When you ask your bank abroad to send money to your HDFC account, the first thing they'll request is a SWIFT code. Miss this, type it wrong, or use the wrong branch code and your transfer sits in limbo — sometimes for days.
This guide gives you the correct HDFC Bank SWIFT codes, explains what each part of the code means, and walks you through exactly what details you need to share before initiating any international transfer.
HDFCINBBXXX
This is the default SWIFT code for HDFC Bank's head office. If you're unsure which branch-specific code to use, give this one to the sender. Most correspondent banks route the payment correctly from here.
Each HDFC Bank branch gets its own unique SWIFT code. Here's the list for major cities:
SWIFT Code
City
Country
HDFCINBBBNG
Bangalore
India
HDFCINBBAHM
Ahmedabad
HDFCINBBCAL
Kolkata
HDFCINBBGMT
Mumbai
HDFCINBBTRS
HDFCINBBCUS
HDSEINBBXXX
HDFCINBBDEL
New Delhi
HDFCINBBPNE
Pune
HDFCINBBHYD
Hyderabad
HDFCINBBCOC
Kochi
HDFCINBBCHE
Chennai
Not sure about your branch? Call HDFC customer care or walk into the branch and ask. They'll give you the exact code in under a minute.
SWIFT codes run between 8 and 11 characters. Every segment tells the system something specific about the destination bank. Take HDFCINBBAHM as an example:
HDFC — The bank code. First four letters, always representing HDFC Bank.
IN — The country code. IN stands for India.
BB — The location code. This points to the head office city or regional hub.
AHM — The branch code. AHM refers to the Ahmedabad branch specifically.
When you see XXX at the end instead of a branch code, that just means the payment is going to the primary office rather than a named branch.
The short answer: money needs a precise address.
A SWIFT code tied to the Delhi branch can't correctly route a payment meant for an account in Pune. Each branch processes its own international transactions and operates independently within the network. Using the right branch code cuts down processing time and removes any back-and-forth between correspondent banks trying to figure out where the funds belong.
1. Your bank statement — The SWIFT code is printed on most HDFC Bank account statements, usually near the IFSC code.
2. HDFC NetBanking — Log in, go to account details, and look under international banking information.
3. Visit the branch — Any HDFC Bank counter staff can give you the branch SWIFT code on the spot.
4. Call HDFC customer care — Dial the helpline and ask specifically for the SWIFT code of your branch.
Put together this information before you ask anyone to send you money internationally through HDFC Bank:
The transfer either bounces back to the sender or gets stuck in a correspondent bank queue while someone manually investigates. This usually takes 3 to 7 business days to resolve, and the sender may be charged correction fees by their bank. Some banks charge both sides.
Always confirm the SWIFT code with your branch before sharing it — especially if the transfer involves a large amount.
SWIFT (Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication) is the messaging network that banks use to communicate payment instructions across borders. It doesn't actually move money — it sends the instruction that tells the receiving bank to credit your account.
The network connects over 11,000 banks and financial institutions across 200+ countries. Every message on the network is encrypted, so your payment instructions can't be intercepted or tampered with in transit.
The primary SWIFT code is HDFCINBBXXX. For branch-specific transfers, use the code matching your account's home branch from the table above.
No. Every branch has its own code based on its city and location. Using a mismatched code can delay your transfer.
No. The sending bank requires it to route the funds. Without a valid SWIFT code, the transfer won't go through.
It's usually listed in the account information section alongside your IFSC code and account number.
Use the head office code HDFCINBBXXX. The payment will still reach your account, though it may take slightly longer than using the branch-specific code.
Yes. Under RBI guidelines, you'll need to declare the purpose of any incoming foreign remittance. Your bank will ask for this when the funds arrive.
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