BIC

Meanings

1. 1abbreviationcountablefinancebusiness

   A code that identifies a bank in international payments; Bank Identifier Code.

   Grammar: Countable: a BIC, two BICs. It is usually written in capitals and often followed by 'code' or 'number'.

   Patterns

   • BIC code
   • BIC number
   • send money using a BIC

   Please provide your bank's BIC so we can send the payment.

   The BIC is an eight- or eleven-character code.

   You will need the IBAN and BIC to make an international transfer.

2. 2nouncountabletrademarkinformal

   A brand of disposable pens and lighters, often used informally for any cheap pen.

   Grammar: Countable: a Bic, two Bics. Often written with a capital B and lowercase ic as a trademark, but many people write BIC.

   Patterns

   • a Bic pen
   • a Bic lighter

   Can I borrow a Bic? Mine has run out of ink.

   He always carries a Bic lighter in his pocket.

Word forms

Common combinations

BIC code

The BIC code helps banks identify each other during transfers.

SWIFT/BIC

You can find the SWIFT/BIC on your bank statement.

BIC pen

She signed the form with a blue BIC pen.

Synonyms and how they differ

SWIFT code

A more common name for the same thing in everyday banking; BIC is the official term.

Commonly confused: BIC or IBAN?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “BIC”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

Explore more words