What Chase's SWIFT and BIC codes are and when you need them

Chase Bank's SWIFT code is an eight or eleven-character identifier that tells international banks how to route money to your Chase account. The BIC code (Bank Identifier Code) is essentially the same thing — the terms are used interchangeably in most of the world. For Chase, the SWIFT/BIC code is CHASUS33 for domestic U.S. transfers, though the full code varies slightly depending on which Chase branch or service you're using.

You need this code when someone outside the United States is sending you money, or when you're sending money to a Chase account from abroad. The code tells the sending bank's system that your money is headed to Chase in the United States, not to a different bank or country. Without it, the transfer either fails or gets delayed while banks sort out where it should go.

The code itself doesn't identify your specific account — that's what your account number and routing number do. The SWIFT/BIC code just identifies Chase as the receiving institution. Think of it as the bank's address in the international payment system.

Key Takeaways

  • Chase's primary SWIFT/BIC code for U.S. transfers is CHASUS33, though some international transfers may use CHASUS33XXX or codes specific to individual branches.
  • You need this code only for international wire transfers — domestic U.S. transfers use routing numbers instead.
  • The SWIFT/BIC code identifies Chase as the bank, not your individual account, so you'll also need to provide your account number and routing number.
  • You can find the correct code for your specific Chase branch by calling Chase customer service or checking your account statements and banking documents.

Where to find Chase's SWIFT and BIC codes

The easiest way is to call Chase directly at the number on the back of your debit card or on your monthly statement. Tell them you need the SWIFT or BIC code for an international wire transfer to your account, and they'll give you the correct code for your branch. This takes two minutes and removes any doubt about which code to use.

You can also log into your Chase online banking account and look for wire transfer instructions or international transfer details. Some Chase branches post this information in the FAQ section or on pages about sending and receiving international payments. If you're receiving money from someone abroad, ask them to contact their bank — their bank's system often has Chase's codes built in and can confirm the right one to use.

The most commonly used code is CHASUS33, but some international transfers use the expanded version CHASUS33XXX. If you're unsure which one applies to your situation, Chase customer service can tell you based on where the money is coming from and which type of transfer is being used.

How SWIFT and BIC codes work in an international transfer

When someone sends you money from abroad, their bank uses the SWIFT/BIC code to route the payment through the international banking network. The code tells their bank which country the money is going to, which bank it's going to, and sometimes which branch. The sending bank then uses your account number and routing number to deposit the funds into your specific Chase account.

The transfer typically takes three to five business days, though it can be faster or slower depending on the sending country, the sending bank, and whether any intermediate banks are involved. Some countries' banking systems are faster than others, and some banks process international transfers only once or twice a day rather than continuously.

You don't pay Chase a fee just for receiving an international wire transfer, though some transfers do incur fees depending on the amount and the sending bank's policies. Chase may charge a fee if the transfer comes through a correspondent bank (an intermediary bank in another country), so ask about this before the transfer is sent.

Difference between SWIFT codes and routing numbers

A routing number is a nine-digit code used only for transfers within the United States. A SWIFT code is used for international transfers. If someone in the U.S. is sending you money, they need your routing number and account number — not your SWIFT code. If someone outside the U.S. is sending you money, they need your SWIFT code, account number, and sometimes your routing number as well.

Chase's routing number varies by branch and by the type of account you have. You can find your specific routing number on the bottom left of your checks, in your online banking account, or by calling Chase. Your SWIFT code, by contrast, is the same regardless of which Chase branch you use — it's CHASUS33 for nearly all U.S. Chase accounts receiving international transfers.

What to tell someone who's sending you money internationally

Give them your full name exactly as it appears on your Chase account, your account number, your routing number, and Chase's SWIFT code (CHASUS33). Some sending banks also ask for your address. Write it all out clearly and double-check the account number — a single digit wrong will send the money to the wrong account, and recovering it can take weeks.

If the sending bank asks for a "bank name," tell them it's Chase Bank or JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. If they ask for a branch address, you can give them your local Chase branch address or Chase's main address in New York. Different banks ask for different information, so the person sending the money should check with their own bank about what fields are required.

Let the sender know that the transfer may take several business days and that they should keep their confirmation number in case there are questions later. Once the money is sent, you can't stop it, so make sure all the information is correct before they submit it.

What to do if an international transfer doesn't arrive

If money was supposed to arrive and hasn't shown up after five business days, contact Chase and have the sender's confirmation number ready. Chase can trace the transfer and tell you whether it's still in the system, whether it went to the wrong account, or whether it was rejected by an intermediate bank. This process can take a week or more, so patience is necessary.

If the transfer was sent to the wrong account number, it may be permanently lost — the receiving bank is under no obligation to return it. If it was rejected because of incorrect information (like a mismatched name), it should be returned to the sender's bank automatically, though this can take two to four weeks. The sender can then correct the information and resend it.

Keep all confirmation numbers, emails, and documentation from both your bank and the sender's bank. If there's a dispute about whether the money was sent or received, this paperwork is your proof.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is CHASUS33 the same as my Chase branch's SWIFT code?

CHASUS33 is the standard SWIFT code for Chase Bank in the United States and works for most international transfers to any Chase account. Some very large transfers or transfers from certain countries may route through a specific branch code, but Chase customer service will tell you if that applies to your situation. When in doubt, use CHASUS33.

Can I use my routing number instead of a SWIFT code for an international transfer?

No. International banks don't recognize U.S. routing numbers — they only recognize SWIFT codes. If someone abroad is sending you money, they must use your SWIFT code. Routing numbers work only for transfers within the United States.

Do I need to tell Chase I'm expecting an international transfer?

You don't have to, but it's a good idea. Calling Chase ahead of time and letting them know an international transfer is coming can help if there are any delays or questions. It also gives you a chance to confirm you have the right SWIFT code for your specific account.

What if the sender's bank says they don't have Chase's SWIFT code?

This is rare, but if it happens, have the sender contact their bank's international transfer department directly. Chase's SWIFT code (CHASUS33) is in every international banking directory. If their bank truly can't find it, they may be using an outdated system, and you should ask them to contact their bank's technical support.

Will I be charged a fee for receiving an international wire transfer?

Chase does not charge you a fee for receiving an international wire transfer to your account. However, if the transfer passes through a correspondent bank (an intermediary bank in another country), that bank may deduct a fee from the amount you receive. Ask the sender to check with their bank about correspondent bank fees before sending the money.