How Singapore's 7-Digit Bank Code System Works
Singapore uses a 7-digit bank code system for domestic interbank transfers. The code has two parts: a 4-digit bank identifier and a 3-digit branch code, written as XXXX-XXX.
The 4-digit identifier is assigned by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) to each licensed bank. DBS is 7171, OCBC is 7339, UOB is 7375. The 3-digit branch code identifies the specific branch within that bank. For example, 7171-002 is DBS Raffles Place branch, and 7339-006 is OCBC Raffles Place.
This 7-digit code is what you enter on GIRO application forms, what you provide for MEPS transfers, and what some older payment systems use to route domestic interbank transactions. FAST (which launched in 2014) and PayNow use a simplified version of this routing, but the underlying bank code structure still applies.
POSB and DBS: Why They Share Bank Code 7171
This is one of the most common points of confusion for Singapore banking. POSB was originally a separate government savings bank before DBS Bank acquired it in 1998. Today, POSB operates as a separate retail brand under the DBS Group but is fully integrated into DBS's banking infrastructure.
Because of this, POSB accounts use the same 4-digit bank identifier as DBS: 7171. If you have a POSB savings account, your bank code starts with 7171 followed by the branch code for your account's servicing branch. The bank is different on the surface but the routing code is identical.
FAST vs GIRO vs PayNow vs SWIFT: Which One to Use
| Method | Speed | Limit | Fee | Bank Code Needed? | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PayNow | Instant | Varies by bank | Free | No | Everyday person-to-person transfers |
| FAST | Near-instant | S$200,000/day | Free (most banks) | Account number only | Online transfers within Singapore |
| GIRO | 3 business days | Varies | Free | Yes (7-digit) | Recurring billing, salary, HDB payments |
| MEPS | Same-day | No limit | S$5 to S$30 | Yes (7-digit) | Large-value same-day domestic transfers |
| SWIFT (TT) | 1 to 5 days | No limit | S$20 to S$50+ | No (use SWIFT) | International wire transfers |
How to Receive an International Wire Transfer Into a Singapore Bank Account
When someone outside Singapore wants to send you money via wire transfer, they need your SWIFT code, not the 7-digit Singapore bank code. The 7-digit bank code is purely domestic and means nothing to foreign banks trying to route an international payment.
Give the sender these details:
- Your account number (as shown on your bank statement or app)
- Your full legal name (exactly as registered with the bank)
- Your bank's SWIFT/BIC code (e.g., DBSSSGSG for DBS, OCBCSGSG for OCBC)
- Your bank's name and Singapore head office address
- Country: Singapore
Singapore does not use IBAN. If an overseas remittance form asks for an IBAN, skip that field or contact the remittance provider's support team. Use your regular Singapore account number instead.
All Singapore Bank Codes: Quick Reference Table
| Bank Name | 4-Digit Code | SWIFT Code | PayNow | FAST |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DBS Bank | 7171 | DBSSSGSG | Yes | Yes |
| POSB (DBS Group) | 7171 | DBSSSGSG | Yes | Yes |
| OCBC Bank | 7339 | OCBCSGSG | Yes | Yes |
| United Overseas Bank (UOB) | 7375 | UOVBSGSG | Yes | Yes |
| Standard Chartered Singapore | 9496 | SCBLSG22 | Yes | Yes |
| Citibank Singapore | 9178 | CITISGSG | Yes | Yes |
| HSBC Singapore | 5325 | HSBCSGSG | Yes | Yes |
| Maybank Singapore | 7302 | MBBESGSG | Yes | Yes |
| CIMB Bank Singapore | 7986 | CIBBSGSG | Yes | Yes |
| Bank of China Singapore | 7097 | BKCHSGSG | Partial | Yes |
| RHB Bank Singapore | 7266 | RHBBSGSG | No | Yes |
PayNow: When You Don't Need a Bank Code at All
PayNow is Singapore's peer-to-peer transfer overlay launched in 2017 and now supported by all major retail banks. The whole point of PayNow is that you do not need to know or give out your bank account number or bank code.
To receive PayNow transfers, you link your NRIC/FIN, mobile number, or VPA (Virtual Payment Address) to your bank account once through your bank app. After that, anyone can send you money just by entering your mobile number or NRIC, regardless of which bank they use.
PayNow also supports businesses through UEN (Unique Entity Number) registration, which lets companies receive instant payments from customers without sharing account details.
For most everyday transfers between Singaporeans or Singapore residents, PayNow is the fastest and simplest option. Bank codes are still required for GIRO applications (recurring utility bills, income tax, CPF contributions), MEPS high-value transfers, and older payment systems.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Singapore bank code?
A Singapore bank code is a 7-digit number used to identify a specific bank branch for domestic interbank transfers including FAST, GIRO, and MEPS. The first 4 digits identify the bank (assigned by MAS), and the last 3 digits identify the specific branch. For example, DBS Raffles Place is 7171-002.
What is DBS Bank's code in Singapore?
DBS Bank's 4-digit MAS identifier is 7171. POSB, which is part of the DBS Group, also uses 7171. The full 7-digit code includes a 3-digit branch suffix: for example, 7171-002 for DBS Raffles Place. The SWIFT code for DBS Singapore is DBSSSGSG.
How is a Singapore bank code different from a SWIFT code?
The 7-digit Singapore bank code works only for domestic transfers within Singapore (FAST, GIRO, MEPS). The SWIFT code works for international wire transfers. Never give a sender overseas your 7-digit bank code to route a wire transfer. Give them the SWIFT code instead.
How do I find my bank code for GIRO setup?
Use the lookup tool above. Select your bank from the dropdown and search by branch name. The 7-digit bank code appears in the result. You can also find it on your cheque book (printed below the account number), your bank statement, or in your mobile banking app under "Account Details" or "Account Information."
Can I receive international transfers with my Singapore bank code?
No. The 7-digit Singapore bank code only works for domestic transfers within Singapore. For international wire transfers, your sender needs your Singapore bank account number and your bank's SWIFT code (e.g., DBSSSGSG for DBS, OCBCSGSG for OCBC). Singapore does not use IBAN.
What is PayNow and do I need a bank code for it?
PayNow is Singapore's real-time fund transfer service. You can send and receive money using just a mobile number, NRIC/FIN, or VPA. No bank account number or bank code is needed. Link your details once through your bank app, and you are set. All major Singapore retail banks support PayNow.
Is a Singapore bank code the same as an ABA routing number?
No. They are completely different systems used in different countries. ABA routing numbers are 9-digit US-specific codes for domestic US bank transfers. Singapore's 7-digit bank codes are used only within Singapore. Neither works internationally. For international transfers into Singapore, use the SWIFT code.
