BC Number
The BC Number (Bankenclearing-Nummer) is a 3 to 5-digit code identifying Swiss financial institutions and their branches. Managed by SIX Interbank Clearing, it is embedded in Swiss IBANs and used for domestic SIC and euroSIC payment processing.
At a glance
Country
Switzerland
Identifier
BC
Format
3–5 digits
Used for
Domestic transfers
Format breakdown
0
Bank Group
1
Type of institution
02
Bank ID
2–3
Bank identifier
00
Branch
4–5
Branch identifier (if applicable)
How BC works
The BC number identifies the bank and branch within the Swiss clearing system. It is embedded in the IBAN (digits 5–9) and used by the SIC (Swiss Interbank Clearing) system for domestic CHF transfers.
Where to find yours
On your bank statement, in your online banking app, or in the SIX BC Number directory. Also embedded in your IBAN.
Payment systems in Switzerland
| System | Speed | Description |
|---|---|---|
| SIC | Real-time | Swiss Interbank Clearing for CHF domestic payments |
| euroSIC | Same day | EUR clearing for Swiss banks within the eurozone |
| TWINT | Instant | Mobile payment app widely used for P2P and retail payments |
Major banks in Switzerland
Good to know
Swiss IBANs are 21 characters: CH + 2 check digits + 5-digit BC number + 12-digit account number.
Switzerland is not in the EU or SEPA by default, but Swiss banks participate in SEPA for EUR payments.
TWINT is the most popular mobile payment app in Switzerland — it links directly to your bank account.
Related tools
Other countries
Frequently asked questions
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