Understanding the SWIFT Code for National Bank of Egypt

Nov 07, 2025 0

When dealing with international money transfers, it's crucial to have the correct banking information. This article explains the SWIFT/BIC code for the National Bank of Egypt (NBE), its structure, and how it's used in international transactions.

The primary SWIFT/BIC code for the National Bank of Egypt is NBEGEGCXXXX. However, it's important to note that the National Bank of Egypt may utilize different SWIFT/BIC codes depending on the specific service or branch involved.

If you're uncertain which SWIFT/BIC code to use, it's always best to confirm with your recipient or contact the National Bank of Egypt directly to ensure accuracy.

Using NBEGEGCXXXX

You can use National Bank of Egypt’s main SWIFT/BIC code NBEGEGCXXXX when:

Sending an international money transfer to National Bank of Egypt in Egypt
The recipient hasn’t provided a branch-specific SWIFT/BIC code
National Bank of Egypt processes the payment centrally through its primary office
You want to use a widely accepted default SWIFT/BIC code

Bank name: NATIONAL BANK OF EGYPT
Address: NBE TOWER, 1187 CORNICH EL NIL, BOULAK

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What is a SWIFT Code?

SWIFT stands for Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication. It’s a network that helps banks and financial institutions communicate securely. One way this is achieved is through SWIFT codes.

A SWIFT (Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication) or BIC (Bank Identifier Code) code is a standard format of Business Identifier Codes approved by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). These SWIFT codes make international transfers simpler by ensuring that they arrive at the correct bank and branch.

As a global standard for secure financial messaging, SWIFT connects more than 11,000 financial institutions in over 200 countries and territories. These codes identify each bank involved in the transfer process and ensure the money reaches the right destination.

The code is used when transferring money between banks, particularly for international wire transfers. It can also be used to exchange other messages between banks.

How do International Money Transfers Work? SWIFT Network Explained

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Structure of a SWIFT Code

A bank’s SWIFT code is unique and can contain eight or 11 characters, which all convey specific details of the bank.

All SWIFT codes roughly follow the same format:

The first four characters are the bank code.
The next two characters are the country code.
Then comes the location code (numbers and letters).
Optionally, there is also a three character branch code.

The SWIFT Code NBEGEGCX138 code is 11 characters long, which indicates that it is a branch of NATIONAL BANK OF EGYPT. The last 3 characters (letters or numbers) - represent the branch code (optional).

Finding Your SWIFT Code

You can find your National Bank OF Egypt SWIFT code on your bank statement, by logging into your online banking account, or by contacting National Bank OF Egypt directly.

IBAN: The other important code

An IBAN is an internationally agreed upon system of identifying bank accounts across national borders, which also ensures a reduced risk of transcription errors. The IBAN consists of up to 34 alphanumeric characters comprising a country code; two check digits; and a number that includes the domestic bank account number, branch identifier, and potential routing information.

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The check digits enable a check of the bank account number to confirm its integrity before submitting a transaction. While IBAN does not replace an actual banking account number, it provides supplemental information that helps track payments and process FX transfers.

You might see IBAN and SWIFT/BIC codes mentioned alongside one another and, in some instances, a bank may require each standard to complete a transfer. However, IBAN and SWIFT don’t represent the same information.

IBAN was originally developed for European nations in need of a common standard to identify bank accounts, but it is now recognized in over 85 countries.

IBAN in Egypt

In May 2020, the Central Bank of Egypt (CBE) announced it has registered with the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication (SWIFT) for the implementation of the IBAN.

Starting from 30 June, all bank transfers will require an IBAN number, while the personal account number will remain as it is.

How to Ensure a Successful SWIFT Payment

Before sending a SWIFT payment, double-check that the SWIFT code matches the recipient’s bank and that the account number and name are entered correctly. Even small mistakes can delay or block the transfer. Contact your bank if you've made a transfer with incorrect details.

To receive an international payment to your National Bank of Egypt account in Egypt, you’ll need to provide the correct SWIFT/BIC code, account number, and other banking details. Make sure your sender has the right information to avoid delays.

Making a SWIFT Payment: Step-by-Step

Identify Your Bank's SWIFT/BIC Code: Your bank's SWIFT/BIC code is an international code that uniquely identifies your bank.
Collect the Recipient's Account Details: You'll need the recipient's full name, bank account number, and bank name, and in some cases, the bank's address.
Log in to Your Online Banking System: Most banks allow international payments to be made online.
Enter the Payment Details: Input the recipient's bank details, including their SWIFT/BIC code and bank account number. You'll also need to input the amount you want to transfer and select the currency you want the recipient to receive.
Review the Payment and Fees: Before you submit the payment, review all the details to make sure they're correct.
Confirm and Send the Payment: If everything looks correct, confirm the payment. Your bank will then send the money via the SWIFT network to the recipient's bank.
Record the payment reference: After you've submitted the payment, your bank may provide a confirmation number or payment reference.

SWIFT vs. IBAN

No, SWIFT codes and IBANs (International Bank Account Numbers) are not the same. A SWIFT code identifies a specific bank globally, while an IBAN provides detailed information about an individual account within that bank, including the country, bank, and specific account number.

For most international transfers, especially within Europe and to countries that adopt IBAN, you will need both the recipient's IBAN and the bank's SWIFT/BIC code.