Bahrain IBAN
A Bahrain IBAN is 22 characters long.
BH and two check digits open every Bahrain IBAN; its remaining 18 form the BBAN (Basic Bank Account Number). Transfers into Bahrain arrive in BHD over SWIFT.
Example Bahrain IBAN
Electronic format
BH67BMAG00001299123456
Print format
BH67 BMAG 0000 1299 1234 56
IBAN structure for Bahrain
Major banks in Bahrain
9 banks in Bahrain that support IBAN-based international transfers:
Format reference: SWIFT IBAN Registry.
Bahrain IBAN questions
What is the IBAN format for Bahrain?
A Bahraini IBAN is exactly 22 characters long. It starts with BH, 2 check digits, a 4-character alphanumeric bank code, and a 14-character account number. Example: BH67 BMAG 0000 1299 1234 56.
Is Bahrain part of SEPA?
No. Bahrain is not a SEPA member. International transfers to Bahrain are processed through the SWIFT network. Domestically, the Bahrain Interbank Settlement System (BISS) and the Bahrain Automated Clearing House (BACH) process interbank BHD payments using the IBAN.
What are the bank codes for Ahli United Bank, NBB, BBK, and Ithmaar Bank?
Bahraini bank codes (4 characters, positions 5–8 of the IBAN): Ahli United Bank uses AUBB, National Bank of Bahrain (NBB) uses NBOB, Bank of Bahrain and Kuwait (BBK) uses BBKU, Ithmaar Bank uses ITHMB, and Al Salam Bank uses BISLB.
How do I find my IBAN at a Bahraini bank?
Your BH IBAN is available in your bank's online banking or mobile app under account details. Ahli United Bank's online banking, NBB's mobile app, and BBK's e-banking portal all display the 22-character IBAN. It is also printed on bank statements and account correspondence.
What do I need to receive an international transfer to Bahrain?
Provide your full 22-character BH IBAN and your bank's SWIFT/BIC code. Ahli United Bank's SWIFT code is AUBBBHBM; NBB's is NBOBBHBM; BBK's is BBKUBHBM. Without both, the sending bank may have difficulty routing the payment correctly.
Is the BHD pegged to the USD and what does that mean for transfers?
Yes. The Bahraini dinar (BHD) is pegged to the US dollar at a fixed rate of 0.376 BHD per USD. This peg has been maintained for decades and makes USD-to-BHD conversion fully predictable — 1 USD always converts to approximately 0.376 BHD. If you are receiving a USD transfer, you can calculate the exact BHD amount before the funds arrive.
How long does a SWIFT transfer to Bahrain take?
SWIFT transfers to Bahrain typically take 1–2 business days. Bahrain is a regional banking hub, and major banks like Ahli United Bank and NBB have strong correspondent banking networks with Middle Eastern, European, and US banks. Transfers from GCC countries often settle same-day or next business day.
How IBAN is used in Bahrain
Bahrain introduced mandatory IBAN use under the Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB) regulatory framework. All Bahraini bank accounts carry a 22-character IBAN prefixed with BH. Bahrain is not part of SEPA; international transfers are processed through SWIFT. Domestically, the Bahrain Interbank Settlement System (BISS) and the Bahrain Automated Clearing House (BACH) use the IBAN for all interbank payment processing in Bahraini dinar (BHD).
- A Bahrain IBAN is 22 characters long: the country code BH, two check digits, a four-character alphanumeric bank code, and a 14-character account number. Major banks include Ahli United Bank (bank code AUBB), National Bank of Bahrain — NBB (NBOB), Bank of Bahrain and Kuwait — BBK (BBKU), and Ithmaar Bank (ITHMB). Your IBAN is displayed in your online banking portal and printed on bank statements.
- Bahrain's BISS and BACH systems handle domestic BHD interbank settlement using the full IBAN. For international transfers, senders outside Bahrain need the recipient's 22-character BH IBAN and the receiving bank's SWIFT/BIC code. Bahrain is a regional financial hub, and major banks like Ahli United Bank and NBB handle high volumes of cross-border SWIFT transfers regularly.
- Bahrain has a significant proportion of expatriate residents who send remittances from their home countries. Inbound transfers in foreign currencies are converted to BHD at the receiving bank's exchange rate, unless the account is a designated foreign currency account. The BHD is pegged to the US dollar at a fixed rate of 0.376 BHD per USD, which means USD transfers arrive with predictable BHD conversion values.
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