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Banca Transilvania SWIFT Codes Explained

Banca Transilvania SWIFT Codes Explained

13 May 2026


If you are sending or receiving money internationally through Banca Transilvania, the first thing you need is the correct SWIFT code. Without it, your sending bank cannot route the payment to the right institution, and your transfer could be delayed or returned.

This guide covers everything you need to know about Banca Transilvania SWIFT codes — what they are, how they work, where to find them, and how to use them correctly for international money transfers to and from Romania. Moreover, Banca Transilvania processes roughly one-third of all payments made by Romania's population and businesses.

Overview: What Are SWIFT/BIC Codes and Why Do They Matter for Banca Transilvania?

A SWIFT code — also called a BIC (Business Identifier Code) — is a unique international identifier used by banks to recognise each other across the global financial network. The SWIFT network connects thousands of banks worldwide and allows them to exchange money transfer instructions securely and accurately. Every time you send or receive an international payment, SWIFT codes are working in the background to route your money to the right place. The SWIFT network connects more than 11,500 financial institutions across over 200 countries and territories worldwide.

Banca Transilvania S.A. (also known as BT) is Romania's largest bank by total assets, headquartered at Calea Dorobantilor 30-36, Cluj-Napoca, Romania. Founded in 1993, it has grown into the dominant force in Romanian banking. In 2024, Banca Transilvania held total assets of 218.33 billion RON, representing a 21.85% market share — making it the clear number one bank in Romania.

For anyone sending money into a Banca Transilvania account, knowing the correct SWIFT code is essential to ensure that the transfer arrives safely and on time.

The Primary Banca Transilvania SWIFT Code

Banca Transilvania's main SWIFT code is:

BTRLRO22XXX

This is the head office code, registered at Calea Dorobantilor 30-36, Cluj-Napoca, Romania. You may also see it written as BTRLRO22 — the 8-character version without the branch suffix. Both refer to the same head office and are accepted for most international transfers.

Here is a breakdown of what each part of this code means:

ComponentCharactersMeaning
Bank CodeBTRLIdentifies Banca Transilvania S.A.
Country CodeRORomania
Location Code22Cluj-Napoca head office
Branch CodeXXXHead office (primary)

If you are unsure which specific branch code to use, the main office code is generally acceptable and the safest default for Banca Transilvania.

Format and Structure of Banca Transilvania SWIFT Codes

All SWIFT codes follow the international standard format set by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO 9362). They consist of 8 or 11 characters: an 8-character code refers to the bank's head office, while an 11-character code adds a 3-character branch suffix.

Here is how the Banca Transilvania head office code is structured: B T R L – R O – 2 2 – X X X

  • BTRL — Bank identifier (Banca Transilvania S.A.)
  • RO — Country code (Romania)
  • 22 — Location code (Cluj-Napoca)
  • XXX — Branch code (head office)

When a specific branch has its own code, the last three characters will differ from "XXX". Banca Transilvania may use different codes for branches and for certain services, so some transactions may require a specific code. However, even when using the head office code, the recipient's IBAN often contains enough information to direct the payment to the correct account.

Examples of Banca Transilvania SWIFT Codes

Banca Transilvania uses multiple SWIFT codes for different branches and services. Here are the known active codes:

SWIFT CodeBranch / ServiceLocation
BTRLRO22XXXHead Office (Primary)Cluj-Napoca
BTRLRO22Head Office (8-char version)Cluj-Napoca
BTRLRO22BBLBranch CodeRomania
BTRLRO22BVOBranch CodeRomania
BTRLRO22ABIBranch CodeRomania
BTRLRO22ABAAlba Iulia branchAlba Iulia city, Romania
BTRLRO22AGAPitesti branchPitesti, Romania

For most personal and business international transfers, BTRLRO22XXX is the correct code to use. Always confirm the exact code with the recipient or directly with Banca Transilvania if you are making a large or time-sensitive payment.

How International Transfers Work with Banca Transilvania

Receiving Money from Abroad into a Banca Transilvania Account

When someone outside Romania wants to send money to a Banca Transilvania account, they will need the following details:

  • Recipient's full name: (as it appears on the account)
  • Recipient's 24-character IBAN: (International Bank Account Number)
  • Banca Transilvania SWIFT/BIC code: BTRLRO22XXX
  • Bank full name: Banca Transilvania S.A.
  • Bank address: Calea Dorobantilor 30-36, Cluj-Napoca 400117, Romania

The Romanian IBAN is 24 characters long, starting with the country prefix "RO". Together, the IBAN and the SWIFT code give the sending bank everything it needs to deliver the funds to the right account at Banca Transilvania.

Sending Money to Romania Internationally

When initiating an international SWIFT transfer to a Banca Transilvania account, you will need to provide your own bank with the recipient's complete details. Before you send the payment, double check the SWIFT code and account name. The transfer typically takes 1 to 5 business days to complete, depending on your sending bank's processing time, whether intermediary banks are involved, time zones, weekends, and holidays. First-time transfers may also require additional verification, which can add time. Romania received approximately $9.52 billion USD in personal remittances. It remained one of Eastern Europe's largest recipients of personal remittances, receiving over $9.5 billion in 2024.

Romania is a member of the European Union and uses the IBAN system. For transfers from EU countries, you will need both the IBAN and the BIC/SWIFT code. For transfers from the US, Canada, or other non-IBAN countries, your bank will ask you for the SWIFT code and the recipient's account details, including the IBAN where applicable. Before submitting the payment, verify the correct SWIFT code with the recipient or bank.

Romania IBAN Format for Banca Transilvania

A Romanian IBAN consists of exactly 24 characters. The format is:

RO + 2 check digits + 4-character bank code + 16-digit account number

RO49 BTRL 0400 1205 3696 XX00
  • RO — Country code for Romania
  • 49 — Check digits (validate the number's accuracy)
  • BTRL — Banca Transilvania's bank identifier
  • Remaining digits — The individual account number

Romania uses a longer IBAN than most EU countries. The 4-character bank code embedded in the IBAN (BTRL for Banca Transilvania) also makes it easy to identify which bank holds the account. Always get the full 24-character IBAN directly from the recipient — never guess or construct it manually, as even a single wrong digit can cause the payment to fail or be returned.

When Do You Need Banca Transilvania SWIFT Codes?

Understanding when the SWIFT code is required will help you avoid mistakes and ensure your money moves without delays.

When receiving money from abroad

Anyone sending you money from outside Romania will ask for your IBAN and SWIFT/BIC code. Give them BTRLRO22XXX along with your full 24-character IBAN. Do not share just your account number without the IBAN — it is not sufficient for international payments.

When sending money abroad from BT

If you are sending money from your Banca Transilvania account to a foreign bank, you will need the recipient's SWIFT code and their IBAN or account number. Your bank will ask for this information when you set up the transfer.

For property and business transactions

Romania has a large diaspora who regularly send money home for real estate purchases, business payments, or family support. For all these transactions, the SWIFT code is required to route the funds to the correct Banca Transilvania account.

For salary and freelancer payments

International employers paying Romanian employees or contractors will need the SWIFT code and IBAN. Always provide your full banking details to avoid delays in receiving your payments.

For business invoices

If you run a business in Romania and work with international clients, include your Banca Transilvania IBAN and SWIFT code on your invoices. This makes it easy for foreign clients to pay you without any confusion.

If you are new to international banking, understanding what a SWIFT number is can help you avoid delays and errors when sending money abroad.

Romania vs Other Banking Systems

Romania vs IBAN (Europe)

Romania is an EU member state and uses the IBAN system for international transfers, just like all other EU and EEA countries. This means transfers from within Europe are straightforward — the sender needs the IBAN and SWIFT/BIC code, and the money can be processed via SEPA (for euro payments) or standard international SWIFT transfers. Countries outside the EU/EEA zone, such as the US, Canada, Australia, and China, do not use IBANs. For transfers from these countries into Romania, the sender uses the SWIFT network and provides the IBAN as the destination account identifier.

Romania vs Routing Numbers (USA)

In the United States, banks use ABA routing numbers to identify institutions for domestic transfers. For international transfers to Romania, US banks do not use routing numbers — they use the SWIFT network. A sender in the US will enter the Banca Transilvania SWIFT code BTRLRO22XXX in their international transfer form, along with the recipient's 24-character Romanian IBAN. The routing number is irrelevant in this process and should not be included.

Romania vs IFSC (India)

India uses the Indian Financial System Code (IFSC) — an 11-character code — for all domestic bank transfers within India. When sending money from India to a Banca Transilvania account in Romania, the IFSC does not apply. The sender uses the SWIFT system and provides the Banca Transilvania SWIFT code on their end. The recipient's Romanian IBAN is also needed to identify the specific account at the bank.

How to Find Your Banca Transilvania SWIFT Code

There are several ways to look up the correct SWIFT/BIC code for your Banca Transilvania account, but any information provided online should still be checked against the bank or your statement.

  • Bank Statement: Your IBAN and SWIFT code are printed on your Banca Transilvania bank statement. A recent bank statement is especially useful for confirming the code, so check your paper or digital statement first.
  • BT Online Banking: Log into your Banca Transilvania online banking account to find your SWIFT code, then navigate to account details. Your IBAN and BIC/SWIFT code are displayed there.
  • BT Mobile App (BT Pay): Open the BT app, tap on your account, and look for international transfer or account details. The SWIFT code and IBAN will be shown there.
  • Official BT Website / Help Centre: Banca Transilvania's official support site (intreb.bancatransilvania.ro) confirms that the SWIFT/BIC code is BTRLRO22 and can also be found on your account statement.
  • Contact Banca Transilvania Directly: You can call or visit any Banca Transilvania branch to confirm your SWIFT code and IBAN. This is recommended for large or urgent transfers.
  • SWIFT Code Lookup Tools: Trusted financial websites maintain SWIFT code databases. However, always cross-check any code you find online with your bank statement or the bank directly before using it in a real transaction.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Using only the account number without an IBAN: For all international transfers to Romania, the standard account number alone is not sufficient. You must provide the full 24-character IBAN. Sending without an IBAN to European countries can result in the payment being rejected.
  • Confusing IBAN and SWIFT code: These are two different things. The SWIFT code identifies Banca Transilvania as the destination bank. The IBAN identifies the specific account at that bank. Both are needed for an international transfer — the SWIFT code gets the money to the right bank, and the IBAN gets it to the right account.
  • Typing errors in the code: A single wrong character in a SWIFT code or IBAN can delay or misdirect your payment. Always copy and paste codes from a verified source rather than typing them manually. Avoid adding spaces between characters — spaces make the code invalid. We recommend confirming the SWIFT code with the recipient before a large or urgent transfer to avoid potential delays.
  • Using the wrong branch code for specialist services: Banca Transilvania has multiple SWIFT codes for different services. For personal banking transfers, BTRLRO22XXX is the correct and safe choice. Only use a branch-specific code if the bank or recipient explicitly provides one.
  • Not accounting for processing time: International SWIFT transfers typically take 1 to 5 business days. Transfers initiated late in the day, on weekends, or during public holidays in either Romania or the sending country will not be processed until the next working day. Plan ahead for time-sensitive payments.
  • Missing sender details: Many international transfers require the sender's full name, address, and the purpose of the transfer. Missing information can cause your payment to be put on hold for compliance checks, especially for larger amounts.

Is It Safe to Share Banca Transilvania SWIFT Code and IBAN?

Yes — sharing your SWIFT code and IBAN with people or businesses that need to send you money is completely normal and safe. These codes are designed to be given out. They allow funds to be sent into your account, but they do not give anyone access to withdraw money or control your account in any way.

That said, always use good judgment about who you share your banking details with. Only provide your IBAN and SWIFT code to trusted individuals, legitimate employers, or recognised businesses.

Deposits at Banca Transilvania are also protected. Deposits up to €100,000 per depositor are protected under the Romanian Deposit Guarantee Fund. The Romanian deposit guarantee scheme covers accounts up to 100,000 EUR per bank per depositor, providing an additional layer of security for your funds.

Send Money to Banca Transilvania with ACE Money Transfer

If you need to send money to Romania — whether to a Banca Transilvania account or any other Romanian bank — ACE Money Transfer makes the process simple, fast, and affordable. ACE supports international transfers from multiple countries directly to Romanian bank accounts, with competitive exchange rates and low, transparent fees.

When sending to a Banca Transilvania account via ACE, you will need the recipient's full name, their 24-character Romanian IBAN, and the Banca Transilvania SWIFT code BTRLRO22XXX. ACE Money Transfer holds a 4.7 rating on Trustpilot, a reflection of the reliable and trusted service it provides to customers sending money to Romania and around the world.

Whether you are supporting family in Cluj-Napoca, paying a Romanian supplier, or sending regular remittances from abroad, ACE Money Transfer gives you a straightforward and cost-effective way to move funds into Romania — without the high fees and slow processing times that traditional bank-to-bank transfers often involve.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the SWIFT code for Banca Transilvania?

The primary SWIFT/BIC code for Banca Transilvania S.A. is BTRLRO22XXX. The 8-character version BTRLRO22 refers to the same head office in Cluj-Napoca and is equally valid for most international transfers.

Does Banca Transilvania use IBAN?

Yes. Romania is an EU member state and uses the IBAN system. A Banca Transilvania IBAN is 24 characters long, beginning with the country prefix "RO". You can find your IBAN on your bank statement, in online banking, or through the BT mobile app.

Is a SWIFT code required for transfers to Banca Transilvania from abroad?

Yes. For any international wire transfer to a Banca Transilvania account, the sender's bank will require the SWIFT code BTRLRO22XXX to identify Banca Transilvania as the destination bank. Without it, the transfer cannot be routed correctly. The sender will also need your full 24-character Romanian IBAN.

Are all Banca Transilvania branches using the same SWIFT code?

Not always. Banca Transilvania uses different SWIFT codes for different branches and services. For most personal transfers, the head office code BTRLRO22XXX is sufficient and will route funds to the correct account using the IBAN. If a branch-specific code is needed, confirm this directly with Banca Transilvania.

What happens if I use the wrong SWIFT code?

Using an incorrect SWIFT code can cause your payment to be delayed, returned, or in rare cases sent to the wrong institution. If you realise you have entered the wrong code, contact your bank immediately — they may be able to cancel or recall the transfer. Acting quickly gives you the best chance of recovering your funds before they are processed.

Can I send money to Banca Transilvania without a SWIFT code?

For international wire transfers, no — a SWIFT code is always required. The SWIFT code is what tells the sending bank which financial institution to route the payment to. As of October 2024, 90% of cross-border SWIFT payments reach the destination bank within one hour, making it one of the fastest and most reliable systems for moving money internationally.


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