SWIFT/BIC codes in Ethiopia

SWIFT/BIC codes in Ethiopia

This overview covers 19 banks and other institutions in Ethiopia. Every code points to an institution or a specific branch or department, so a payment from abroad reaches the right place.

Search for the recipient’s bank below and click through for the full list of codes. The rest of this page covers the structure of the codes, what transfers cost and how to avoid mistakes before a payment.

Sending money to Ethiopia for less

A bank transfer to Ethiopia can cost rather more than you think. You pay the transfer fee, sometimes fees from correspondent banks along the way and, most importantly, the margin on the exchange rate.

That exchange rate margin is often the largest cost item. Compare the rate you are offered with the mid-market rate that you find on financial sites. The difference is your real cost.

For a lot of currency pairs, a specialist provider is less expensive than a bank. GoldexPay compares transfer services side by side, showing the amount that reaches the recipient for the same amount sent.

Verifying a SWIFT code from Ethiopia

Have the recipient copy their bank details straight from their banking app. When the code you were given does not match the code listed here, stop and ask.

Our SWIFT/BIC directory draws on public sources that we update periodically. Still, banks merge, rename themselves or change codes. Treat this list as a starting point, not as the final word: the bank details from the recipient come first. GoldexPay is an independent comparison site and is not affiliated with the banks listed.

Fraudsters often use payment requests with changed bank details from what looks like a familiar address. Before paying, confirm changed details through a separate channel.

Receiving money in Ethiopia from abroad

When you expect a payment from another country in Ethiopia, send the payer all details at once. That means: your name exactly as it appears on the account, your account number or IBAN, the BIC of your bank and usually your address.

Your bank’s code appears in our list but always compare it with your own bank details. Certain sending banks may also ask for the name and address of your bank; it does no harm to include it.

The amount you receive is often lower than what was sent. Fees for incoming transfers vary per bank; check the price list of your bank. Make clear with the sender who pays which costs.

Most SWIFT codes in Ethiopia: Commercial Bank of Ethiopia

Of the 19 banks we list for Ethiopia, Commercial Bank of Ethiopia is listed with the most codes. Its main office uses CBETETAAXXX; that is usually the right code for a transfer.

A large number of codes often means separate codes for branches, departments or services, not necessarily that the bank is the biggest in the country. Unless the recipient asks for a branch, the head office code CBETETAAXXX works for transfers to this bank.

Recognising a SWIFT code from Ethiopia

A SWIFT code is 8 or 11 characters long. It starts with four letters for the bank, followed by two letters for the country and a two-character location code.

In every code from Ethiopia, characters five and six are the ISO country code of Ethiopia, which makes these codes easy to recognise. If the country letters point to another country, the code belongs to a bank somewhere else – worth double-checking.

When a code ends in XXX, it means the main office and the short version works just as well. For most transfers the head office code is what you need unless the recipient asks for a specific branch.

Why a transfer to Ethiopia needs a SWIFT code

For Ethiopia you will usually need a SWIFT/BIC code. Without the BIC, most banks will not send the payment.

Not every country uses IBAN numbers – where there is none, the local account number is enough. Ask the recipient which details their bank requires for incoming international payments. On the way to Ethiopia, a payment may go through correspondent banks that take a fee.

When does money sent to Ethiopia arrive?

How quickly money reaches Ethiopia is determined by several factors: the currency, the number of banks in between, cut-off times and differences in time zone. Transfers sent after the cut-off time or just before a weekend or public holiday usually start a business day later.

When a payment takes longer than expected, ask the sender to contact their own bank. Save the payment confirmation until the recipient confirms.