SendMoneyCompare — International Money Transfer Comparison

Name: SWIFT/BIC Codes for Banks in South Africa
Creator: SendMoneyCompare
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/

Akif Hazarvi

SWIFT codes in South Africa

ZA · ZAR

Find the correct SWIFT/BIC code for banks in South Africa. Use these codes when sending or receiving international wire transfers. A SWIFT code ensures your payment is routed to the correct bank and branch.

Banks

32

SWIFT codes

4

Branches

14

Currency

ZAR

Banks and SWIFT codes in South Africa

A
AFRICAN BANK LIMITED

SWIFT/BIC	City	Branch	Address
`AFRCZAJJXXX`	JOHANNESBURG	Head Office	59 16TH ROAD, MIDRAND

F
FIRSTRAND BANK LIMITED

SWIFT/BIC	City	Branch	Address
`FIRNZAJJGLM`	JOHANNESBURG	GLM	MERCHANT PLACE 4 CORNER FREDMAN, DRIVE AND RIVONIA R SANDTON
`FIRNZAJJGLO`	JOHANNESBURG	GLO	4 MERCHANT PLACE, CORNER FREDMAN, DRIVE AND RIVONIA R SANDTON
`FIRNZAJJINT`	JOHANNESBURG	INT	MERCHANT PLACE 4 CORNER FREDMAN, DRIVE AND RIVONIA R SANDTON
`FIRNZAJJCLS`	JOHANNESBURG	CLS	4 FIRST PLACE CORNER SIMMONDS AND, PRITCHARD STREETS
`FIRNZAJJDCL`	JOHANNESBURG	DCL	MERCHANT PLACE 4 CORNER FREDMAN, DRIVE AND RIVONIA R SANDTON

N
NEDBANK LIMITED

SWIFT/BIC	City	Branch	Address
`NEDSZAJJCLS`	JOHANNESBURG	CLS	135 RIVONIA ROAD, SANDTON
`NEDSZAJJXXX`	JOHANNESBURG	Head Office	135 RIVONIA ROAD, SANDTON
`NEDSZAJJTSP`	ROODEPOORT	TSP	FLOOR 2ND, LAKEVIEW, 16 CONSTANTIA BOULEVARD

A
ABSA BANK LIMITED

SWIFT/BIC	City	Branch	Address
`ABSAZAJJ2AI`	JOHANNESBURG	2AI	FLOOR 1ST, SOUTH BUILDING, 15 ALICE LANE, SANDTON
`ABSAZAJJFI1`	JOHANNESBURG	FI1	FLOOR 7, ABSA TOWER WEST, 15 TROYE STREET
`ABSAZAJJFI2`	JOHANNESBURG	FI2	FLOOR 7, ABSA TOWER WEST, 15 TROYE STREET
`ABSAZAJJJAS`	JOHANNESBURG	JAS	FLOOR 7, ABSA TOWER WEST, 15 TROYE STREET
`ABSAZAJJMMD`	JOHANNESBURG	MMD	—

Frequently asked questions

What is a SWIFT code for South Africa?

A SWIFT code (BIC) for South Africa is an 8 or 11-character identifier used by South African banks for international wire transfers. The country code portion is ZA. For example, SBZAZAJJ is the SWIFT code for Standard Bank. The structure is: 4 characters for the bank, 2 for country (ZA), 2 for the city, and optionally 3 for the branch.

What are the SWIFT codes for major South African banks?

Key South African bank SWIFT codes include: Standard Bank — SBZAZAJJ, First National Bank (FNB) — FIRNZAJJ, Absa Bank — ABSAZAJJ, Nedbank — NEDSZAJJ, Capitec Bank — CABORAZJ, and Investec — IVESZAJJ. Most international transfers are routed through the bank's head office SWIFT gateway in Johannesburg.

How do I find the SWIFT code for my South African bank?

You can find your South African bank's SWIFT code on your bank statement, in your online banking app, by contacting your bank, or by searching on this page. Standard Bank, FNB, Absa, and Nedbank all display SWIFT codes in their digital banking platforms. Branch-level codes are less commonly used — most transfers go through the head office SWIFT gateway.

Do I need a SWIFT code and branch code for international transfers to South Africa?

Yes. For international wire transfers to South Africa, the sender needs the recipient bank's SWIFT/BIC code, the branch code (six digits), and the account number. The SWIFT code routes the payment to the correct bank, while the branch code and account number identify the specific branch and account. Provide all three to avoid delays.

How long does a SWIFT transfer to South Africa take?

SWIFT transfers to South Africa typically arrive within one to three business days. Transfers from the UK — a major corridor — usually settle within one to two business days. SARB compliance requirements, including exchange control documentation, can add processing time if the recipient's bank requests supporting documents before releasing the funds.

Are there fees for receiving a SWIFT transfer in South Africa?

South African banks typically charge an inbound wire fee and a SWIFT commission, which combined can be ZAR 100–500 depending on the bank and amount. The bank converts incoming foreign currency to ZAR at their exchange rate, which includes a spread over the market rate. For large transfers, the recipient can sometimes negotiate a better rate with the bank's foreign exchange desk.

What are SARB exchange controls and how do they affect inbound transfers?

The South African Reserve Bank (SARB) imposes exchange controls on cross-border payments. For every inbound international transfer, the recipient's bank must establish the purpose of the payment before crediting the funds. Documentation such as invoices, employment contracts, or gift declarations may be required. Delays in providing these documents will hold up the funds until compliance is satisfied.

Can I receive foreign currency directly in a South African bank account?

Standard ZAR accounts cannot hold foreign currency. SARB exchange controls require that inbound foreign currency be converted to ZAR. However, some banks offer foreign currency accounts (FCAs) for individuals and businesses that regularly receive international payments. FCAs are subject to SARB approval and specific conditions. The recipient should discuss FCA options with their bank.

How SWIFT works in South Africa

South Africa's banking system is regulated by the South African Reserve Bank (SARB), which imposes exchange controls on both inbound and outbound cross-border payments. The big four banks — Standard Bank, FirstRand (FNB), Absa, and Nedbank — handle most international SWIFT traffic. All inbound foreign currency transfers are subject to SARB reporting requirements, and the recipient may need to provide supporting documentation before funds are released.

SARB exchange controls require that the purpose of every inbound international payment is declared. The recipient's bank will ask for documentation such as an invoice, employment contract, or gift declaration before crediting foreign currency to a ZAR account. Delays in providing these documents will hold up the funds.
South African banks convert inbound foreign currency to ZAR at their own exchange rate, which typically includes a spread over the market rate. For large transfers, the recipient can sometimes negotiate a better rate with their bank's foreign exchange desk, especially at Standard Bank or FNB which have dedicated treasury operations.
Each of the big four banks has a primary SWIFT code, but branch-level codes are less commonly used. Most international transfers are routed through the bank's head office SWIFT gateway in Johannesburg. Provide the recipient's branch code and account number as supplementary details alongside the main SWIFT code.