Credit Agricole SWIFT/BIC code

AGRIRERX – the SWIFT/BIC code of Credit Agricole

The short code AGRIRERX and the 11-character code AGRIRERXXXX identify one and the same institution: Credit Agricole. The code has a single purpose: it makes sure that a cross-border transfer reaches the right bank. It comes up mostly when dealing with transfers between countries and payments in foreign currencies.

We wrote this page to help people who sends money to an account at Credit Agricole. Keep in mind that the SWIFT code only identifies the bank, not the account: the account number or IBAN takes care of that.

Head office or branch code at Credit Agricole?

Credit Agricole has 3 different SWIFT/BIC codes. One of them is the head office code; the others belong to branches.

Unless the recipient tells you otherwise, use AGRIRERXXXX or its short form AGRIRERX. When you receive a branch code, use it as it is instead of swapping it for the head office code.

Not sure which code to use? Ask the recipient. Codes are sometimes changed or retired when banks reorganise.

Sending money abroad from Credit Agricole

The price of an international transfer is made up of more than one component – not just the fee on your screen. You pay the transfer fee, possibly charges from correspondent banks in between and, above all, the exchange rate markup when the money is converted.

Most of the cost usually sits in the exchange rate, rather than in the fee: the bank converts using an exchange rate that includes a margin. An easy check: put the bank’s rate next to the mid-market rate and work out the difference on your amount.

For many currency pairs, a transfer service is less expensive than a traditional bank transfer, mainly because of the exchange rate. GoldexPay lists these services next to each other, showing the amount the recipient gets before you commit. You can always use your account at Credit Agricole, while a cheaper service handles the conversion.

Is AGRIRERX still correct? How to check

Ask the recipient to copy the bank details directly from their online banking. If the code you have differs from AGRIRERX or AGRIRERXXXX, stop and ask: check with the recipient or with Credit Agricole directly.

If the code is wrong, the transfer might get stuck, be returned or end up costing more. An error in the IBAN or account number can be a bigger problem.

A format check by your bank only confirms that the IBAN exists. Some banks now check the payee name against the account before you confirm; take any warning seriously. Sending a small amount first can be a sensible step for a large first payment, even if it costs an extra fee.

AGRIRERX or AGRIRERXXXX – which one to use?

A BIC is built from a few fixed parts: the first four letters stand for the bank, the next two show the country and the two after that indicate the location. The result is AGRIRERX for Credit Agricole.

Many banks and apps work with either length. If yours requires eleven characters, use AGRIRERXXXX; if it wants eight, use AGRIRERX.

As a rule the code is typed in capitals, without spaces or dashes. Look out for the letter O and the digit 0 and I versus 1.

What to give a sender who pays you at Credit Agricole

When you expect money from abroad, give the sender all details at once. What they need is: your name, account number or IBAN, AGRIRERXXXX or AGRIRERX and often your postal address.

The sender’s bank might request the address of your bank. Double-check every detail before you send them.

Expect that the amount credited is below what the sender paid. Fees for incoming transfers vary per bank – the price list of Credit Agricole tells you what applies. On invoices, it is common to state how the fees are split to avoid a shortfall.

Paying into Credit Agricole in EUR

Most accounts at Credit Agricole are usually held in EUR, the local currency. Money sent in a different currency is converted into EUR before it reaches the account. Each conversion eats into something – usually through the rate rather than a fee.

Which bank converts the money makes a difference. Transferring the amount already in EUR often prevents an extra conversion by Credit Agricole, provided the rate you get is fair.

The EUR rate fluctuates throughout the day and quotes are often valid only for a short time. For recurring payments, small differences in the rate make a real difference over a year.

Scams that use SWIFT codes

Criminals often use fake invoices with changed bank details sent from what looks like a familiar address. A correct SWIFT code says nothing about whether the request is genuine.

Always confirm a change of bank details by phone. Watch out for time pressure, unusual wording or a sender address that is slightly off. If a payment has already gone to a fraudster, call your bank right away – speed improves the chance of getting it back.

People receiving money can be targeted as well: one known trick is a buyer who pays too much and then sends a request to send back the difference. A screenshot of a transfer is no proof; only your own account shows what has arrived.

Where our SWIFT data comes from

The codes here come from public sources that we update regularly. Banks merge, change names and retire codes – a directory can be a step behind. The number of codes we show reflect what is in our directory and not on information from Credit Agricole itself.

Treat our directory on this page as a helpful check and rely on the recipient or Credit Agricole for the final confirmation. We are a comparison site and not affiliated with Credit Agricole. Spotted an error? Tell us via our contact form.

When will the money arrive at Credit Agricole?

There is no fixed answer: many arrive within a day while others need several business days. Bank holidays in either country add extra days, since banks do not process on those days. Extra checks on larger or unusual payments may also cause a delay, regardless of the details.

If the money is late, ask the sending bank about the status and the transaction reference so they can trace it along the chain. Money transfer services usually provide tracking online so you can see where the money has got.

The bank that sent the money can start an official trace – the recipient’s bank often cannot see a payment that has not arrived. Request from the sender the payment receipt; that often settles the question quickly.