SWIFT/BIC codes in Russia: banks starting with W

Russia: banks and their SWIFT/BIC codes

Here you will find codes for 785 banks in Russia, 1646 codes in all. A BIC shows every bank in the chain exactly which bank is meant to get the money.

Each bank has its own page with its main code and if there are any, codes for branches and departments. Further down you can read how a code from Russia is put together, how to send money to Russia at a fair price and how to check a code before you pay.

The largest SWIFT network in Russia: JSC Rosselkhozbank

Of all banks we list for Russia, JSC Rosselkhozbank is listed with the largest number of codes. Its main office has RUAGRUMMXXX and that code covers most payments.

Banks differ in how many codes they register – a high count is not a measure of size. Making a payment to JSC Rosselkhozbank? Go with RUAGRUMMXXX except when the recipient gives you a branch code.

Why a transfer to Russia needs a SWIFT code

Russia is not part of the SEPA area, so European euro rules do not apply. International transfers to Russia usually travel through the SWIFT network – which is why you need the BIC of the recipient’s bank.

Not all countries use the IBAN. Ask the recipient exactly which details their bank requires for incoming international payments – many banks give clear instructions for this. On the way to Russia, a payment may go through intermediary banks that take a fee.

Tracking a payment to Russia

A SWIFT payment to Russia usually needs anywhere from one to several business days – it depends on currency, route and the banks in between. Payments made late in the day or on a weekend or public holiday usually go out a business day later.

A growing number of banks are connected to SWIFT gpi for faster and traceable payments. Every payment carries a unique transaction reference, the UETR that banks can use to see where the money is. Specialist transfer services often provide a status in their app so you can follow the payment.

Sending money to Russia for less

An international bank payment to Russia can cost rather more than the fee suggests. On top of the fee, correspondent banks can take a cut, and when the money is converted the bank usually uses a rate below the actual market rate.

Most of the cost usually sits in the exchange rate, rather than in the fee: banks convert at a rate with a margin built in. A simple test: set the offered rate against the mid-market rate and look at the difference.

Specialist money transfer services frequently use rates closer to the mid-market rate and lower fees. GoldexPay lists transfer services side by side so you can see what actually arrives in Russia.

Getting paid from abroad into an account in Russia

Someone abroad who wants to pay you needs several details about your account. In practice that means: your full name exactly as it appears on the account, your IBAN or account number, the SWIFT/BIC code of your bank and, often, your address.

The code of your bank appears in our list, yet the version on your own statement or in your banking app is leading. It helps to include your bank’s name and city, since some payment forms ask for it.

Do not be surprised if the amount credited is smaller than what the sender paid. Intermediary banks may deduct a fee, your bank may charge for incoming payments, and if the money is converted, an exchange rate margin applies. On invoices, agree how the fees are split.

Check the code before you pay

Ask the recipient to send you their bank details straight from their banking app. An incorrect BIC may lead to delays, a returned payment or additional charges – compare it with the code in our list.

The directory on GoldexPay is based on public sources and is updated regularly. Still, banks merge, rename themselves or change codes, so information can be out of date. Use this list as a reference, not as the final word. GoldexPay is not a bank.

Scammers often use fake invoices with new bank details that look completely genuine. A valid BIC says nothing about whether a request is genuine – scammers use the codes of real banks.

SWIFT codes in Russia: banks under :letter

This page only shows banks in Russia whose name starts with :letter in alphabetical order. The figures for Russia mentioned here apply to every bank we list.

Many institutions appear under their official name, which may start with words like Bank or Banco, so the letter can differ from what you expect. The complete list remains available if you cannot find the bank here.

Recognising a SWIFT code from Russia

A BIC is either 8 or 11 characters long and the parts always come in the same order. First comes four letters for the bank, then two letters for the country and a two-character location code.

You can spot a code from Russia by letters five and six – those always form the country code of Russia. Codes with a different country code come from a bank abroad.

An 11-character code adds a branch code – XXX stands for the head office. Use a branch code only if the recipient explicitly gives you one; otherwise the head office code is the safe choice.