Validate SWIFT/BIC API

What it does

The SWIFT code validation API checks whether a BIC/SWIFT code is structurally valid and splits it into its parts. Send an 8 or 11 character code as bic in the request body. A valid code returns an object with valid, bank_code, country_code, location_code and branch_code. An invalid code returns data: false.

Use the SWIFT code validation API as a BIC validator in payment and payout forms, supplier onboarding, and payroll setup for international employees. Catching a mistyped SWIFT code at input is cheaper than a returned wire transfer, and the parsed country_code lets you confirm the bank country matches the rest of the record.

The parsed fields are useful beyond a yes or no check. Store bank_code and country_code as separate columns, normalize 8 character codes against their 11 character branch form, or flag records where the BIC country differs from the IBAN country in bulk cleanup of existing bank data.

This SWIFT code validator checks format and structure. It does not look up the bank name or address in the SWIFT directory. A valid result confirms a well-formed code, and your payment provider confirms that the account exists.

International payment details rarely arrive alone. Validate the account number with the IBAN Validation API, US bank codes with the Routing Number Validation API, and the business itself with the VAT Lookup API.