{"id":25096,"date":"2025-12-21T23:02:50","date_gmt":"2025-12-21T17:32:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.razorpay.in\/blog\/?p=25096"},"modified":"2026-02-09T13:07:26","modified_gmt":"2026-02-09T07:37:26","slug":"bank-routing-number-india-explained","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/razorpay.com\/blog\/bank-routing-number-india-explained\/","title":{"rendered":"Bank Routing Number Explained: Guide for the US and India"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Whenever money moves between banks, it needs a code to reach the right destination. In the US, that code is called a bank routing number. In India, domestic payments use the Indian Financial System Code (IFSC) code, while global transactions rely on the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication (SWIFT) code. These identifiers make electronic transactions, bill payments, and direct deposits easier and error-free.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you earn from clients in the US, or export goods and services abroad, you\u2019ll often be asked for these codes. Knowing how they work helps you receive payments faster and stay compliant with banking rules. This guide breaks down each system clearly\u2014so you can manage international payments with confidence.<\/span><\/p>\n<div style=\"border-left: 4px solid #0073aa; background: #f0f8ff; padding: 15px; margin: 20px 0; border-radius: 5px;\">\n<h2 style=\"color: #0073aa; font-size: 18px; margin: 0 0 8px 0; display: inline-block;\">Key takeaways<\/h2>\n<ul style=\"display: inline-block; margin: 0 0 0 10px; padding-left: 18px; vertical-align: top;\">\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bank routing numbers are used only within the US for domestic transfers via ACH, wire and direct deposits.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">India does not use routing numbers \u2014 <a href=\"https:\/\/razorpay.com\/blog\/decoding-ifsc-codes-meaning-importance\/\">IFSC<\/a> is used for domestic payments, while SWIFT is required for international transfers.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Routing numbers, IFSC codes and SWIFT codes serve the same purpose \u2014 identifying banks to ensure transfers reach the correct destination.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Understanding when to use each code helps businesses stay compliant and avoid transfer errors, especially while receiving money from the US.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tools like Razorpay MoneySaver Export Account simplify global payments by offering local-style collection accounts and automated compliance support.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<h2><b>What Is a Bank Routing Number?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A bank routing number\u2014also called the American Bankers Association (ABA) routing number or Routing Transit Number (RTN)\u2014is a nine-digit code used to identify a specific financial institution in the United States. It was introduced by the American Bankers Association in 1910 to streamline cheque processing. Today, it plays a crucial role in digital banking and electronic fund movement across the US.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Over time, banking shifted from paper-based to digital channels, but the purpose of routing numbers remained unchanged \u2014 they still direct money accurately between banks and enable several essential functions, such as:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Enables direct deposits of salaries and payments.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Supports Automated Clearing House (ACH) transfers for automated payments and recurring billing.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Used for online bill payments and subscription services.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ensures transactions reach the correct bank and branch, reducing payment failures.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Helps verify the sender and receiver during <\/span><b>electronic funds transfers<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>Where to Find Your Bank Routing Number?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A bank routing number is used only for domestic transfers within the US. Indian businesses do not need it for receiving international payments, but it may appear in invoices, payment instructions, or contracts when dealing with US clients. In such cases, the sender in the US should know where to locate it.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A routing number can usually be found in the following places:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>On a Cheque:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> The routing number is generally the first nine digits printed at the bottom left corner.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Online Banking:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Most banks show it within the online banking portal or mobile app under Account Details or Account Information.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Bank Statements:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Monthly paper or digital statements often display the routing number along with account information.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Official Bank Website:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Some banks publish routing numbers on their website\u2014typically in the FAQ section or pages that explain direct deposit or wire transfer steps.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If the sender still cannot locate it, contacting the bank directly is the most reliable option to confirm the correct number and avoid payment errors.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Why Bank Routing Numbers Are Essential for Transactions<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In the US financial system, bank routing numbers act as the foundation for every electronic transaction. They make sure that money moves to the correct financial institution and support smooth transfers between accounts. Without them, automated and large-value payments would face delays, errors, or even rejection.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Routing numbers are used<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for setting up and processing multiple types of transactions, such as:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Direct Deposits:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> To receive salaries, tax refunds, or government benefits directly into a bank account.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>ACH Payments:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> For recurring bills, subscription charges, EMIs, or direct debit arrangements.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Wire Transfers:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> To send large or time-sensitive payments quickly between banks.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Online Bill Payments:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Ensures that payments reach the correct bank account of the biller or service provider.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Entering the correct routing number is non-negotiable. A single error can delay payments, trigger reversals, or even send money to the wrong bank. Incorrect entries may also lead to additional fees and unnecessary follow-ups.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a style=\"background-color: #1a73e8; color: #ffffff; font-weight: 600; padding: 6px 14px; border-radius: 6px; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; display: inline-block; white-space: nowrap;\" href=\"https:\/\/razorpay.com\/international-payment-gateway-india\/?utm_source=blog&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=internationalpayments\">Explore Razorpay&#8217;s Global Payment Solutions<\/a><\/p>\n<h2><b>Bank Routing Numbers vs. Account Numbers<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Both the <\/span>bank routing number and account number<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are necessary for transactions, but they serve different purposes. Understanding the difference is essential when receiving payments\u2014especially from US clients.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Key differences:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Routing Number:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Identifies the bank or branch within the US banking network. It is usually the same for all customers of that branch or region.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Account Number:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Identifies <\/span><b>your specific bank account<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. It is unique to you, even if thousands of customers use the same bank.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Routing Number vs Account Number<\/b><\/h3>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Feature<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Bank Routing Number<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Account Number<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Purpose<\/b><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Identifies the bank or branch<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Identifies the customer\u2019s account<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Uniqueness<\/b><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Same for many customers<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Unique to each customer<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Typical Length<\/b><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">9 digits\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">9\u201318 digits (varies by bank)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Used For<\/b><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ACH, wire transfers, cheque processing<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Deposits, withdrawals, transfers<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Think of the routing number as the city and state, and the account number as the street address. Both are required to ensure funds reach the exact destination without getting lost on the way.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Understanding IFSC and SWIFT Codes<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There is no<\/span> bank routing number in India<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Unlike the US, India does not use ABA routing numbers for domestic transfers. Instead, two identifiers support money movement \u2014 the IFSC and the SWIFT code.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These codes help identify bank branches and institutions accurately, which is essential for smooth national and cross-border transactions.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>IFSC Code: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The IFSC code is used for domestic transfers within India through NEFT, RTGS and IMPS. It is an 11-character code assigned to each bank branch.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>SWIFT Code: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The SWIFT code in India is used only for international transfers. It identifies Indian banks globally when receiving payments from abroad.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>What Is an IFSC Code?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <a href=\"https:\/\/razorpay.com\/blog\/decoding-ifsc-codes-meaning-importance\/\">IFSC<\/a> is an 11-character alphanumeric code assigned by the RBI to uniquely identify every bank branch that participates in electronic fund transfers. It serves as a digital locator within the Indian banking network and is essential for routing payments to the correct branch.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The IFSC code is mandatory for domestic transactions carried out via <a href=\"https:\/\/razorpay.com\/learn\/neft\/\">National Electronic Funds Transfer<\/a> (NEFT), <a href=\"https:\/\/razorpay.com\/learn\/rtgs\/\">Real-Time Gross Settlement<\/a> (RTGS) and <a href=\"https:\/\/razorpay.com\/learn\/what-is-imps\/\">Immediate Payment Service<\/a> (IMPS). As these payment systems rely on accuracy, the IFSC plays a central role in identifying where the funds should be credited.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Structure of an IFSC code:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>First Four Characters:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Alphabetic and represent the bank name (e.g., HDFC, SBIN).<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Fifth Character:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Always <\/span><b>\u20180\u2019<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, reserved for future use.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Last Six Characters:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Used to identify the specific bank branch.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">An <\/span><b>IFSC code<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> can be easily found on bank statements, cheque leaves, digital banking apps, or through official bank websites and the RBI\u2019s branch locator tools.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>What Is a SWIFT Code?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p>A <a href=\"https:\/\/razorpay.com\/learn\/what-is-swift\/\">SWIFT code<\/a>, also known as a Bank Identifier Code (BIC) code, is a unique identification code used by banks across the world. It enables secure communication between financial institutions and helps verify the correct bank during an international transfer.<\/p>\n<p>The code is made up of 8 or 11 <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">alphanumeric characters and is required whenever funds move from one country to another. It ensures that the payment reaches the right recipient bank without delays or confusion.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Purpose and usage of a SWIFT code:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Enables i<\/span><b>nternational transfers <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">securely<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Identifies banks during cross-border payments<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Supports foreign currency transactions<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Helps receive export and service payments<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Connects banks under a standard global messaging system<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>Key Differences: IFSC, SWIFT, and ABA Routing Numbers<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Different banking systems use different codes, and each serves a specific purpose. IFSC is used in India, ABA routing numbers are used in the US, and SWIFT codes are used worldwide for international payments. Knowing the difference helps ensure that transactions are sent through the right network and reach the correct bank every time.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Here are some key differences at a glance:<\/b><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Geographical Scope:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Each code operates within a defined region.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ABA <\/span><b>routing numbers<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are used exclusively within the United States.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">IFSC codes are limited to India and apply only to domestic transfers.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">SWIFT codes, on the other hand, function globally and enable international transactions between banks across different countries.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Purpose:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> The role of each code varies based on the type of payment.<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><b>ABA routing numbers<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> identify banks for domestic electronic payments within the US, covering ACH and wire transfers.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">IFSC codes pinpoint the specific bank branch in India for NEFT, RTGS, and IMPS transactions.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">SWIFT codes are used worldwide to identify banks for international wire transfers and secure interbank communication.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Structure:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> These codes differ not only in purpose but also in format.<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ABA routing numbers: 9-digit numeric format.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">IFSC codes: 11-character alphanumeric format.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">SWIFT codes: 8 or 11-character alphanumeric format.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h3><b>IFSC vs SWIFT vs Routing Number<\/b><\/h3>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Feature<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>ABA Routing Number<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>IFSC Code<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>SWIFT Code<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Country of Use<\/b><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">United States<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">India<\/span><\/td>\n<td><b>Global<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Purpose<\/b><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">US domestic transfers<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Indian domestic transfers<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">International transfers<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Structure<\/b><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">9 digits<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">11 characters<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">8 or 11 characters<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Used For<\/b><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ACH, wire transfers<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">NEFT, RTGS, IMPS<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cross-border payments<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Accuracy is essential for a smooth transfer process. Using the wrong code \u2014 even a single character \u2014 can result in failed transactions, delays, or additional charges.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Here\u2019s how it helps Indian businesses:<\/b><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Accept payments from over 180 countries in more than 130 currencies. This supports SaaS services, creative work, consultancy, and product exports.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Open local collection accounts in the US, UK, Europe and other regions within seconds \u2014 without needing a foreign bank account.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Get <\/span>zero forex markup<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and live rates, helping retain more earnings compared to traditional bank transfers.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Automate FIRC and export compliance, reducing manual paperwork and saving time during audits.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Provide multiple payment options such as global cards, Apple Pay and bank transfers \u2014 all managed from one dashboard.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Benefit from high payment success rates through intelligent routing and AI-based fraud prevention.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h2><b>Conclusion<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Whether payments stay within a country or move across borders, bank identifiers are essential for secure and reliable transactions. The US depends on the nine-digit ABA routing number for domestic transfers, while India uses IFSC for local payments and SWIFT for international remittances.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Each system follows a different format, but all serve the same purpose \u2014 directing money to the right bank quickly and accurately. Understanding these codes makes compliance easier and prevents costly transfer errors, especially when working with global clients.<\/span><\/p>\n<div style=\"background-color: #f5f9fc; padding: 32px 24px; border-radius: 12px; text-align: center; max-width: 720px; margin: 0 auto;\">\n<h2 style=\"color: #1a73e8; margin-bottom: 12px; font-size: 24px; font-weight: bold;\">Simplify Global Payments with Razorpay MoneySaver<\/h2>\n<p><a style=\"background-color: #1a73e8; color: #ffffff; font-weight: 600; padding: 12px 24px; border-radius: 8px; font-size: 16px; text-decoration: none; display: inline-block;\" href=\"https:\/\/razorpay.com\/?utm_source=blog&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=internationalpayments\"><em><strong>Get Started with Razorpay<\/strong><\/em><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<h2><b>FAQs<\/b><\/h2>\n<h3><b>1. What is a bank routing number?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A bank routing number is a nine-digit code used in the US to identify a bank for electronic transactions such as direct deposits and wire transfers. It helps route funds to the correct financial institution.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>2. Where can I find my bank routing number?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It usually appears on a cheque and may also be available through internet banking or official bank documents.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>3. Is a routing number the same as an account number?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No. The routing number identifies the bank, whereas the account number identifies the individual account held within that bank.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>4. What is the equivalent of a bank routing number in India?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">India uses IFSC for domestic transfers and SWIFT for international transfers. These codes serve the purpose of identifying banks accurately during transactions.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>5. What is an IFSC code used for?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">An IFSC code is used to process bank transfers within India. It helps banks identify the correct branch when payments are made through NEFT, RTGS or IMPS.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>6. When do I need a SWIFT code?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A SWIFT code is required when money is transferred between banks in different countries. It allows banks to recognise one another globally and process international payments securely.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>7. Can I use an IFSC code for international transfers?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No. IFSC is only for domestic banking in India. International payments require a SWIFT code.<\/span><br \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\">\n{\n  \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\n  \"@type\": \"FAQPage\",\n  \"mainEntity\": [\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",\n      \"name\": \"What is a bank routing number?\",\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n        \"text\": \"A bank routing number is a nine digit code used in the United States to identify a bank for electronic transactions such as direct deposits and wire transfers. It ensures funds are routed to the correct financial institution.\"\n      }\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",\n      \"name\": \"Where can I find my bank routing number?\",\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n        \"text\": \"A routing number is usually printed on cheques and may also be available through your bank\u2019s internet banking portal or official bank documents.\"\n      }\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",\n      \"name\": \"Is a routing number the same as an account number?\",\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n        \"text\": \"No. A routing number identifies the bank, while an account number identifies your specific account within that bank.\"\n      }\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",\n      \"name\": \"What is the equivalent of a bank routing number in India?\",\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n        \"text\": \"India uses IFSC codes for domestic transfers and SWIFT codes for international transfers. These codes help identify banks accurately during transactions.\"\n      }\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",\n      \"name\": \"What is an IFSC code used for?\",\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n        \"text\": \"An IFSC code is used for bank transfers within India. It helps banks identify the correct branch for payments made through NEFT, RTGS, or IMPS.\"\n      }\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",\n      \"name\": \"When do I need a SWIFT code?\",\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n        \"text\": \"A SWIFT code is required when transferring money between banks in different countries. It enables banks worldwide to recognise each other and process international payments securely.\"\n      }\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",\n      \"name\": \"Can I use an IFSC code for international transfers?\",\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n        \"text\": \"No. IFSC codes are only used for domestic banking in India. International transfers require a SWIFT code.\"\n      }\n    }\n  ]\n}\n<\/script><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Whenever money moves between banks, it needs a code to reach the right destination. In the US, that code is called a bank routing number. In India, domestic payments use the Indian Financial System Code (IFSC) code, while global transactions rely on the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication (SWIFT) code. These identifiers make electronic<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":142,"featured_media":25898,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1067],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-25096","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-cross-border"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/razorpay.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/25096","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/razorpay.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/razorpay.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/razorpay.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/142"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/razorpay.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=25096"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/razorpay.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/25096\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":25097,"href":"https:\/\/razorpay.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/25096\/revisions\/25097"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/razorpay.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/25898"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/razorpay.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=25096"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/razorpay.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=25096"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/razorpay.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=25096"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}