Receiving an international wire transfer
When money is coming from overseas, your bank needs both a SWIFT code and your ABA routing number. Here is how to give the sender exactly the right information.
Why two codes are needed
The US ABA routing number works only inside the United States. International payment networks — primarily SWIFT, the global messaging cooperative used by banks worldwide — use their own identifier, the Bank Identifier Code (BIC, often called the "SWIFT code"). When someone overseas wants to send you money, their bank uses your bank's SWIFT code to find the right institution, and then uses your ABA routing number plus your account number to credit the right customer once the funds arrive in the US.
Information the foreign sender needs
For an incoming international wire to a US account, provide the sender with all of the following:
- Your bank's SWIFT/BIC code (8 or 11 characters; ask your bank — it is sometimes different from the routing number lookup)
- Your bank's ABA routing number (the nine-digit number listed throughout RoutingRadar)
- Your full US account number
- The full name and US address on the account
- Your bank's street address — usually the headquarters address rather than your local branch
- The currency the wire will be sent in (USD is recommended; the foreign bank will convert at their end)
Some senders' banks also ask for an intermediary or correspondent bank — a US bank that acts as a stepping stone between the foreign bank and yours. Smaller community banks and credit unions almost always need an intermediary; large national banks usually do not. Your bank can supply both the intermediary's name and its SWIFT code on request.
Cost and timing
Receiving an international wire typically costs $10–$30, charged by your bank, and is debited from the wire amount before crediting your account. The originating bank charges its own fee at its end. Funds usually arrive in 1–5 business days, depending on the route, the time difference, the number of intermediaries, and any compliance review at the receiving end. Wires from sanctioned jurisdictions or for unusually large amounts may be held for up to 10 business days while the bank completes anti-money-laundering checks.
IBAN-format senders
Most countries outside the US use the IBAN (International Bank Account Number) format — a single long alphanumeric string that bundles together the country code, check digits, and account information. The US does not use IBANs. If a foreign sender's bank insists on an IBAN, ask them to instead enter the SWIFT code in the bank-identifier field and the ABA routing number plus account number in the account-number field. Almost every foreign bank has a "non-IBAN destination" workflow for sending to the US.
Common mistakes
- Giving only the ABA number. The foreign sender's bank will reject the wire because it has no SWIFT code to route through.
- Giving the wrong SWIFT code. Many large US banks have multiple SWIFT codes for different international subsidiaries; ask specifically for "the SWIFT code for incoming international wires to a personal account."
- Wrong currency. If the wire is sent in your local currency rather than USD, your bank will convert it at the prevailing rate plus a spread, which can shave 1–3% off the value.