SWIFT Code for CENTRAL BANK OF SAMOA in Samoa
CBSAWSWSXXX
The primary BIC/SWIFT code for CENTRAL BANK OF SAMOA in Samoa is CBSAWSWSXXX. This code is used to identify the bank as a whole during international financial transactions.
| Bank Name | CENTRAL BANK OF SAMOA |
| Bank Address | CENTRAL BANK OF SAMOA BUILDING, APIA CITY BOULEVARD 2, APIA, TUAMASAGA |
| City | APIA |
| Country | 🇼🇸 Samoa |
| Bank Code | CBSA |
| Country Code | WS |
| Location Code | WS |
| Branch Code | XXX |
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Sending Money to CENTRAL BANK OF SAMOA in APIA
Follow these three steps to ensure your international wire transfer reaches the correct account at the APIA branch without delays or hidden intermediary fees.
- Step 1: Collect Recipient Details. You will need the full legal name of the account holder and their IBAN (International Bank Account Number). For Samoa, IBANs typically start with the prefix WS.
- Step 2: Enter the SWIFT/BIC Code. When prompted by your banking app or wire service, enter CBSAWSWSXXX. This unique 11-character identifier ensures the funds are routed specifically to the CENTRAL BANK OF SAMOA systems in APIA.
- Step 3: Confirm the Transfer Method. If you are sending from within Europe, select SEPA for lower fees and faster delivery. For transfers from outside the EU (e.g., USA, India, or Australia), ensure you select SWIFT/International Wire and double-check if your bank requires an intermediary bank for Samoa transactions.
Where can I find my SWIFT/BIC code?
You can find your SWIFT/BIC code in several easy-to-locate places:
- On your bank statements, either printed or online.
- Inside your online banking portal, under account information.
- On your bank’s official website, usually in their international banking or FAQ section.
- By directly contacting your bank’s customer service.
Online resources like SWIFT Codes Finder can be really helpful.
Example of transaction information
- Beneficiary Name: [Recipient Name]
- Bank: [Bank Name]
- SWIFT/BIC Code: [SWIFT Code]
- Bank Address: [Street, City, Country]
- Account Number/IBAN: [Account Number or IBAN]
Frequently Asked Questions
Is CBSAWSWSXXX the correct code for all CENTRAL BANK OF SAMOA branches?
No. While many banks use a "Head Office" code ending in XXX, the code CBSAWSWSXXX is specifically assigned to the APIA location. Using this specific 11-character code helps the bank’s automated systems credit the recipient’s account faster than using a generic national code.
Can I use this code for a SEPA transfer to Samoa?
Yes. If you are sending Euro-denominated funds from another SEPA-member country, you can use this BIC/SWIFT code alongside the recipient’s IBAN. However, most modern European banks only require the IBAN to route SEPA payments automatically.
How long does a transfer to CENTRAL BANK OF SAMOA usually take?
International transfers to CENTRAL BANK OF SAMOA using the SWIFT network typically take 1 to 3 business days. Factors that can cause delays include:
- Time zone differences between the sender and Samoa.
- Local public holidays in Samoa.
- Required "Know Your Customer" (KYC) checks for large amounts.
Are there fees for receiving money at the APIA branch?
Most banks in Samoa charge an "Incoming Wire Fee" for international transfers. For CENTRAL BANK OF SAMOA, these fees vary based on the account type but typically range from a small flat fee to a percentage of the total. It is recommended to send funds using the "OUR" instruction if you want the recipient to receive the exact amount sent.
What happens if I use the wrong SWIFT code?
If you use a code for a different branch of CENTRAL BANK OF SAMOA, the money will usually still arrive but may be delayed by 24–48 hours as it is manually rerouted. If you enter a completely incorrect code, the funds will likely be returned to your account within 5–10 business days, minus any processing fees.
Do I need a CENTRAL BANK OF SAMOA SWIFT code for international money transfers?
Yes. If you are sending money from abroad to an account at CENTRAL BANK OF SAMOA, you will almost certainly need their SWIFT code (also known as a BIC).
The SWIFT code CBSAWSWSXXX acts as a digital address for the APIA branch. Without it, the sending bank won’t know which specific institution in Samoa should receive the funds, which often leads to the transfer being rejected or stuck in "limbo". However, the requirements change slightly depending on where the money is coming from:
- Transfers from outside the EU/EEA (e.g., USA, Canada, India): A SWIFT code is mandatory. You must provide CBSAWSWSXXX along with the recipient’s name and IBAN.
- Transfers from within Europe (SEPA): If the sender is in a SEPA-member country, many modern banks only require the IBAN. However, providing the SWIFT code CBSAWSWSXXX is still recommended as a backup to ensure the transfer is routed instantly to the APIA branch.
- Domestic Transfers: If you are sending money from another bank inside Samoa, you typically do not need a SWIFT code; a local account number or IBAN is sufficient.
Pro Tip: Always double-check the 8th and 11th characters. For CENTRAL BANK OF SAMOA, using the specific branch code CBSAWSWSXXX instead of the generic head office code ensures the money hits the correct local ledger in APIA without manual intervention.
SWIFT Codes for main Samoa banks
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