IFSC, SWIFT and AD codes all identify your bank, but for completely different jobs. IFSC routes domestic rupee transfers, SWIFT routes international payments to your bank, and the AD code identifies the bank branch handling your export transactions, which is the code that goes into field 1.6 of your EDF. Mixing them up is one of the most common reasons an EDF comes back.
Key takeaways
- IFSC: for domestic transfers such as NEFT, RTGS and IMPS within India.
- SWIFT (or BIC): for international transfers; your foreign clients need it to pay you.
- AD code: identifies the AD bank branch for export transactions; it belongs on the EDF, not the invoice.
- The AD code is not printed on your cheque book; ask your branch for it.
- Put SWIFT and account details on export invoices, and the AD code on the EDF.
The three codes side by side
| Point | IFSC | SWIFT / BIC | AD code |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full form | Indian Financial System Code | Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication code (Business Identifier Code) | Authorised Dealer code |
| What it identifies | A specific bank branch in India | A bank (and sometimes branch) worldwide | The AD bank branch for export and import transactions |
| Used for | NEFT, RTGS, IMPS and other domestic transfers | Receiving and sending international payments | Export declarations and related reporting |
| Format | 11 characters, letters and digits | 8 or 11 characters | A code issued by your bank; ask for it |
| Who needs it from you | Indian payers | Foreign clients and their banks | Your AD bank, and customs for goods exporters |
| Where you find it | Cheque book, passbook, bank website | Bank's international payment instructions | Ask your branch or relationship manager |
| Goes on | Domestic invoices | Export invoices, for payment instructions | EDF field 1.6 |
IFSC: the domestic routing code
The IFSC is an 11-character code that identifies a specific branch within India's domestic payment systems. When an Indian client pays you by NEFT or RTGS, the IFSC directs the money to your branch.
For export work, the IFSC has a limited role. Your foreign client cannot use it to send an international wire, and it has nothing to do with the EDF. It is still useful to have on file, because some foreign payment platforms deliver money to your Indian account through domestic rails, which need it.
SWIFT: how foreign money finds your bank
A SWIFT code, also called a BIC, identifies your bank in the international payments network. When a client in Boston pays you by wire, its bank uses your bank's SWIFT code plus your account number to route the money. Some banks route foreign payments through a central treasury or a specific branch, so the SWIFT code your bank gives you may not match your local branch's name.
Indian accounts do not use IBANs. If a European client asks for one, give your account number and your bank's SWIFT code instead, along with any intermediary bank details your bank provides. Our guide to bank details on an export invoice shows how to lay these out.
AD code: the export reporting code
The AD code identifies the branch of your AD Category-I bank that handles your export transactions. It is how the bank and the reporting systems link your export declarations to the right place. For services exporters, its main home is field 1.6 of the EDF. Goods exporters also register their AD code with customs so shipping bills link to their bank.
You will not find it on your cheque book or in your net-banking profile in most cases. Ask your branch or relationship manager, and note that it may belong to a designated AD branch rather than your home branch. If you prefer a written request, our AD code request letter has the details your bank will need.
Where each code goes on your documents
| Document | IFSC | SWIFT | AD code |
|---|---|---|---|
| Domestic GST invoice | Yes, with account number | Not needed | No |
| Export invoice to a foreign client | Optional | Yes, with account number and any intermediary details | No |
| EDF (field 1.6) | No | No | Yes |
| EDF (field 1.10, AD bank name and address) | No | No | Name and address of the AD branch |
| Letter to bank about exports | Optional | Optional | Yes, helps the bank locate your records |
A worked example: the code that got mixed up
Bluebell Consulting LLP, a Chennai advisory firm, prepared its first EDF for October 2026. The partner filling the form saw "AD code" in field 1.6, looked at the cheque book, and copied the IFSC. The bank returned the form, pointing out the error.
The partner then rang the relationship manager, who confirmed that export transactions on the account are handled by a designated AD branch in another part of the city, with its own AD code and address. Bluebell corrected fields 1.6 and 1.10 and resubmitted on 20 November, inside the 30 November deadline.
At the same time, Bluebell checked its export invoice template. It showed the IFSC under "bank details" but no SWIFT code, which is why one US client had asked how to wire the money. The template now carries the account number, SWIFT code and the intermediary bank details the bank provided.
This is general information, not legal or tax advice; your bank's own instructions decide which codes and details it wants.
Frequently asked questions
Is the AD code the same as the IFSC?
No. The IFSC routes domestic payments to a specific branch. The AD code identifies the AD bank branch for export transactions and is what goes into field 1.6 of the EDF.
Is the AD code the same as the SWIFT code?
No. The SWIFT code identifies your bank for international payments and goes on your export invoice so clients can pay you. The AD code is used for export reporting and goes on the EDF.
Where do I find my AD code?
Ask your bank branch or relationship manager. It is usually not printed on cheque books or statements, and it may belong to a designated AD branch rather than the branch where you opened your account.
Do I need to put the AD code on my export invoice?
No, clients do not need it. Your export invoice should carry your account number, your bank's SWIFT code and any intermediary bank details. The AD code goes on the EDF.
What do I give a European client who asks for an IBAN?
Indian bank accounts do not have IBANs. Give your account number, your bank's SWIFT code and any intermediary bank instructions your bank provides, and ask the client to send an international wire using those.
Bottom line
Use IFSC for domestic payments, SWIFT for foreign clients, and the AD code for your EDF. Once you have your AD code from the bank, our free EDF form generator puts it in the right field along with the rest of your monthly declaration.
This guide is general information for Indian businesses, not legal or tax advice. Rules and bank processes change — confirm specifics with your AD bank or chartered accountant.