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Kuwait IBAN

KW·KWD

The International Bank Account Number (IBAN) for Kuwait is 30 characters long and is used to identify bank accounts for international transactions via the SWIFT network.

A Kuwait IBAN begins with the country code KW and two check digits, followed by the 26-character BBAN (Basic Bank Account Number). The Kuwait BBAN encodes a 4-character bank code, followed by a 22-character account number. International transfers to Kuwait are processed in KWD via SWIFT, typically taking 1–3 business days. Always include the full 30-character IBAN together with the bank's BIC/SWIFT code when making or receiving international payments.

IBAN Length

30 chars

Currency

KWD

SEPA

No

Banks

6+

Example IBAN

Electronic format

KW81CBKU0000000000001234560101

Print format

KW81 CBKU 0000 0000 0000 1234 5601 01

IBAN structure for Kuwait

A Kuwait IBAN is 30 characters long and consists of the following components:

Country code

KW

Check digits

81

Bank code

4 chars

Account number

22 chars

Total length30 characters

BBAN format details

The Basic Bank Account Number (BBAN) is the domestic part of the IBAN, following the country code and check digits. Here is the BBAN validation format for Kuwait:

Bank code4 characters

^[A-Z]{4}

Account number22 characters

^[a-zA-Z0-9]{22}

Major banks in Kuwait

6 banks in Kuwait that support IBAN-based international transfers:

N

National Bank Of Kuwait

C

Commercial Bank Of Kuwait Sak,the

G

Gulf Bank, K.s.c.

B

Boubyan Bank (k.s.c

B

Burgan Bank

K

Kuwait Finance House (k.s.c.

Understanding IBAN in Kuwait

What is the IBAN format in Kuwait

An IBAN (International Bank Account Number) is an internationally-agreed code made up of up to 34 letters and numbers that helps banks make sure that international transfers are processed correctly. Each set of characters represents a different detail for your bank account. You can see the breakdown of this IBAN below.

What is the IBAN code in Kuwait

IBAN in Kuwait consists of 30 characters: 2 letter country code 2 digit check number 4 characters from the bank's bank code 22 digit code for the bank account number

Do you need an IBAN in Kuwait

Yes. If you’re making – or expecting to receive – an international money transfer to a bank account in Kuwait, then just a standard bank account number isn’t enough. If you want your money to arrive quickly and safely, you’ll usually need to give the bank a few extra details, such as an IBAN or SWIFT code. Banks assign IBANs to each of their accounts to make sure that international transfers are processed correctly. IBANs contain all of the country, bank, and account details you need to send or receive money internationally. This system is used throughout Europe, and also recognised in some areas of the Middle East, North Africa and the Caribbean.

Frequently asked questions

What is the IBAN format for Kuwait?

A Kuwaiti IBAN is exactly 30 characters long — one of the longest in the world. It starts with KW, 2 check digits, a 4-character alphanumeric bank code, and a 22-character account number. Example: KW81 CBKU 0000 0000 0000 1234 5601 01.

Why is the Kuwaiti IBAN 30 characters?

Kuwait's 30-character IBAN reflects the extended domestic account numbering system used by Kuwaiti banks. The 22-character account number portion within the IBAN is longer than most other countries, which results in the total IBAN length of 30 characters.

Is Kuwait part of SEPA?

No. Kuwait is not a SEPA member. All international transfers to Kuwait are routed through the SWIFT network. Domestically, the Kuwait Automated Settlement System (KASS) processes interbank KWD transfers using the IBAN.

What are the bank codes for NBK, KFH, Gulf Bank, and Burgan Bank?

Kuwaiti bank codes (4 characters, positions 5–8 of the IBAN): National Bank of Kuwait (NBK) uses NBOK, Kuwait Finance House (KFH) uses KFHO, Gulf Bank uses GULF, and Burgan Bank uses BURG. Commercial Bank of Kuwait uses COMB.

How do I find my IBAN at a Kuwaiti bank?

Your KW IBAN is available in your bank's mobile app or internet banking portal under account details. NBK's mobile banking, KFH's app, and Gulf Bank's digital banking all show the 30-character IBAN. You can also find it on your bank statement or by calling your bank's customer service.

What do I need to give a sender to receive a transfer to Kuwait?

Provide your full 30-character KW IBAN and your bank's SWIFT/BIC code. NBK's SWIFT code is NBOKKWKW; KFH's is KFHOKWKW; Gulf Bank's is GULBKWKW. Without the SWIFT code, international banks cannot route the payment to the correct Kuwaiti institution.

What is the current KWD exchange rate and why does it matter for transfers?

The Kuwaiti dinar (KWD) is pegged to a basket of currencies and is currently one of the highest-valued currencies by nominal exchange rate. When receiving an international transfer, the KWD exchange rate applied by the sending bank or service can significantly affect the amount received. Always compare the mid-market rate with the rate offered by your provider — the spread on KWD can be considerable for large transfers.

How long does a SWIFT transfer to Kuwait take?

International SWIFT transfers to Kuwait typically take 1–3 business days. Transfers from GCC countries (UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain) often settle faster due to direct banking relationships. NBK, as one of the most internationally connected Kuwaiti banks, typically processes inbound SWIFT credits faster than smaller domestic institutions.

How IBAN is used in Kuwait

Kuwait adopted IBAN under the supervision of the Central Bank of Kuwait (CBK). Kuwaiti bank accounts carry a 30-character IBAN — one of the longest in the world — prefixed with KW. Kuwait is not a SEPA member; all cross-border transfers are routed through the SWIFT network. The domestic currency is the Kuwaiti dinar (KWD), consistently one of the highest-valued currencies globally. Domestic interbank transfers are settled through the Kuwait Automated Settlement System (KASS).

A Kuwait IBAN is 30 characters long: the country code KW, two check digits, a four-character alphanumeric bank code, and a 22-character account number. National Bank of Kuwait — NBK (bank code NBOK) is the largest bank. Kuwait Finance House — KFH (KFHO), Gulf Bank (GULF), and Burgan Bank (BURG) are other major institutions. The unusually long IBAN reflects Kuwait's extended domestic account numbering system.
Kuwait's KASS (Kuwait Automated Settlement System) processes domestic KWD interbank payments and uses the IBAN as the account identifier. For inbound international transfers, the sender needs the recipient's full 30-character KW IBAN and the bank's SWIFT/BIC code. Transfers typically arrive within one to two business days.
The Kuwaiti dinar is pegged to a basket of currencies and is currently one of the strongest currencies in the world by nominal value. When receiving an international transfer in KWD, the exchange rate applied by your bank or the sending service can have a significant impact on the final amount received. Compare the mid-market rate against your bank's posted rate, as the KWD spread can be material for large transfers.