SWIFT/BIC codes in Algeria

Bank SWIFT codes for Algeria

In Algeria our database holds 119 SWIFT/BIC codes from 10 banks. You will need such a code mostly when making international transfers.

Pick the bank from the list to view the head office code and any branch codes. The sections below covers how the codes work, the cost of transfers and how to avoid mistakes before you send money.

Transfer times to Algeria

There is no single delivery time for transfers to Algeria: many arrive the same day or the next while others need several business days. Public holidays in Algeria or in the sending country add a day or more, because banks do not process payments on those days.

Many banks use SWIFT gpi, which lets them follow a payment from bank to bank. Each payment carries a unique reference, the UETR, which the sending bank can use to trace it. Money transfer services usually provide a status online so you can follow the payment.

Recognising a SWIFT code from Algeria

A SWIFT code is 8 or 11 characters long and the parts always come in the same order. First comes a four-letter bank code, then a two-letter country code and a two-character location code.

Whatever the bank, all Algeria codes share the same fifth and sixth letters, namely the ISO code of Algeria. When those two letters do not match Algeria, the code belongs to a bank in another country, so check again.

If the last three are XXX, it refers to the main office. In most cases the head office code is fine.

What a transfer to Algeria really costs

What you pay for a payment to Algeria is made up of several parts – not only the fee you see. On top of the fee, intermediary banks can take a cut, and when the money is converted the bank often applies a rate below the actual market rate.

The markup on the rate tends to be the largest cost item, even though it is not listed as a fee. A simple test: set the rate you get next to the mid-market rate and work out the difference on your amount.

For many routes, a transfer service turns out to be cheaper than a bank, mainly because of the rate. Before you send money to Algeria, it is worth to compare the total cost via GoldexPay rather than accepting the first rate you see.

How reliable is this list?

Ask the recipient to send you their bank details straight from their online banking. An incorrect BIC may lead to delays, a returned payment or additional charges.

The directory on GoldexPay draws on publicly available sources that we update periodically. Even so, banks merge, rename themselves or change codes. Treat our data as a starting point rather than the last word; the recipient’s bank details are leading. We are an independent comparison site for money transfers and not part of any bank listed here.

Scammers often send fake invoices with new bank details that look completely genuine. A valid BIC says nothing about whether a request is genuine: criminals use real codes too.

Paying a bank in Algeria from abroad

Because Algeria does not belong to SEPA, a transfer from abroad normally goes through SWIFT. That means the payment always needs the SWIFT/BIC code of the recipient’s bank, together with the account number or IBAN.

Not all countries use the IBAN – where there is none, the local account number is enough. The receiving bank usually provides a list of required details for incoming international payments, and it is worth following them to the letter. On the way to Algeria, a payment can pass through intermediary banks that charge for their part.

Getting paid from abroad into an account in Algeria

Someone abroad who wants to pay you will ask for a few details from you. In practice that means: your full name exactly as it appears on the account, your IBAN or account number, the BIC of your bank and usually your address.

Your bank’s code appears in the list on this page. Some banks also want your bank’s address; it does no harm to include it.

What lands in your account can be lower than what was sent. Intermediary banks may deduct a fee, and when currencies differ, a markup on the rate comes on top. For business payments, state who bears the costs.

Which bank in Algeria has the most codes?

Of all banks in Algeria, Banque Exterieure D'algerie is listed with the largest number of SWIFT codes. Its head office code is BEXADZALXXX, which is the code to use when no branch is specified.

Banks differ in how many codes they register – a high count is not a measure of size. Paying someone at Banque Exterieure D'algerie? Use BEXADZALXXX unless the recipient gives you a branch code.