In today’s globalized economy, international exchanges are a fundamental part of both personal and business finance; sending and receiving payments internationally is a crucial part of international exchanges. When it comes to sending or receiving money overseas or conducting business abroad, no matter how large or small the transaction is, the SWIFT code is an important part of a rounded and safe transactions. If you are sending money to a Nepali bank, it is vital to know the appropriate SWIFT code for the beneficiary bank. In this article, we will list the details on SWIFT codes of Nepali banks, its importance, and how you can find the SWIFT code of the relevant bank.
What is a SWIFT Code?
The SWIFT code is also referred to as a Bank Identifier Code (BIC). A SWIFT code is a unique identification code used for banks and financial institutions globally for international transfer. The SWIFT code distinguishes the particular bank and branch for international transactions. A SWIFT code consists of 8 to 11 characters divided into four sections:
Bank Code: The first four letters are the bank’s name.
Country Code: The next two characters are the country of the bank.
Location Code: The next two characters of the irreversible codes are the city or area of the bank’s corporate headquarters. Generally, used as KA in Nepal.
Branch Code: The last three characters indicate the particular branch of the bank. SWIFT code of banks in Nepal generally don’t use branch code.
SWIFT Codes of Major Nepali Banks
Here’s a comprehensive list of SWIFT codes for some of the major banks in Nepal:
Commercial Banks Swift Code
| Bank Name | SWIFT Code | Address |
| Agricultural Development Bank Ltd. | ADBLNPKA | Ramshahpath, Kathmandu, Nepal |
| Citizens Bank International Limited | CTZNNPKA | Narayanhitipath, Kathmandu, Nepal |
| Everest Bank Ltd. | EVBLNPKA | Lazimpat, Kathmandu, Nepal |
| Global IME Bank Limited | GLBBNPKA | Kamaladi, Kathmandu, Nepal |
| Himalayan Bank Ltd. | HIMANPKA | Kamaladi, Kathmandu, Nepal |
| Kumari Bank Ltd. | KMBLNPKA | Naxal, Kathmandu, Nepal |
| Laxmi Sunrise Bank Limited | LXBLNPKA | Hattisar, Kathmandu, Nepal |
| Machhapuchchhre Bank Limited | MBLNNPKA | Lazimpat, Kathmandu, Nepal |
| Nabil Bank Limited | NARBNPKA | Nabil Center, Beena Marg, Teendhara, Durbarmarg, Kathmandu, Nepal |
| Nepal Bank Limited | NEBLNPKA | Bhugol Park, Dharmapath, Kathmandu, Nepal |
| Nepal Investment Mega Bank Ltd. | NIBLNPKT | Durbar Marg, Kathmandu, Nepal |
| Nepal SBI Bank Ltd. | NSBINPKA | Kamaladi, Kathmandu, Nepal |
| NIC Asia Bank Limited | NICENPKA | Thapathali, Kathmandu, Nepal |
| NMB Bank Ltd. | NMBBNPKA | Babarmahal, Kathmandu, Nepal |
| Prabhu Bank Ltd. | PRVUNPKA | Anamnagar, Kathmandu, Nepal |
| Prime Commercial Bank Ltd. | PCBLNPKA | Kamalpokhari, Kathmandu, Nepal |
| Rastriya Banijya Bank Ltd. | RBBANPKA | Singhadurbar Plaza, Kathmandu, Nepal |
| Sanima Bank Limited | SNMANPKA | Narayanchaur, Naxal, Kathmandu, Nepal |
| Siddhartha Bank Limited | SIDDNPKA | Naxal, Kathmandu, Nepal |
| Standard Chartered Bank Nepal Limited | SCBLNPKA | Naya Baneshwor, Kathmandu, Nepal |
Development & Infrastructure Banks
| Bank Name | SWIFT Code | Head Office Location |
|---|---|---|
| Jyoti Bikash Bank Ltd. | JYOBNPKA | Kathmandu |
| Nepal Infrastructure Development Bank | NINFNPKA | Kathmandu |
Central Bank – Nepal Rastra Bank SWIFT Code
| Bank Name | SWIFT Code | Head Office Location |
|---|---|---|
| Nepal Rastra Bank | NRBLNPKAFED | Lalitniwas Baluwatar Marg, Kathmandu |
How to Locate Your Bank’s SWIFT Code
If your bank does not appear in the previous list or you need to find the SWIFT code of a branch, here are a few methods for locating it:
Official Bank Website: Just like most banks also include their SWIFT codes on their official bank website. Look for these under “branches,” “international services,” or “contact us” sections.
Bank Statement: The SWIFT code may be listed on your recent bank statements – generally at top or footer area, especially if you have made international transactions previously.
Contact the Bank Directly: Make a phone call to the customer service of your bank or visit the branch itself and ask for the SWIFT code.
Online Bank SWIFT Directories: There are online directories and SWIFT databases that have a listing of SWIFT codes for banks around the world.
Significance of SWIFT Codes in International Transactions
SWIFT codes are significant in international banking transactions for a variety of reasons:
- Correctness: SWIFT codes ensure your funds reach the intended bank and branch with minimal risk of error.
- Security: The exclusive identification provided by SWIFT codes ensures the accuracy of the transaction.
- Speed: Once you are using the right SWIFT codes, the processing time is swifter, and transactions generally clear faster.
- International Aspect: SWIFT codes are a recognized, accepted system internationally, and are known by bank’s globally.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using SWIFT Codes
Using SWIFT codes is relatively easy, however, there are common mistakes someone might make that could create a failure of transaction or delay. Most importantly, double check that you have written the right SWIFT code. If not, you could send the funds to the wrong bank. Anytime you are using a SWIFT code, you should also provide the full name of the bank, the address of the bank, and the account number.
If you are doing international transaction you are required to write the date in AD format, you can use BS/AD date converter for this.
