SWIFT/BIC Code: What It Is and How to Find One in Singapore
A SWIFT or BIC code is an 8 or 11-character code that uniquely identifies a specific bank and branch worldwide, used to route international payments such as telegraphic transfers to the correct receiving bank.
Not financial advice. All figures for educational reference only. Data as at July 2026.
Last updated: July 2026
Key Takeaways
- SWIFT and BIC refer to the same thing: a standardised code identifying a bank for international payment routing, formally called a Bank Identifier Code (BIC) under ISO 9362.
- A SWIFT/BIC code is either 8 characters (identifying the bank and country only) or 11 characters (also identifying a specific branch).
- Singapore’s major banks each have their own SWIFT code, for example DBSSSGSG for DBS, OCBCSGSG for OCBC, and UOVBSGSG for UOB.
- You need a SWIFT/BIC code whenever you send or receive a telegraphic transfer, but not for domestic transfers via FAST or PayNow, which use different routing systems.
- The easiest way to confirm a bank’s SWIFT code is to check the bank’s official website or ask the receiving bank directly, since third-party lookup sites are not always current.
What Is a SWIFT/BIC Code?
SWIFT stands for the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication, the cooperative that operates the global messaging network banks use to send payment instructions to one another. Every bank connected to this network is assigned a unique identifier, formally called a Bank Identifier Code (BIC) under the ISO 9362 standard, though in everyday use “SWIFT code” and “BIC” mean the same thing.
The code follows a fixed structure: four letters for the bank, two letters for the country, two characters for the location, and an optional three characters for a specific branch. For example, in DBSSSGSGXXX, “DBSS” identifies DBS Bank, “SG” identifies Singapore, “SG” is the location code, and “XXX” denotes the primary office. When no specific branch is targeted, the code is often shown in its shorter 8-character form, such as DBSSSGSG.
For a Singapore-based sender or recipient, the SWIFT/BIC code matters primarily for cross-border payments. Whenever money needs to leave or enter the SWIFT network, whether through a bank telegraphic transfer or certain digital remittance platforms that still rely on SWIFT routing, this code tells the network exactly which bank, and sometimes which branch, should receive the payment instruction.
How Does a SWIFT/BIC Code Work in Singapore?
When you initiate an international transfer from a Singapore bank, or when someone overseas wants to send money to your Singapore account, the SWIFT/BIC code of the receiving bank is required alongside the account number or IBAN. The sending bank’s system uses this code to identify the exact institution in the global SWIFT directory and route the payment message accordingly.
SWIFT/BIC codes for Singapore’s major retail banks:
| Bank | SWIFT/BIC Code |
|---|---|
| DBS Bank | DBSSSGSG |
| OCBC Bank | OCBCSGSG |
| UOB | UOVBSGSG |
| Standard Chartered Singapore | SCBLSGSG |
| Citibank Singapore | CITISGSG |
Source: publicly listed bank SWIFT codes, as at July 2026. Always verify directly with your bank before using a code for a large transfer, since branch-specific 11-character variants may be required for some corridors.
Digital banks and payment institutions in Singapore, such as GXS Bank and MariBank, may not hold a traditional SWIFT/BIC code of their own for receiving international wires, since some route cross-border transfers through a partner bank. It is worth checking directly with the platform if you plan to receive an incoming TT.
SWIFT/BIC Code Example
Suppose a relative in Australia wants to wire AUD 5,000 to your DBS savings account in Singapore. Their Australian bank will ask for the following details: your full name as it appears on the account, your DBS account number, and DBS’s SWIFT/BIC code, DBSSSGSG. The Australian bank uses this code to locate DBS in the SWIFT directory and routes the payment instruction accordingly. If the sender enters the wrong SWIFT code, for example, mistyping SSGS instead of SSGSG, the payment can be delayed, rejected, or in rare cases routed to the wrong institution, requiring a manual recall process to fix.
Advantages of Using a SWIFT/BIC Code
- Global standardisation. Because every SWIFT-connected bank uses the same coding structure, a payment instruction can be understood and routed correctly regardless of which country it originates from.
- Reduces manual errors. A single alphanumeric code replaces the need to specify a bank’s full name, branch address and routing details manually, cutting down on transcription mistakes.
- Works for virtually any bank. With more than 11,000 institutions connected to SWIFT, the code system covers nearly every bank a Singapore resident is likely to transact with internationally.
- Enables traceability. Because each leg of a SWIFT payment is logged against identifiable bank codes, transfers can generally be traced if delayed or disputed.
Risks and Limitations
- Typing errors cause real delays. A single incorrect character in a SWIFT/BIC code can send a payment to the wrong branch or bank, sometimes taking days or weeks to resolve.
- Not all fintechs have a traditional SWIFT code. Some digital banks and e-wallets route SWIFT payments through a partner institution, which can complicate receiving international wires directly.
- A SWIFT code alone does not guarantee low fees. Knowing the correct code only ensures the payment is routed correctly; it says nothing about the fees or exchange rate the sending bank will apply.
- Third-party lookup sites can be outdated. Bank codes occasionally change after mergers or system migrations, so relying on an old bookmark or outdated directory can cause routing errors.
SWIFT/BIC Code vs Bank Account Number vs IBAN
| Identifier | What It Identifies | Used For | Required in Singapore? |
|---|---|---|---|
| SWIFT/BIC Code | The specific bank and branch | Routing an international transfer to the correct institution | Yes, for telegraphic transfers |
| Bank Account Number | The individual customer account | Identifying whose account funds should be credited to | Yes, for all transfers |
| IBAN | Account plus bank plus country, combined into one number | Common in Europe and parts of the Middle East | Not used by Singapore banks for local accounts |
| Bank Sort Code / Routing Number | The bank and branch in country-specific systems (e.g. UK, US) | Domestic transfers within that country | Not applicable to Singapore accounts |
The Bottom Line
A SWIFT/BIC code is a small but essential piece of information every time money crosses a border into or out of a Singapore bank account. Getting it right the first time, ideally by confirming it directly with your bank rather than an old email or third-party website, is one of the simplest ways to avoid delays and extra fees on an international transfer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does SWIFT/BIC code stand for?
SWIFT stands for the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication, the network that carries the payment message. BIC stands for Bank Identifier Code, the formal ISO 9362 term for the code itself. In practice the two terms are used interchangeably.
How many characters does a SWIFT code have?
A SWIFT/BIC code has either 8 or 11 characters. The 8-character version identifies the bank and country. The 11-character version adds a 3-character branch code for more specific routing.
What is DBS’s SWIFT code?
DBS Bank’s SWIFT/BIC code is DBSSSGSG. OCBC’s is OCBCSGSG and UOB’s is UOVBSGSG, based on publicly listed codes as at July 2026.
Do I need a SWIFT code for a domestic Singapore transfer?
No. Domestic transfers within Singapore use FAST or PayNow, which route payments using the recipient’s bank and account number, or a linked mobile number, NRIC or UEN. A SWIFT/BIC code is only needed for cross-border transfers.
Where can I find my bank’s SWIFT code?
The most reliable source is your bank’s official website or a call to their customer service line. Third-party SWIFT code lookup websites can be convenient but are not always kept fully up to date.
What happens if I use the wrong SWIFT code?
An incorrect SWIFT code can delay a payment, cause it to be rejected and returned, or in rare cases route it to the wrong branch or bank, which may require a manual recall process involving both banks to correct.