ABA routing number vs SWIFT BIC: US wire transfers

An ABA routing number is a nine-digit US bank routing identifier. It is often used in domestic payment systems, including ACH and eligible Fedwire transfers. A SWIFT/BIC is a different identifier used for financial institutions in international messaging and related contexts.

Which identifier do I need?

For a domestic US payment, the bank may ask for an appropriate routing number and account number. For an international USD transfer, instructions may include a BIC, US routing number, intermediary bank and other details. Requirements depend on the particular bank and payment route.

Can I use an ACH number for Fedwire?

Not automatically. A bank can have different instructions or eligibility for ACH and wire transfers. Confirm the exact wire instructions with the beneficiary bank; do not assume that all routing numbers have the same purpose.

Routing numbers are not tracking IDs

The ABA number identifies a financial institution or routing endpoint. UETR identifies a particular SWIFT payment instruction. Neither a BIC nor a routing number tells you whether one transfer has settled.

Where to verify?

Use the beneficiary bank's official wire instructions. The Federal Reserve's E-Payments Routing Directory provides routing information under its stated terms. When a payment is delayed, request its UETR or bank reference and a trace from the sending bank.