for domestic U.S. wires

Domestic wire transfers within the United States do not use SWIFT codes. Instead, they use a routing number, which is a nine-digit code specific to Chase and the type of account you hold. Chase's routing numbers vary by state and account type (checking, savings, money market). Your routing number appears on the bottom left of your checks, or you can find it by logging into your Chase account online or calling Chase customer service.

When you send a domestic wire from Chase, you'll provide the receiving bank's routing number along with the recipient's account number. When you receive a domestic wire into your Chase account, the sender uses your Chase routing number. Never use a SWIFT code for a domestic transfer — it will cause delays or rejection.

When and how to provide the code to the receiving bank

If you're receiving money from outside the United States, the sender's bank will ask for your bank's SWIFT code. Provide CHASUS33 along with your full Chase account number and your name as it appears on the account. Some forms also ask for the account type (checking or savings) — include that if requested.

Double-check the form's instructions before filling it out. Some banks ask for SWIFT code in one field and branch code in another; others want the full 11-character version in a single field. If you're unsure, contact Chase directly or ask the sending bank which format they need. A mismatch between what the form expects and what you provide can delay the transfer by several days while the receiving bank contacts Chase to clarify.

Common mistakes that delay international wires

The most frequent error is using a routing number instead of a SWIFT code on an international wire form, or vice versa. Routing numbers are nine digits; SWIFT codes are eight or eleven characters with letters. If you enter the wrong type of code, the receiving bank's system will reject it or flag it for manual review.

Another mistake is providing an incomplete account number or misspelling your name. Even if the SWIFT code is correct, the wire won't reach your account if the account number doesn't match Chase's records exactly. Before the sender submits the wire, verify that your name, account number, and bank code are all correct.

Some people also confuse Chase's SWIFT code with a specific branch's code. Chase has thousands of branches, but international wires all route through the same main processing center, so you always use CHASUS33 regardless of which Chase branch you use locally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a SWIFT code to send money from my Chase account to someone in another country?

No. You need the receiving bank's SWIFT code, not Chase's. When you initiate a wire transfer from Chase, you'll provide the recipient's bank's SWIFT code, their account number, and their name. Chase will handle routing the money using that information.

What's the difference between CHASUS33 and CHASUS33XXX?

CHASUS33 is the eight-character version used by most banks. CHASUS33XXX is the 11-character version that some international forms request; the XXX is a branch code placeholder. For Chase, you can use either version — they both route to the same processing center. Check the form's instructions to see which length it expects.

Can I use the same code for all my Chase accounts?

Yes. Chase's SWIFT code CHASUS33 works for all Chase accounts receiving international wires, regardless of account type or which branch you opened it at. The account number you provide is what directs the money to your specific account.

What if the wire form asks for a "bank code" and a "branch code" separately?

Provide CHAS as the bank code and 33 as the branch code, or enter the full CHASUS33 in whichever field the form designates for the SWIFT code. If the form has a separate field for country, enter US. Different banks format their wire forms differently, so follow the labels on the specific form you're using.

How do I know if I should use a routing number or SWIFT code?

If the wire is staying within the United States, use a routing number. If the money is coming from or going to another country, use a SWIFT code. The form or the bank sending the wire will specify which one they need — international forms ask for SWIFT; domestic U.S. forms ask for routing number.