Graubuendner Kantonalbank SWIFT/BIC code

SWIFT/BIC code of Graubuendner Kantonalbank

GRKBCH22 and GRKBCH22XXX are the short and the long form of the same bank identifier, and both point to Graubuendner Kantonalbank in Chur. The code does one job: it ensures that money from abroad reaches the right bank. It comes up mainly when dealing with transfers between countries or a currency.

On this page you can read what the code is put together, when it matters and what else you need for a transfer to or from Graubuendner Kantonalbank. The SWIFT code on its own cannot identify an individual account holder; that is what the account number or IBAN is for.

Swiss Franc (CHF) and conversion costs

Switzerland uses the Swiss Franc, code CHF. A payment in a foreign currency is converted into CHF on its way to Graubuendner Kantonalbank – and the bank that does it picks the rate. There is rarely a separate charge for the conversion – the cost sits in the rate.

Where the conversion happens affects how much arrives, as rates and margins differ per bank. In many cases it is cheaper to send CHF directly through a provider with a good rate.

The rate for CHF changes constantly. If you pay regularly, small differences in the rate make a real difference over a year.

GRKBCH22 or GRKBCH22XXX – which one to use?

A BIC is made up of fixed blocks: the first four letters stand for the bank, the next two give the country and characters seven and eight indicate the location. That gives you GRKBCH22.

Most banks and apps work with both lengths. If a form requires eleven characters, enter GRKBCH22XXX; if it wants eight, use GRKBCH22.

Leave out spaces when you enter GRKBCH22; the code is always written in one block. Look out for the letter O and the digit 0 and I versus 1.

Paying Graubuendner Kantonalbank in euros within SEPA

Inside SEPA, euro transfers to an account in Switzerland follow the same rules. The BIC field is often optional in that case.

A SWIFT code like GRKBCH22 still matter for payments in other currencies, and for transfers from outside SEPA. Some banks and apps also ask for the BIC out of habit; in that case, fill in GRKBCH22.

SEPA transfers normally land within one business day; instant payments are faster if both banks offer them. Fees for SEPA transfers tend to be low, as long as no currency conversion is involved.

Incoming international payments to Graubuendner Kantonalbank

When you expect money from abroad, send the payer everything they need in one go. The basics are: your name, account number or IBAN, GRKBCH22XXX or GRKBCH22 and in many cases your home address.

Certain sending banks also ask for the address of Graubuendner Kantonalbank in Chur. A mistake in the IBAN is more trouble than you might think; copy them from your banking app rather than typing.

Do not be surprised if the incoming amount is smaller than the amount on the sender’s receipt. Intermediary banks may deduct a fee, and when currencies differ, a markup on the rate comes on top. Agree with the sender who covers the fees, especially for larger amounts.

How up to date is this code?

The directory on GoldexPay is based on publicly available sources. Even so, banks merge, rename themselves or change codes and our data may lag behind. The figures on this page are based on our own data, not official figures from Graubuendner Kantonalbank.

Treat our data as a reference, rather than as the last word – the bank details from the recipient are leading. GoldexPay is independent of Graubuendner Kantonalbank; we are a comparison site for money transfers. Should you notice something that is out of date, we appreciate a short note via the contact page.

Graubuendner Kantonalbank: head office code versus branch codes

With 4 codes in 3 locations, Graubuendner Kantonalbank belongs to the banks that use separate codes for parts of the organisation and departments. The head office code remains GRKBCH22XXX.

If nobody asks you for a branch code, go with GRKBCH22XXX. When you receive a specific code, use it as it is instead of replacing it with the head office code.

When in doubt, check with the recipient for the exact BIC in their bank details. Codes are sometimes changed or retired when banks reorganise, so a code from an old document is not always valid.

Verifying the SWIFT code of Graubuendner Kantonalbank

The best place to find the right code is paperwork issued by the bank, such as a statement or the account details in online banking. Compare it with GRKBCH22 on this page; if they differ, ask before you pay.

An incorrect BIC may lead to a delay, a returned payment or extra fees. Do not forget the IBAN: an error there can be harder to correct than a wrong code.

Many banking apps check the structure of IBANs and sometimes look up the BIC automatically – that confirms the format, not the owner. Where available, a payee name check before sending adds an extra layer of safety. When you pay someone new, many people send a small test amount before sending the rest.

Scams that use SWIFT codes

Be wary if a contact unexpectedly wants you to pay into another account abroad. A correct SWIFT code tells you nothing about who owns the account.

Always confirm a change of bank details by phone, using a number you already had. Pressure and requests to keep it quiet are red flags; a genuine business can wait for you to check. When money has already gone to the wrong account, call your bank right away: the sooner they act, the better the chance of a recall.

People receiving money can be targeted as well: one known trick is a buyer who pays too much followed by a request to send back the difference to another account. A screenshot of a transfer proves nothing – check your own account.

Sending money abroad from Graubuendner Kantonalbank

The price of an international transfer is made up of more than one component – not just the fee on your screen. On top of the transfer fee, banks in between can take a cut, and when the money changes currency the bank often applies a rate below the actual market rate.

The markup on the rate tends to be the largest cost because it is hidden in the rate. A simple test: put the rate you get next to the mid-market rate and look at the difference.

Specialist money transfer services often offer a rate near the mid-market rate with clearer fees. GoldexPay lists transfer providers next to each other so you can see what actually arrives for the same amount sent. You can always keep your account at Graubuendner Kantonalbank to fund the transfer, while a cheaper service handles the conversion.

Tracking a transfer to or from Graubuendner Kantonalbank

A SWIFT payment typically needs one to a few business days. Bank holidays in either country can add a day or more, since banks do not process on those days. Compliance checks by one of the banks may also add some delay, even when all details are correct.

Many banks use SWIFT gpi for faster and traceable payments. Every payment gets a unique reference, the UETR, which your bank can use to see where the money is. Keep your transfer receipt until the recipient confirms.

If the money does not arrive within the expected time, the person who paid needs to start with their own bank rather than Graubuendner Kantonalbank. Request from the sender the payment receipt with the date and reference – it helps your own bank look for the money.