SWIFT Codes in China — All Banks & BIC Codes

SWIFT Codes in China — Complete Guide

A SWIFT code (also known as a BIC — Bank Identifier Code) is an internationally recognised alphanumeric identifier assigned to every financial institution participating in cross-border wire transfers. For banks in China, the SWIFT code is mandatory for sending or receiving money internationally. BankZop currently lists 557 banks in China with 2,497 verified SWIFT codes across all cities and branches.

Whether you are sending money to a family member, paying an international supplier, or receiving a foreign remittance, you need the correct SWIFT code for the recipient's bank in China. An incorrect SWIFT code can delay your transfer by several business days or cause it to be returned with bank charges deducted.

How to Find the Right SWIFT Code for a Bank in China

BankZop makes it easy to find verified SWIFT codes for any bank in China in three steps:

1. Select the bank from the list above — use the filter box to quickly find your bank by name.
2. Choose the city — the next page lists all cities where that bank has SWIFT-registered branches.
3. Get the SWIFT code — the result page shows the exact SWIFT/BIC code, the branch name (if applicable), the location code breakdown, and a one-click copy button.

Alternatively, if you already have the SWIFT code and want to verify it, use the Search by SWIFT Code tab on the SWIFT Code Lookup home page.

Understanding SWIFT Code Structure for China Banks

All SWIFT codes follow the same 8 or 11-character format regardless of country. Here is how to read a SWIFT code for a bank in China:

8-Character vs 11-Character SWIFT Codes in China

Banks in China may have either 8-character or 11-character SWIFT codes. Here is the key difference:

• 8-character SWIFT code — Refers to the bank's head office. Most international transfers can be completed with just the 8-character code, as the receiving bank's head office will route the funds internally to the correct branch.
• 11-character SWIFT code — Includes a specific 3-character branch code at the end. Using the full 11-character code routes your transfer directly to a specific branch, reducing the chance of manual processing and potential delays.

Best Practice: Always use the full 11-character SWIFT code if you have it. If only the 8-character code is available, it is still valid — most banks in China and worldwide accept 8-character codes for standard international wire transfers.

Common Uses of SWIFT Codes for China Banks

SWIFT codes for banks in China are required in several international financial scenarios:

• Receiving international wire transfers — Provide your bank's SWIFT code to the sender so their bank can correctly route the funds to your account in China.
• Sending money abroad from China — Your bank needs the beneficiary's SWIFT code to route your transfer to the correct overseas bank.
• Foreign remittances — Family members abroad sending money home to China need your bank's SWIFT code.
• International business payments — Paying overseas suppliers or receiving payment from international clients requires SWIFT codes on both ends.
• Payroll for international employees — Companies paying employees in China from abroad use SWIFT codes to process salary transfers.
• Education and tuition fee payments — Students paying tuition fees to foreign universities from China need the receiving university's bank SWIFT code.

How Long Do SWIFT Transfers Take to/from China?

International wire transfers involving banks in China typically take 1–5 business days. The exact timing depends on several factors:

SWIFT Code vs Other Transfer Codes — What China Banks Use

Different countries use different codes for domestic vs international transfers. Here is how SWIFT compares to other codes you might encounter:

Tips for Successful International Transfers Using China Bank SWIFT Codes

• Always verify the SWIFT code using BankZop before initiating a high-value transfer. Bank codes can change due to mergers or system updates.
• Double-check the account number along with the SWIFT code. A correct SWIFT code with a wrong account number will still result in a failed or misdirected transfer.
• Use the 11-character code when available to ensure direct routing to the specific branch.
• Confirm the transfer currency with the receiving bank — some banks in China may charge conversion fees if the transfer arrives in a different currency than the account currency.
• Keep the transaction reference provided by your bank — this is essential for tracing a transfer if it is delayed.
• Initiate transfers early in the business day to ensure they are processed in the same day's settlement batch.