In South Africa, a “bank code” may mean a branch code or a SWIFT code, depending on the payment instructions. The examples below are branch-code lookups—not SWIFT codes—and should be checked with the bank or recipient before you send money.
Branch codes and SWIFT codes are different identifiers
A branch code identifies a bank or branch for payment instructions. South African universal branch codes are used in contexts such as EFTs and salary payments; a code directory also describes them as relevant to SWIFT transfers. A SWIFT code is a separate bank identifier. Do not assume one can replace the other: use the identifier requested by the payment form or transfer instructions.
Common South African bank branch-code examples
This table is a lookup aid, not a confirmation of the details for a particular account or payment. CodeZA describes its bank-code information as sourced from the relevant banks’ websites. The examples below are not independently verified here against each bank’s current instructions.
| Bank | Identifier and example | Payment context | Verification source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Bank | Branch code: 051001 | Branch-code instructions, such as EFT or salary payments | Confirm with Standard Bank or the recipient; CodeZA lists the example |
| Absa | Branch code: 632005 | Branch-code instructions, such as EFT or salary payments | Confirm with Absa or the recipient; CodeZA lists the example |
| FNB | Branch code: 250655 | Branch-code instructions, such as EFT or salary payments | Confirm with FNB or the recipient; CodeZA lists the example |
| Nedbank | Branch code: 198765 | Branch-code instructions, such as EFT or salary payments | Confirm with Nedbank or the recipient; CodeZA lists the example |
| Capitec Bank | Branch code: 470010 | Branch-code instructions, such as EFT or salary payments | Confirm with Capitec Bank or the recipient; CodeZA lists the example |
| TymeBank (GoTyme) | Branch code: 678910 | Branch-code instructions, such as EFT or salary payments | Confirm with TymeBank or the recipient; CodeZA lists the example |
| African Bank | Branch code: 430000 | Branch-code instructions, such as EFT or salary payments | Confirm with African Bank or the recipient; CodeZA lists the example |
| Bidvest Bank | Branch code: 462005 | Branch-code instructions, such as EFT or salary payments | Confirm with Bidvest Bank or the recipient; CodeZA lists the example |
| Postbank | Branch code: 460005 | Branch-code instructions, such as EFT or salary payments | Confirm with Postbank or the recipient; CodeZA lists the example |
Before sending money, confirm the details with your bank or the person you are paying. That is CodeZA’s own guidance; a directory entry should not be treated as confirmation of the destination account’s payment details.
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How to verify a code before making a payment
- Check the payment instructions to see whether they ask for a branch code or a SWIFT code.
- Look up the relevant identifier in the bank’s current payment instructions, or contact the bank directly.
- Confirm the full destination details with the recipient before submitting the transfer, especially if the recipient supplied the details separately.
What the directory’s date means
CodeZA says its bank-code information comes from the relevant banks’ own websites and that its last full check was on 30 September 2026. That is the directory’s stated checking date and method; it does not independently confirm every example in this guide or establish that each code was checked in April 2026. For an upcoming payment, rely on the bank’s current instructions or direct confirmation from the recipient.
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