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The Nedbank Universal Branch Code is a single, standard code the bank account holders used for all domestic transactions in South Africa regardless of which physical branch holds the account. The Nedbank universal code number is 198765. You don't need to know the code of the particular branch where your account was opened, once you know the universal code, you can simply use it for transactions like EFTs, direct deposits, and online/mobile banking within South Africa.
Now, let's talk about the SWIFT Code and how it's different from the Universal code. SWIFT Code (also called a BIC) is used to identify Nedbank internationally for cross-border payments. Nedbank's SWIFT code is NEDSZAJJ. SWIFT codes are 8 to 11 characters and combine letters and numbers to represent the bank, country, and its location — quite different from the purely numeric branch code.
Note: if extra characters are appended to a SWIFT code, they point to a specific branch — so for certain international transfers, Nedbank may issue an extended SWIFT code (like NEDSZAJJCLS) rather than the base 8-character one, depending on the receiving branch.
Nedbank Branch Code
Every physical Nedbank branch has its own unique numeric-digit code (in the format 169-XX-X-X, since 169 is Nedbank's bank code and the last, two, three, or four digits identify the specific branch). For example, the Johannesburg branch at 100 Main Street uses 197905. This code is called “Standard Code”.
So there are actually three related but different things:
| Code type | What it is | When it's used |
|---|---|---|
| Standard branch code | Unique 6-digit code per physical branch (e.g., 197905) | Sometimes still requested by older systems, some employers, or specific forms that ask for the branch where the account was opened |
| Universal branch code | Single code for all Nedbank branches (198765) | Most modern EFTs, online banking, debit orders — this is what's used almost everywhere now and it has replaced the standard code. |
| SWIFT/BIC code | International identifier (NEDSZAJJ) | Cross-border transfers only |
In practice, Nedbank recommends using the universal code (198765) for virtually all everyday transactions. The individual/standard branch code is mostly legacy, but some people still need the code tied to their specific account-opening branch, or an older form still asks for it. You can find your specific branch's code via Nedbank's branch locator, your bank statement, online banking, or check the list of code below/PDF in this article.
However, it's important to let you know that the universal code was introduced to replace the standard code. Instead of looking for your recipient's exact branch’s code and routing payments through the local branch, the universal code routes the payment directly through the Nedbank’s central system. The universal code now applies to an entire bank and it is widely accepted across all South Africa's financial institutions.
andHow to Receive Money from Abroad to Nedbank
Nedbank makes it simple to receive money from overseas, whether it's a payment from family, a pension from an offshore investment, or funds for goods and services. These sets of account holders are the ones who can use Nedbank SWIFT/BIC to receive international payments: South African residents, legal documented foreigners, and businesses. However, it's important to note that anyone that want to use Nedbank to receive money from abroad must be 18 years old or above and must have a Nedbank account.
Follow these steps to successfully receive money from abroad:
- Login to your Nedbank app using your biometric and account ID
- In the app interface, select “PAY” under “TRANSACT”
- Select “International Payments” and choose the “Receive Payments” option
- Nedbank will provide you with a dedicated receiving info—such as account name, Nedbank account number, a SWIFT/BIC code, and sometimes the branch code—where the cross-border remittance will be wired through.
The payments will be wired through the SWIFT network for security and land straight into your Nedbank account. You can manage everything from the Nedbank app or its online banking platform, where you can track incoming payments, accept or decline quotes, and even send the funds back if needed. Also, there is no limit to how much you can receive from abroad to your Nedbank account.
However, since July 2023, payments under R300,000 need to be manually finalised through the app rather than settling automatically, and you have 30 days to accept a payment before it's sent back to the sender. Funds can only go into the account the sender specified, and only current or savings accounts qualify for app-based receiving.
If you get regular payments for the same reason each month, like a pension, Nedbank can set up a standing instruction so future transfers convert automatically. You can also request email alerts for your cross-border payments and copies of your payment advices by submitting a Global e-Messenger Form at a branch or via email.
This is the PDF file, you can download it and save it for later or bookmark this page for future reference:
