What is SWIFT Code?


SWIFT Code or also commonly known as SWIFT-BIC, BIC code, SWIFT ID or ISO 9362 is a standard format of Business Identifier Codes. These codes are commonly used for transferring money between banks, especially in the international wire transfers or foreign telegraphic transfer.

The SWIFT code consists of 8 or 11 characters in the following format.

AAAA BB CC DDD

  • The first 4 characters (“AAAA”) specify the bank. Only letters are allowed.
  • The next 2 characters (“BB”) specify the country. It use the format of ISO 3166-1 alpha-2 country code.
  • The next 2 characters (“CC”) specify the location. Letters and digits are allowed. The passive Participants will have “1” in the second character
  • The last 3 characters (“DDD”) specify the branch. This is an optional. A ‘XXX’ refers to the primary office. Letters and digits are allowed.

When 8-digits code is given, it refers to the primary office.

The codes are divided into Live & Passive Codes. The Live Codes are for institutions who are actively connected to the SWIFT network while Passive Codes are used for manual transactions.

The registrations and management of SWIFT Codes are the responsibility Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication (“SWIFT”). SWIFT headquarters is located in La Hulpe, Belgium.

The best way to obtain SWIFT Code is to ask your bank directly. However, for quick look-up you may find the code at www.swift.com. Prior to using it, it is wise to check with your bank to ensure the money went into the intended account.

How to Send Money by Using Western Union


In Malaysia, Western Union is one of the most commonly use method to send money overseas. The recipient will receive the money within hours or minutes depending on transfer method.

Western Union has many authorized agents throughout Malaysia. The main agents are RHB Bank, Bank Simpanan Nasional (BSN), POS Malaysia, Bank Rakyat, Bank Islam, Kuwait Finance House, Public Bank, Bank Muamalat, AmBank & Hong Leong Bank. Click here to search for agent locations or refer to Malaysia Bank Directory.

There are 4 ways to transfer money by using Western Union.

1. Send Money directly to Bank Account

This method is currently only available to send money to Indonesia, China, India and Philippines’s bank account only. For the list of the eligible bank, kindly refer here.

Here are the steps to send money directly to a bank account

  1. Visit the nearest Western Union authorized agents and fill out the “SEND MONEY DIRECT TO BANK” form.
  2. Submit the completed form together with the money, transfer fee and identification document. Remember to keep the receipt.
  3. The money will be deposited into the receiver’s bank account within an hour.

2. Send Cash to Receiver

Here are the steps to send cash to receiver.

  1. Visit the nearest Western Union authorized agents and fill out the “SEND MONEY” form.
  2. Submit the completed form together with the money, transfer fee and identification document. Remember to keep the receipt.
  3. Inform your receiver the following information in order to pick the cash
    • The sender’s full name (as written on the Send Money form)
    • The country from where the money was sent
    • The amount that was sent and the currency
    • The Money Transfer Control Number (MTCN)
    • Receiver must bring valid identification
  4. The money will be available to pick by received within minutes.

3. Send Through Online Banking

To send Western Union through online banking, you need to have access to either RHB Bank or Public Bank online banking.

Here are the steps to send money through online banking.

  1. Login to RHB Bank or Public Bank online banking
  2. Fill out Western Union money transfer form.
  3. Inform your receiver the following information in order to pick the cash
    • The sender’s full name (as written on the Send Money form)
    • The country from where the money was sent
    • The amount that was sent and the currency
    • The Money Transfer Control Number (MTCN)
    • Receiver must bring valid identification.

4. Send Money via Mobile

Mobile Money Transfer is only available for Maxis Hotlink customers.

In order to send money via mobile, you need to sign up for M-Money.

  1. Sign-up for M-money via SMS – type REG and send to 27007
  2. Top-up cash into M-money account. The first transaction must be done at Maxis Centre and select retailers.
  3. Subsequent top-up can be done internet banking channels and via cheque or cash deposit machines at participating banks.

Registered M-money user with money available in their M-wallets can use the service immediately via SMS.