SWIFT/BIC codes in Cook Islands

Finding a SWIFT code in Cook Islands

This directory lists 6 banks and other institutions in Cook Islands and 6 SWIFT/BIC codes between them. A BIC shows every bank in the chain which institution should receive an international payment.

Look for the bank you need in the list and click through to see all codes we have and the details a transfer needs. The rest of this page explain the structure of the codes, the cost of transfers and how to avoid mistakes before you send money.

Transfer times to Cook Islands

A SWIFT payment to Cook Islands typically takes one to a few business days, depending on the currency, the route and the banks involved. Public holidays in Cook Islands or in the sending country add extra days, because banks do not process payments on those days.

A growing number of banks are connected to SWIFT gpi for faster and traceable payments. Every payment carries a unique reference, the UETR that banks can use to see where the money is. Specialist transfer services usually show tracking online, which makes it easier to see where the money is.

International payments to Cook Islands and the BIC

Cook Islands is not part of the SEPA area. Payments from abroad normally travel through the SWIFT network, and the BIC of the receiving bank is required.

Not all countries use IBAN numbers – where there is none, the local account number is enough. Ask the recipient which details their bank needs for incoming international payments. International transfers sometimes go via one or more intermediary banks, each of which may deduct a fee.

The New Zealand Dollar (NZD) and conversion costs

Cook Islands uses the New Zealand Dollar, code NZD. Money sent in a different currency will be exchanged into NZD before it reaches the account, and whoever converts it chooses the rate.

Who converts the money makes a difference. Check how much NZD the recipient gets via different providers; the difference between options can be larger than you expect. Exchange rates change all the time, so a quote is usually valid only briefly.

How SWIFT codes from Cook Islands are built

A BIC is 8 or 11 characters long and the parts always come in the same order. The first four letters stand for the bank, the fifth and sixth characters are the country code and characters seven and eight mark the location.

For banks in Cook Islands, letters five and six are the two-letter ISO code of Cook Islands – that is the quickest way to spot one. When those two letters do not match Cook Islands, you are looking at a bank in another country – worth double-checking.

The long version adds three characters for a branch, where XXX means the head office. Choose a branch code only when the recipient explicitly gives you one.

The largest SWIFT network in Cook Islands: Australia and New Zealand Banking Group LTD.

Of the 6 banks in Cook Islands, Australia and New Zealand Banking Group LTD. has the largest number of SWIFT codes. The head office of Australia and New Zealand Banking Group LTD. has ANZBCKCRXXX.

Many codes often reflects that the bank registers branches and departments separately, not necessarily that the bank is the biggest in the country. If not a branch code is given, ANZBCKCRXXX is fine for transfers to this bank.

Bank or transfer service for Cook Islands?

A bank transfer to Cook Islands can cost more than the fee suggests. You pay the transfer fee, possibly fees from correspondent banks and, above all, the exchange rate markup if the money is converted.

The markup on the rate tends to be the largest cost item because it is hidden in the rate. Compare the bank’s rate with the mid-market rate.

Specialised transfer providers frequently offer a rate near the mid-market rate. Before you send money to Cook Islands, it is worth to compare the total cost via GoldexPay rather than accepting the first rate you see.

Verifying a SWIFT code from Cook Islands

The most reliable place for the right code remains paperwork issued by the bank. An incorrect BIC can cause delays, a returned payment or additional charges.

We collect SWIFT/BIC codes from public sources and update them regularly. Institutions reorganise, change names and change codes. For a payment that matters, check the BIC with the recipient’s bank. We are an independent comparison service for money transfers and not part of any bank listed here.

Be wary of payment requests containing a new account, especially when they come by email. Before paying, verify changed details through a separate channel, using a number you already had.

Incoming international payments in Cook Islands

When you are waiting for money from abroad on an account in Cook Islands, give the sender everything they need in one go. Give them your name as registered with the bank, your account number or IBAN, your bank’s SWIFT code and your address, which some banks require.

Look up the bank in the list on this page to check its code, but take the code from your own bank details when in doubt. Certain sending banks also want the name and address of your bank; it does no harm to include it.

The amount you receive is often lower than the amount sent. Charges on incoming payments vary per bank – your bank’s price list tells you what applies. Agree with the sender who covers the fees, especially for larger amounts.