# 8 or 11 characters: which BIC length to use

> The difference between an 8-character and an 11-character BIC, and what the EU regulator ACER says about adding XXX when only 8 characters are known.

- Canonical URL: https://swiftcodelookup.com/8-or-11-character-bic/
- Source: [ACER, Question 2.1.2 Data Field (2)](https://www.acer.europa.eu/question-212-data-field-2)
- Checked: 2026-10-21

## Both lengths are valid

A BIC can be 8 or 11 characters ([SWIFT](https://www2.swift.com/knowledgecentre/rest/v1/publications/bic_policy/3.0/bic_policy.pdf), [ACER](https://www.acer.europa.eu/question-212-data-field-2)). The 8-character form names the institution, country and location. The 11-character form adds a branch identifier.

## What an 8-character code means

The EU Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators (ACER), in a reporting guidance answer, says an 8-character BIC is taken to refer to the primary office. When you report one in that context, you add XXX to the end; its example turns 12345678 into 12345678XXX ([ACER](https://www.acer.europa.eu/question-212-data-field-2)).

That answer is about ACER's own reporting. Other forms and banks may have their own rules. If a form asks for 11 characters and you have 8, ask the bank which branch code to use, or check what the form says.

## The checker's note

When you enter 8 characters, the checker shows the same code with XXX added as a hint. It does not mean that every bank or form accepts it.

## What the policy says about use on the network

For network use, each user must have at least one valid connected 8-character BIC ([SWIFT](https://www2.swift.com/knowledgecentre/rest/v1/publications/bic_policy/3.0/bic_policy.pdf)). See [non-connected BICs](https://swiftcodelookup.com/non-connected-bic/).

## Left out on purpose
We do not say which length a particular bank, app or payment form requires. Follow the instructions you were given.

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SWIFT Code Guide · Contact: contact@swiftcodelookup.com