SWIFT/BIC codes in Russia: banks starting with I

Russia: banks and their SWIFT/BIC codes

Here you will find the SWIFT/BIC codes of 785 institutions in Russia. Every code identifies an institution or one of its branches.

Look for the recipient’s bank in the list and open its page to see the full list of codes and the details a transfer needs. The sections below explain the structure of the codes, what transfers cost and the checks worth doing.

What a sender needs to pay you in Russia

A sender in another country will ask for several details from you. That means: your name exactly as it appears on the account, your account number or IBAN, the SWIFT/BIC code of your bank and sometimes your postal address.

Find the bank in the list above – your bank statement is the final word. It helps to add the name and city of your bank as well, since some payment forms ask for it.

Do not be surprised if the incoming amount is below the amount on the sender’s receipt. Correspondent banks can take a fee and your own bank may charge for processing, and when currencies differ, an exchange rate margin comes on top. For business payments, agree who bears the costs to avoid a shortfall.

International payments to Russia and the BIC

For Russia you usually need the BIC, because the country is outside the SEPA area. Without it, most banks will not send the transfer.

In some countries, the account is identified by a domestic account number instead of an IBAN and sometimes a local routing or branch code. The receiving bank often provides a list of required details for incoming international payments – follow them exactly. Before it arrives, a payment can go through correspondent banks that charge for their part.

Sending money to Russia for less

A bank transfer to Russia often costs rather more than the fee suggests. There is a transfer fee, sometimes charges from intermediary banks along the way and, most importantly, the exchange rate markup.

The markup on the rate is often the biggest cost item because it is hidden in the rate. An easy check: set the offered rate next to the mid-market rate and look at the difference.

Money transfer services often use rates closer to the mid-market rate with clearer fees. Before you send money to Russia, it is worth comparing what arrives on GoldexPay instead of going straight to your bank.

The structure of a Russia SWIFT/BIC code

Every SWIFT/BIC code consists of 8 or 11 characters, always in the same order. First comes a four-letter bank code, followed by two letters for the country and a two-character location code.

Whatever the bank, all Russia codes share the same fifth and sixth letters, namely the ISO code of Russia. When those two letters do not match Russia, the code belongs to a bank in another country – worth double-checking.

The last three characters, if present, identify a specific branch; XXX is used for the head office. Choose a branch code just if the recipient explicitly gives you one; otherwise the head office code is the safe choice.

The largest SWIFT network in Russia: JSC Rosselkhozbank

Among the 785 institutions we list, JSC Rosselkhozbank has the most SWIFT/BIC codes of all banks in Russia. Its head office code is RUAGRUMMXXX, which is the code to use when no branch is specified.

Many codes usually means separate codes for branches, departments or services. Unless the recipient asks for a branch, RUAGRUMMXXX is fine for a payment to JSC Rosselkhozbank.

About our data and how to check a code

The best place to find the correct BIC is a document from the bank itself. An incorrect BIC can cause a delay, a returned payment or additional charges.

This list is based on public sources that we update periodically. Institutions reorganise, change names and change codes – a directory can be a step behind. Before a payment of any size, check the BIC with the recipient. GoldexPay is an independent comparison site and is not affiliated with the banks listed.

Be wary of invoices containing a new account – a common fraud method. Always confirm a change of bank details by phone on a number you know.

Filter: banks in Russia with :letter

The letter filter limits the list down to banks from Russia that begin with :letter, so you can find a bank faster. The counts in the introduction always refer to the whole country, not just this letter.

Some banks are listed under their legal name. Use the full list for Russia if you do not know how the name is spelled.

How long does a transfer to Russia take?

A SWIFT payment to Russia typically needs one to a few business days, depending on the currency, the route and the banks involved. Transfers sent late in the day or on weekends and holidays often go out a business day later.

If the money is late, the sender should contact their own bank; only the sending side can start an official trace. Specialist transfer services often provide a status online.