What is SWIFT?

SWIFT is a global financial messaging network that facilitates the seamless exchange of information about financial transactions and is otherwise known as The Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication.

At WeavePay, we're committed to turbocharging your company's financial processes by granting immediate access to the SWIFT network. Our cutting-edge global business accounts empower businesses to instantly transfer and receive international payments, facilitating smoother cash flow and expediting global operations. This translates into faster deal completions, quick access to resources, and a significant boost to your business efficiency. Check if your business is eligible here.

To learn more about how SWIFT operates, keep reading:

How did SWIFT begin?

SWIFT was initiated in 1973 to address the challenges of international communication of financial information. Until then, banks relied on telex to exchange transactional data, a labor-intensive, time-consuming process prone to errors.

Seven major international banks united to form SWIFT as a secure, standardized, and reliable method for communicating transactional information across borders. Today, SWIFT is recognized worldwide as a pivotal backbone for international banking operations.

What is a SWIFT Code?

A SWIFT code, or a Bank Identifier Code (BIC), is a standard format used to uniquely identify banks and financial institutions globally. It's used when transferring money between banks, particularly for international wire transfers, and to exchange messages between banks.

A SWIFT code consists of 8 or 11 characters and is structured as follows:

• The first four characters represent the bank code (usually a shortened version of the bank's name).
• The next two characters represent the country code (based on ISO 3166-1 alpha-2 country codes).
• The following two characters represent the location code (which could also indicate the bank's head office).
• The optional last three characters represent the branch code, specifying a particular branch of the institution.

For example, the SWIFT code BARCGB22XXX can be broken down as follows:

• BARC - Bank code for Barclays
• GB - Country code for the United Kingdom
• 22 - Location code for London
• XXX - Branch code (XXX is used when the specific branch is unknown or not applicable)

In essence, a SWIFT code acts like a sort of address that helps other banks and financial institutions know exactly where to send money. It ensures the accuracy, speed, and reliability of your international transactions.

Where is SWIFT used?

SWIFT's reach extends globally, with more than 11,000 financial institutions in over 200 countries utilizing its network. These participants include banks, securities institutions, and corporate clients.

The SWIFT network enables businesses to send and receive payments across borders, contributing significantly to the world's globalized economy.

What are the advantages of SWIFT?

SWIFT presents a range of benefits:

1. Global Reach: With a presence in over 200 countries, SWIFT facilitates international transactions with ease.
2. Standardized Communication: SWIFT’s standardized message formats enhance the efficiency and accuracy of transactional communication.
3. Security and Reliability: SWIFT is known for its robust security protocols, ensuring that your transactional data is safeguarded.

How much does SWIFT cost?

The cost of SWIFT transactions varies depending on the service used and the transaction's complexity. As with other transaction systems, service providers decide the fees. At WeavePay, we focus on ensuring your SWIFT transactions are competitively priced, leveraging our global business accounts and innovative technologies.

[Get in touch with] us to know more about our services and how we can assist your business.](www.weave-pay.com)

How long do SWIFT transactions take?

Most SWIFT transactions are completed within one to three business days. However, it’s always best to verify the specific timeline for your transaction as exceptions may apply. Delays in transactions can occasionally occur when intermediary banks are involved in processing the payment.

What's the difference between SWIFT and SEPA?

While both SWIFT and SEPA play critical roles in financial transactions, they cater to different needs.

SWIFT is a global network that allows banks worldwide to send and receive information about financial transactions in a secure, standardized, and reliable environment. It is used for both domestic and international transactions in numerous currencies.

On the other hand, SEPA (Single Euro Payments Area) is a payment-integration initiative of the European Union for the simplification of bank transfers denominated in euro. It standardizes euro payments across participating countries, aiding businesses in easily managing euro transactions within this region. Learn more about SEPA in our dedicated article.

Despite their differences, SEPA and SWIFT complement each other, catering to the diverse needs of global businesses in today's interconnected world.

Is your business ready for a global business account? Check your eligibility here.