Sparkasse Saarbruecken SWIFT/BIC code

SAKSDE55 – the SWIFT/BIC code of Sparkasse Saarbruecken

The short code SAKSDE55 and the 11-character code SAKSDE55XXX identify the same bank: Sparkasse Saarbruecken in Saarbruecken, Germany. A SWIFT code tells the sending bank exactly which bank is meant to get the money, a bit like a postal address for banks. In daily life you mostly come across it on invoices from abroad, in payment forms and in the bank details of Sparkasse Saarbruecken customers.

Below we go through the practical questions: money coming in from abroad, sending money abroad and how to verify the code before you confirm a payment. Keep in mind that the SWIFT code just identifies the bank, not the person: the IBAN or account number takes care of that.

Sending money abroad from Sparkasse Saarbruecken

The price of an international transfer has several parts. On top of a fixed fee, correspondent or intermediary banks can deduct a fee, and when the money changes currency, the bank usually applies a rate below the real market rate.

Most of the cost usually sits in the exchange rate, rather than in the fee: the bank converts using an exchange rate with a margin built in. An easy check: put the rate you get against the mid-market rate and look at the difference.

For many routes, a transfer service turns out to be less expensive than a bank, mainly because of the exchange rate. On GoldexPay we compare what recipients receive across services. Using a transfer service does not require leaving Sparkasse Saarbruecken: you simply pay the service from your account.

Euro transfers to Sparkasse Saarbruecken: is a BIC needed?

Because Germany is in the SEPA zone, a euro transfer to Sparkasse Saarbruecken from another SEPA country usually requires just an IBAN. Many banks do not require the BIC in that case.

For anything other than euros and for senders outside SEPA, SAKSDE55XXX remains part of the payment details. Some forms still show a field for the BIC; if so, fill in SAKSDE55 or SAKSDE55XXX.

Euro payments within SEPA usually arrive within one business day, and instant transfers in seconds where both banks support them. Charges on SEPA transfers tend to be low.

Verifying the SWIFT code of Sparkasse Saarbruecken

The safest source for a SWIFT code is the recipient’s own bank details. Compare it with SAKSDE55 on this page.

An incorrect BIC can cause a delay, a payment being sent back or additional charges for investigation. Remember the IBAN: an error there is harder to correct than a wrong BIC.

A format check by your bank only tells you that the code exists – not that it belongs to the person you mean to pay. If your bank offers it, a name check on the recipient gives an extra layer of safety. Sending a small amount first can be worth it for a large first payment despite the extra fee.

How up to date is this code?

The codes on this page come from public sources that we update regularly. It is possible that information on this page is no longer current, for example after a merger. The figures on this page are based on what is in our directory, not official figures from Sparkasse Saarbruecken.

Treat our directory on this page as a handy check and rely on the recipient or Sparkasse Saarbruecken for the final confirmation. GoldexPay is an independent comparison service and not affiliated with Sparkasse Saarbruecken. If you notice something that is out of date, we appreciate a message.

Protect yourself against fake payment requests

Fraudsters often send fake invoices with changed bank details. The fact that SAKSDE55 exists is no guarantee that a request mentioning it is legitimate – fraudsters use real bank codes as well.

Verify new bank details via a different channel, such as a phone number you already know. Be suspicious of urgent requests, odd spelling or a sender address that is slightly off. When a payment has already gone to a fraudster, contact your bank immediately: the sooner they act, the better the chance of a recall.

People receiving money can be targeted as well: a classic trick is a buyer who pays too much followed by a request to send back the difference. A payment confirmation from the sender proves nothing; only your own account shows what has arrived.

Tracking a transfer to or from Sparkasse Saarbruecken

A SWIFT payment typically needs one to a few business days, depending on the currency, the route and the banks involved. Weekends and public holidays in the sending or receiving country add a day or more. Compliance checks on larger or unusual payments may also cause a delay.

Many banks are connected to SWIFT gpi, which lets them follow a payment from bank to bank. Every gpi transfer gets a unique transaction reference, the UETR that banks can use to trace it. Specialist transfer services usually show a status online so you can see where the money is.

The bank that sent the money can request a trace or a recall; the receiving side usually has nothing to trace yet. On the receiving end, you can check your account to see a partial amount, since fees may have been deducted.

Receiving money from abroad at Sparkasse Saarbruecken

Someone abroad who wants to pay you needs a few details from you, and missing ones are a common cause of delays. In practice that means: your name as registered with Sparkasse Saarbruecken, your account number or IBAN, the BIC SAKSDE55XXX and, often, your address.

It helps to include the bank name and its city too, since some forms ask for it. Check every detail before you send them.

Do not be surprised if the amount credited is below the amount on the sender’s receipt. Fees for incoming transfers differ from bank to bank; check the price list of Sparkasse Saarbruecken. On invoices, you can state who bears the costs, so that nobody is left short.

Choosing between the 2 SWIFT codes of Sparkasse Saarbruecken

Our directory lists 2 SWIFT/BIC codes for Sparkasse Saarbruecken, spread over 1 locations. Besides the head office code SAKSDE55XXX, there are codes for regional offices and specialised units.

For the vast majority of payments to a private or business account, the head office code SAKSDE55XXX is the right choice. Only use a branch code when the recipient explicitly asks for it, for example on a letter or invoice.

If you are not sure, check with the recipient which code their bank gave them. Branch codes are more likely to be retired than the head office code when a bank merges or closes offices.

The Euro and what conversion costs you

The currency of Germany is the Euro (EUR). Money sent in a different currency is converted into EUR. Each conversion eats into something.

Who does the conversion has an effect on the final amount. Often it is cheaper if you send EUR directly via a provider with a good rate rather than letting the receiving bank convert.

Rates for EUR move all the time. For regular payments, small differences in the rate make a real difference over time.

SAKSDE55 or SAKSDE55XXX – which one to use?

Each SWIFT/BIC code has an 8-character core: a four-letter bank code, two letters for the country and two characters for the location. That gives you SAKSDE55.

XXX at the end of SAKSDE55XXX is not a placeholder or an error: it indicates the main office of Sparkasse Saarbruecken. Certain payment forms ask for 11 characters, in which case you simply enter XXX after SAKSDE55.

In practice the code is typed in capitals, without spaces or dashes. Pasting the code beats retyping it, because one wrong letter changes the bank.