20 May 2026
Sending money to Romania from abroad? Then you've probably come across the term SWIFT code — and maybe wondered what it actually means. Don't worry, you're not alone. These codes can feel a bit mysterious at first, but once you understand how they work, international transfers become a whole lot less stressful.
Romania receives a substantial volume of remittances every year. According to TheGlobalEconomy.com, Romania received approximately USD 9.5 billion in remittances in 2024. These are funds sent home by Romanians working across Europe, the UK, and beyond — money that supports families, pays bills, and keeps households running.
This guide explains everything you need to know about Romania's bank SWIFT codes — what they are, how they're structured, which banks use which codes, and how to find the right one before you hit 'send.'
A SWIFT code — also called a BIC (Bank Identifier Code) or one of the business identifier codes used globally — is an internationally recognised standard used during international transactions to identify financial institutions. Think of it as a digital postal code that helps route international money transfers securely. Without the correct SWIFT code, your money could be delayed, returned, or even sent to the wrong institution.
SWIFT codes follow a standard format and are 8 to 11 characters long.
SWIFT stands for the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication, which manages a global network connecting over 11,000 financial institutions in more than 200 countries. Every time you send money internationally, the SWIFT network is working behind the scenes to route your funds safely; Romanian banks use it to verify routing and help prevent delays or lost transactions. Additionally, this network helps banks communicate accurately across borders.
You can learn more about how the global SWIFT network operates on the official SWIFT website.
All SWIFT codes in Romania follow a standardised format made up of a 4-letter bank code, 2-letter country code, 2-character location code, and an optional 3-character branch code. Here’s how to read one:
Format: AAAA – BB – CC – DDD
• First 4 characters: Bank code — identifies the financial institution (e.g., RNCB for BCR).
• Next 2 characters: Country code — for Romania, this is always RO.
• Next 2 characters: Location code — usually identifies the city or region (e.g., BU for Bucharest).
• Last 3 characters (optional): Branch code — specifies a particular branch. If omitted or shown as XXX, it refers to the bank’s head office.
So, for example, RNCBROBU breaks down as: RNCB (Banca Comercial? Român?) + RO (Romania) + BU (Bucharest), which is the standard format used to identify the correct code for the bank and branch.
Here’s a handy reference table of SWIFT codes for some of the most widely used banks in Romania, and every bank in Romania has its own distinct SWIFT/BIC code used to process international money transfers. Always verify directly with the recipient’s bank before making a transfer.
• Banca Comercial? Român? (BCR) — banca comerciala romana s.a uses RNCBROBU, with the head-office form RNCBROBUXXX.
• BRD – Groupe Société Générale — BRDEROBU
• Raiffeisen Bank Romania — RZBRROBU
• UniCredit Bank Romania — BACXROBU
• Banca Transilvania — banca transilvania s.a uses BTRLRO22, with the head-office form BTRLRO22XXX.
• ING Bank Romania — INGBROBU
• CEC Bank — CECEROBU
Banca Comerciala Romana may use different SWIFT/BIC codes depending on the service or branch, and banks can have own swift codes for different branches. Banca Transilvania may also use codes for different branches or services, so confirm the correct code with the recipient or bank.
For a full verified list, you can use the SWIFT code directory on TheSwiftCodes.com or contact the recipient’s bank directly.
Yes — and it's just as important as the SWIFT code. Romania uses the IBAN (International Bank Account Number) system, which is standard across the European Union. A Romanian IBAN always begins with RO, followed by two check digits and an 18-character bank and account identifier — making it 24 characters in total.
When sending money to Romania internationally, you typically need both:
• The recipient's IBAN (for the account number)
• The bank's SWIFT/BIC code (for routing the transfer)
You can learn more about IBAN formats and validate Romanian IBANs using tools like IBAN.com.
Not every transaction requires a SWIFT code. Here's a quick guide to help you decide:
• Sending money from outside Romania to a Romanian bank account via international wire transfer or other international money transfers
• Using a remittance service that requires bank routing details
• Receiving international payments into a Romanian bank account, where the correct SWIFT/BIC helps ensure the money arrives at the right bank securely
• Making domestic transfers within Romania (these use local routing systems)
• Using a digital remittance platform like ACE Money Transfer, which handles routing automatically on your behalf
A small error in a SWIFT code can affect even a secure international transaction, causing your transfer to fail or be delayed. Watch out for these common pitfalls:
• Using the wrong branch code: Different branches may use different identifiers, so if your recipient’s account is at a specific branch, confirm the correct 11-character code rather than assuming the 8-character head office code will work.
• Confusing SWIFT with IBAN: These serve different purposes. Always provide both when asked during an international transfer.
• Typos: Even one incorrect character can misdirect your funds. Double-check all details and confirm the SWIFT code with the recipient before the transfer is initiated.
• Using outdated codes: Banks occasionally update their SWIFT codes, so confirm details with the recipient's bank before sending large sums.
If you’re not sure which code to use, here are the most reliable ways to find SWIFT codes:
• Ask your recipient: The easiest and most accurate option — in most cases, they can find the code on a bank statement or in the banking app.
• Bank’s official website: Most Romanian banks list their SWIFT codes clearly in the FAQ or ‘Contact’ sections.
• Online SWIFT directories: Reliable tools such as TheSwiftCodes.com and Bank-Code.net provide verified listings for Romanian financial institutions.
• Call the bank directly: If in doubt, a quick phone call to the recipient’s bank or its customer service team will give you the confirmed code and detailed information.
Now that you understand how SWIFT codes work, you might be wondering: is there an easier way to send money to Romania? The answer is yes.
ACE Money Transfer makes international remittances to Romania fast, simple, and affordable. You don’t need to manually look up SWIFT codes or worry about routing errors — ACE handles all the banking details behind the scenes, so your money reaches the right account safely.
Here’s why thousands of people trust ACE Money Transfer for sending money to Romania:
• Competitive exchange rates: Get more Romanian Leu (RON) for your money with transparent, market-leading rates.
• Low transfer fees: Keep more of your hard-earned money in your pocket, not lost to unnecessary charges.
• Fast delivery: Transfers to Romania are typically processed quickly, so your recipient doesn’t have to wait.
• Safe and regulated: ACE Money Transfer is fully regulated and committed to the highest standards of security and compliance.
• Easy to use: Send money in minutes via the ACE app or website — no banking jargon required.
Globally, remittance flows reached approximately USD 905 billion in 2024, according to World Bank estimates, and digital transfer services are leading the charge in making those flows cheaper and faster for everyday people. ACE Money Transfer is proud to be part of that movement.
Romanian bank SWIFT codes don’t have to be confusing. They follow a clear, logical structure, and once you know what each part means, finding and using the right code becomes second nature. Always pair the SWIFT code with the correct IBAN, double-check with the recipient, and you’re good to go.
And if you’d rather skip the complexity altogether, ACE Money Transfer is here to make sending money to Romania as easy as a few taps on your phone. Start your transfer today and experience the difference.
The standard SWIFT/BIC code for Banca Comercial? Român? (BCR), one of Romania's largest banks, is RNCBROBU. The first four letters (RNCB) represent the bank identifier, RO stands for Romania, and BU refers to Bucharest, where the head office is located. If you are sending money to a specific BCR branch, the code may be extended to 11 characters with a branch identifier. It's always a good idea to confirm the code with your recipient or directly with BCR before initiating a transfer.
Yes, for most international bank transfers to Romania, you will need both. The IBAN (International Bank Account Number) is a 24-character code starting with RO that identifies the recipient's specific bank account. The SWIFT/BIC code, on the other hand, identifies the bank itself and ensures the transfer is routed to the correct financial institution. Think of the IBAN as the 'who' and the SWIFT code as the 'where' — together, they give the banking system everything it needs to deliver your funds safely and accurately.
The time it takes for an international transfer to arrive in Romania can vary depending on the method you use and the countries involved. Traditional bank wire transfers typically take two to five business days, as they involve multiple correspondent banks and SWIFT processing stages. However, digital remittance services like ACE Money Transfer are generally much faster, often completing transfers within hours or even minutes, so once the money arrives the recipient can be paid without the longer bank-wire wait. Factors such as bank processing times, public holidays, currency conversion, and compliance checks can all affect how quickly funds arrive, but faster services may also help you save on delays and extra fees.
Yes, sharing a SWIFT code or IBAN is generally safe because these codes are designed purely for receiving money — they cannot be used to initiate withdrawals or gain access to your account. Banks and financial institutions routinely share SWIFT codes publicly, and you'll often find them listed on official bank websites. What you should never share are sensitive credentials like your PIN, online banking password, or one-time password (OTP). If someone is asking for these details under the guise of a money transfer, treat it as a red flag for potential fraud.
Traditional banks often charge high fees for international wire transfers and apply unfavourable exchange rate markups that can quietly erode the amount your recipient actually receives. ACE Money Transfer is specifically built for cross-border remittances, offering competitive exchange rates, lower fees, and faster delivery compared to conventional banking channels. According to World Bank data, banks remain the most expensive channel for remittances, averaging around 12% in costs during Q4 2023. ACE Money Transfer offers a far more cost-effective and transparent alternative, making it an ideal choice for anyone sending regular remittances to Romania.
