Find the BIC from a
bank code

What is a German bank code (BLZ)?

The Bankleitzahl (BLZ) is an 8-digit number that uniquely identifies every credit institution in Germany. It was introduced by the Deutsche Bundesbank in 1970 and is part of the IBAN: in a German IBAN, the 8 digits after the country code and check digits (positions 5 to 12) are the bank code.

With this calculator you can derive the matching BIC/SWIFT code from any German bank code. That is especially useful when you only know the BLZ (for example from an old statement) and need the BIC for an international transfer.

How do I find the BIC for my bank code?

Enter your 8-digit bank code in the field above and click "Find BIC". The tool matches the code against the Deutsche Bundesbank database and instantly shows the BIC/SWIFT code and the bank name.

Alternatively, enter your full IBAN on the home page: we extract the bank code from the IBAN automatically and look up the BIC. Or browse our bank directory.

Structure of a German bank code

The 8 digits follow a system: the first digit marks the clearing area (for example 1 for Berlin, 2 for Hamburg and Schleswig-Holstein, 5 for Hesse, Rhineland-Palatinate and Saarland, 7 for Bavaria). Digits 2 and 3 describe the banking district, and digits 4 to 8 identify the specific institution. So "500 400 00" stands for Commerzbank in Frankfurt am Main (clearing area 5, Hesse).