Glossary A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z | 1 | 3 | 4 | 5 Definitions by InvestorWords.com   What is...? SWIFT Code A SWIFT Code (sometimes referred to as BIC, or Bank Identifier Code) provides a standard international format for uniquely identifying financial institutions. The SWIFT Code is used when money is transferred between banks worldwide. A SWIFT Code consists of either eight or 11 characters: The first four characters are the bank code. The next two characters tell you the ISO country code. Then come two characters that identify the bank's location. The last three characters (which are optional) identify a specific branch office of the bank or other financial institution. Copyright ©2009 by InvestorGuide.com. All Rights Reserved.