SWIFT/BIC codes in Malaysia: banks starting with S

SWIFT/BIC codes in Malaysia

Here you will find codes for 321 institutions in Malaysia. Every code points to an institution or a specific branch or department.

Each bank is listed with its own page showing the head office code and if there are any, branch codes. The rest of this page covers the structure of the codes, the cost of transfers and the checks worth doing.

The largest SWIFT network in Malaysia: United Overseas Bank (Malaysia) Berhad

United Overseas Bank (Malaysia) Berhad leads the list of Malaysia banks when it comes to SWIFT/BIC codes. Its head office code is UOVBMYKLXXX, which is the code to use when no branch is specified.

Many codes usually reflects that the bank registers branches and departments separately. Paying someone at United Overseas Bank (Malaysia) Berhad? Go with UOVBMYKLXXX except when the recipient gives you a branch code.

SWIFT codes in Malaysia: banks under :letter

You are looking at a filtered list: just banks in Malaysia whose name begins with :letter. The figures for Malaysia mentioned here apply to all 321 banks and not only this letter.

If a bank does not appear here, check another letter – the registered name can differ from the name people use. Use the full list for Malaysia when you are not sure the exact name.

About our data and how to check a code

The most reliable place for the right code remains a document from the bank itself. When the code you were given does not match the code listed here, do not guess – contact the recipient or their bank.

The directory on GoldexPay draws on publicly available sources that we update periodically. Banks reorganise, close branches and retire codes – a directory can be a step behind. Before a payment of any size, check the code with the recipient. GoldexPay is an independent comparison site and is not affiliated with the banks listed.

Watch out for invoices containing a new account – a common fraud method. Always confirm changed details through a separate channel.

Sending money to Malaysia for less

A bank transfer to Malaysia often costs more than the fee suggests. There is the transfer fee, possibly charges from intermediary banks along the way and, most importantly, the margin on the exchange rate if the money is converted.

That exchange rate margin tends to be the biggest part of the cost, even though it is not listed as a fee. An easy check: set the offered rate against the mid-market rate and work out the difference on your amount.

For a lot of routes, a specialist provider turns out to be less expensive than a bank, mainly because of the rate. Before your next transfer to Malaysia, take a minute comparing the total cost on GoldexPay instead of going straight to your bank.

Why a transfer to Malaysia needs a SWIFT code

To pay into Malaysia you usually need a SWIFT/BIC code. Without the BIC, your bank cannot process the transfer.

In some countries, accounts are identified by a domestic account number instead of an IBAN, sometimes with an extra bank or branch code. Check with the recipient exactly which details their bank requires for payments from abroad; banks often publish instructions for this. International transfers can pass through correspondent banks and fees can be taken along the way.

Getting paid from abroad into an account in Malaysia

For an international payment in Malaysia, the sender needs more than the SWIFT code. Give them the account holder’s name, your account number or IBAN, the BIC of your bank and your address, which some banks require.

Look up your bank in the list on this page and compare the code with your own bank details. It helps to include the name and city of your bank as well.

Do not be surprised if the amount credited is smaller than what the sender paid. Fees for incoming transfers differ from bank to bank; check the price list of your bank. Agree with the sender who pays which costs before the money is sent.

The structure of a Malaysia SWIFT/BIC code

SWIFT/BIC codes use one international format: eight characters. First comes four letters for the bank, then two letters for the country and two characters for the location.

No matter which bank, all Malaysia codes have the same country code in positions five and six, namely the ISO code of Malaysia. Codes with other letters in that position come from a bank abroad, even if the bank name looks familiar.

The optional last three characters identify a branch or department; XXX is used for the head office. Use a branch code just when the recipient explicitly gives you one – otherwise stick with the head office.

How long does a transfer to Malaysia take?

How fast a payment arrives in Malaysia depends on several factors: which currency you send, how many intermediary banks are involved, daily processing deadlines and time zones. Transfers sent late in the day or on weekends and holidays usually go out a business day later.

A growing number of banks use SWIFT gpi for faster and traceable payments. Every gpi transfer carries a unique reference, the UETR. Keep the payment confirmation until the money has arrived.