Universal Branch Codes for South African Banks

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SOUTH AFRICA BANKING GUIDE

Universal Branch Codes for South African Banks

Find universal branch codes for South African banks, including ABSA, FNB, Standard Bank, Nedbank, Capitec and other major banks. Search the list, check the six-digit code and copy it instantly for your payment.

Quick answer: A universal branch code is a six-digit bank code that can generally be used instead of a specific branch code for supported South African electronic payments. Some of the most commonly searched codes include: ABSA – 632005, FNB – 250655, Standard Bank – 051001, Nedbank – 198765 and Capitec – 470010. Always confirm banking details with the relevant bank before making an important or high-value payment.

Universal Branch Codes: Complete List

Use the searchable table below to find the universal branch code for a South African bank. You can search by bank name or six-digit code and copy the code directly from the table.

6 Digits in a universal code
20+ Banks and institutions covered
✓ Easy code lookup
Bank / Institution Universal Branch Code Payment Type Action
ABSA Bank 632005 Domestic payments
FNB / First National Bank 250655 Domestic payments
Standard Bank 051001 Domestic payments
Nedbank 198765 Domestic payments
Capitec Bank 470010 Domestic payments
African Bank 430000 Domestic payments
Bidvest Bank 462005 Domestic payments
Investec 580105 Domestic payments
Bank of Athens 410506 Domestic payments
SA Post Bank 460005 Domestic payments
Standard Chartered 730020 Domestic payments
Bank Zero 888000 Domestic payments
GoTyme Bank 678910 Domestic payments
Discovery Bank 679000 Domestic payments
SASFIN Bank 683000 Domestic payments
PEP Bank 400005 Banking reference
Permanent Bank 760005 Banking reference
Wizzit Bank 410700 Banking reference
Important: Bank payment requirements can change. Some banking systems may request a specific branch code rather than a universal branch code. For important, international or high-value transactions, confirm the required banking details with the receiving bank.

What Is a Universal Branch Code?

A universal branch code is a six-digit code used to identify a bank for supported electronic payments. Unlike a specific branch code, it can allow a customer to make a payment without knowing the physical branch where the recipient’s account was opened.

Universal branch codes are particularly useful when making EFT payments, adding beneficiaries through online banking or completing payment forms that ask for a branch code.

01

Bank Identification

The code helps identify the receiving bank during supported electronic transactions.

02

Six Digits

South African universal branch codes are generally represented by six digits.

03

Easier Payments

You can often use the universal code instead of searching for an individual branch code.

How to Use a Universal Branch Code

If your banking app or payment form asks for a branch code, follow these steps to reduce the chance of entering incorrect banking information.

  1. Select the correct bank.
    Choose the recipient’s bank from the available list in your banking app.
  2. Find the universal branch code.
    Search the table on this page and locate the six-digit code for the bank.
  3. Enter the account number.
    Carefully enter the recipient’s account number and check every digit.
  4. Check the beneficiary details.
    Confirm the bank, account number and recipient information before continuing.
  5. Submit the payment.
    Complete the EFT according to your bank’s instructions.

Branch Code vs Universal Branch Code

A traditional branch code can identify a particular bank branch, while a universal branch code is used to identify the bank for supported electronic transactions.

Feature Specific Branch Code Universal Branch Code
Identifies A particular branch The bank for supported payments
Code availability Can vary by branch Generally one commonly used code
Useful for online banking Sometimes Often
Physical branch required? Often Usually not

Universal Branch Codes for EFT Payments

EFT stands for Electronic Funds Transfer. It is one of the most common situations where South African customers encounter a branch-code field.

When adding a beneficiary, your banking platform may ask for the recipient’s bank, account number and branch code. If the platform accepts a universal branch code, you can generally use the bank’s universal code rather than looking for a specific branch.

Important: A universal branch code does not replace the recipient’s account number. Always enter the correct account number and bank.

Can I use a universal branch code for an EFT?

In many domestic EFT situations, yes. Universal branch codes are designed to simplify bank identification for electronic payments. However, the exact requirements can vary between banks, payment platforms and transaction types.

Popular South African Universal Branch Codes

ABSA Universal Branch Code

The commonly used ABSA universal branch code is 632005.

FNB Universal Branch Code

The commonly used FNB or First National Bank universal branch code is 250655.

Standard Bank Universal Branch Code

The commonly used Standard Bank universal branch code is 051001.

Nedbank Universal Branch Code

The commonly used Nedbank universal branch code is 198765.

Capitec Universal Branch Code

The commonly used Capitec universal branch code is 470010.

GoTyme Bank Universal Branch Code

GoTyme Bank is the current name associated with the former TymeBank brand. Its commonly listed universal branch code is 678910. Confirm the code with the bank before making an important payment.

Common Universal Branch Code Mistakes

Choosing the wrong bank

Make sure the bank selected in your payment matches the recipient’s actual bank account.

Entering the wrong digit

Universal branch codes contain six digits. Check the number carefully before submitting your payment.

Confusing branch and SWIFT codes

A SWIFT or BIC code is different from a South African universal branch code and is generally associated with international banking.

Popular Questions About Universal Branch Codes

What is the most commonly used branch code?

There is no single universal branch code for all South African banks. Each bank has its own universal code. For example, commonly searched codes include ABSA 632005, FNB 250655, Standard Bank 051001, Nedbank 198765 and Capitec 470010.

Can I use a universal branch code for online banking?

In many cases, yes. Online banking systems commonly provide a branch-code field when setting up a beneficiary. If the system accepts a universal branch code, you can use the bank’s universal code.

Can I use a universal branch code for salary payments?

Many payroll and electronic payment systems can accept universal branch codes. However, employers and payroll platforms may have their own requirements, so follow the instructions provided by the payer.

Has TymeBank changed its name?

TymeBank has transitioned to the GoTyme Bank brand. When making a payment, use the bank name and banking information displayed by the recipient or the bank’s current official instructions.

Can I use a universal branch code for international payments?

A universal branch code is primarily associated with South African domestic banking transactions. For international payments, your bank may instead require information such as a SWIFT or BIC code, recipient address and other international payment details.

Frequently Asked Questions

A universal branch code is a six-digit code used to identify a bank for supported electronic payments without requiring the specific physical branch code.
The commonly used ABSA universal branch code is 632005.
The commonly used FNB universal branch code is 250655.
The commonly used Capitec universal branch code is 470010.
The commonly used Nedbank universal branch code is 198765.
The commonly used Standard Bank universal branch code is 051001.
In many domestic EFT transactions, yes. However, users should follow the payment instructions provided by their bank or payment platform.
No. A branch code and SWIFT or BIC code serve different purposes. A SWIFT/BIC code is generally used for international bank identification, while a South African branch code is used for domestic banking purposes.
South African branch codes are generally represented by six digits.
Not necessarily. If the payment system accepts a universal branch code, you can generally use the bank’s universal code instead of the specific physical branch code.

About This Universal Branch Code Guide

This guide is designed as a practical reference for people searching for South African universal branch codes. The information is organized by bank so that users can quickly find, check and copy a code.

Banking information can change. Before completing an important transaction, verify the recipient’s bank details through the relevant bank or payment platform. This is especially important for large, unusual or international payments.

Important information: This website is an independent informational resource and is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by the banks listed on this page. Bank names and banking information are provided for reference only.

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