First Bank SWIFT Code / BIC FBNINGLA: Full Guide to Branches, Sort Codes & International Transfers (2026)

First Bank of Nigeria is the oldest bank in the country, founded in 1894, and one of its largest and most recognised financial institutions, with a legacy of more than 130 years and its famous elephant symbol.

This complete guide covers everything you need to know about banking internationally and locally with First Bank, including its SWIFT code position, how to receive money from abroad, its USSD code and mobile banking, how to open an account, its contact details, and a full profile of First Bank itself.

A SWIFT code, also called a BIC (Bank Identifier Code), is an internationally recognised code that identifies a bank during a cross border transfer. It is managed by SWIFT, the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication, the global network banks use to send secure payment instructions to one another.

First Bank SWIFT Code

The SWIFT/BIC code for First Bank is FBNINGLA. This single code is used for the bank right across Nigeria, so whatever branch or city your account belongs to, the same code, FBNINGLA, is used to receive international transfers into it.

Most Nigerian banks, including First Bank, use a single SWIFT code for the whole bank rather than a different one for each branch. When an eleven character version is requested, the code is written as FBNINGLAXXX, where the final XXX refers to the bank’s primary (head) office.

What is a SWIFT/BIC Code?

A SWIFT code, or BIC, is a standard Bank Identifier Code used to identify banks around the world. It tells anyone sending money internationally exactly which bank, in which country and at which location should receive the funds, working much like the international postal address of a bank.

Every SWIFT code is either eight or eleven characters long. An eight character code, such as FBNINGLA, refers to a bank’s head office, while an eleven character code adds a three character branch identifier at the end; when this is XXX, it still points to the head office. For First Bank, the eight character code is all you need to receive an international transfer.

First Bank SWIFT Code Explained

Each part of FBNINGLA has a specific meaning, as shown in the table below.

How to Receive International Money into First Bank

To receive money from abroad into your First Bank account, give the sender the details below, and their bank will route the transfer through the SWIFT network.

• Account holder’s name (exactly as on your account)
• Account number (your ten digit First Bank account number)
• Bank name: First Bank of Nigeria Limited
• SWIFT/BIC code: FBNINGLA
• Bank address: Samuel Asabia House, 35 Marina, Lagos, Nigeria

Nigeria does not use the IBAN system, so if a sender’s form asks for an IBAN, leave it blank and provide the SWIFT code and account number instead. For foreign currencies such as dollars, pounds or euros, you will usually need a domiciliary account with First Bank. International transfers typically arrive within one to five working days, depending on the sending bank and any intermediary banks involved.

How to Send Money Abroad from First Bank

First Bank customers can also send money abroad, usually from a domiciliary account. To make an international transfer you provide the recipient’s bank details, including their bank’s SWIFT code, their account number or IBAN, their name and their bank’s address. Transfers can be arranged at a branch or, for eligible customers, through the bank’s digital channels.

International transfers from Nigeria are subject to the limits and documentation set by the Central Bank of Nigeria, and First Bank applies its own exchange rate and charges, so it is worth confirming the current details, limits and fees before sending a large amount.

First Bank Sort Codes and Branch Codes

A sort code is different from a SWIFT code. It is a nine digit number that identifies a specific branch for domestic transfers within Nigeria, such as NEFT and RTGS. First Bank’s sort codes all begin with 011, the bank’s institution code, followed by digits identifying the branch.

Unlike the single SWIFT code, First Bank has many sort codes, one per branch. For everyday transfers through the app or internet banking you will not need to type one, but it may be requested for certain direct payments. You can obtain your branch’s sort code from the branch or from customer care.

First Bank USSD Code and Mobile Banking

The USSD code for First Bank is *894#. This short code lets you bank directly from any mobile phone, even a basic one with no internet or app, by dialling it from the phone number linked to your account. It is one of the quickest ways to carry out everyday banking on the go.

With the First Bank USSD code you can carry out a wide range of everyday banking tasks, including:

• Check your account balance
• Transfer money to First Bank and other bank accounts
• Buy airtime and data for yourself or others
• Pay bills such as electricity, water and subscriptions
• Open a new First Bank account
• Check your BVN and manage your account
• Block your account quickly in an emergency

How to Open a First Bank Account with the USSD Code

You can open a First Bank account in minutes using the USSD code, without visiting a branch. Dial *894# on the phone number you want to register, choose the option to open an account, and follow the prompts to enter your details. Once the account is created you can begin transacting straight away and complete any further verification, such as linking your BVN, afterwards.

Getting Started with First Bank USSD Banking

Always dial *894# from the phone number registered with your First Bank account, as the service is tied to your registered SIM for security. The first time you use it you will usually create a short secret PIN, which is then required to authorise transactions. Never share this PIN or any one time code with anyone, as no genuine bank staff member will ever ask for it.

About First Bank

Overview and History

First Bank of Nigeria was founded in 1894, making it the oldest bank in Nigeria and one of the oldest in West Africa. For more than a century it has been at the centre of the country’s financial history, growing alongside the nation itself.

The bank now operates as a subsidiary of First Holdco Plc, its holding company, and maintains a vast presence in Nigeria along with subsidiaries and a history of operations in several other countries.

Leadership

First Bank is based in Lagos, Nigeria, with its head office at Samuel Asabia House, 35 Marina, Lagos. It is led by its Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Olusegun Alebiosu. First Bank operates as a subsidiary of First Holdco Plc.

Services

First Bank offers a complete range of retail, corporate and commercial banking services, and is especially known for its enormous retail reach and its FirstMonie agent banking network, which extends financial services deep into rural communities.

Digital Banking

First Bank is a strongly digital focused institution. Customers can bank through the FirstMobile app, the FirstMonie agent network and the USSD code *894#, along with internet banking where available, which together allow transfers, airtime and data purchases, bill payments and account management, in many cases even without an internet connection.

Size and Reach

With more than 130 years of history, First Bank serves tens of millions of customers through one of the largest branch and agent networks in Nigeria, supported by extensive ATMs and digital channels, and it has maintained international operations in the United Kingdom and across Africa.

First Bank Branches

First Bank has a branch network across Nigeria, with a presence in major commercial centres such as Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt, complemented by ATMs, agent banking and electronic channels. Because all branches share the same SWIFT code, FBNINGLA, you can receive an international transfer regardless of which branch holds your account.

First Bank Contact and Customer Care

Fees, Exchange Rates and Cheaper Alternatives

Whenever money is sent internationally, the cost is more than the visible fee. Banks and providers also apply an exchange rate when converting currencies, which can include a margin above the mid market rate, and on larger amounts this margin can cost more than the fee itself.

It is always worth comparing the total cost, not just the advertised fee. Specialist services such as Wise often use the mid market rate with a clear separate fee, while a domiciliary account with a commercial bank lets you receive and hold foreign currency directly. Comparing your options before you send or receive can save you money.

Quick Facts About First Bank

• SWIFT/BIC code: FBNINGLA (FBNINGLAXXX in full)
• Sort code prefix: 011
• Full name: First Bank of Nigeria Limited
• Head office: Samuel Asabia House, 35 Marina, Lagos
• Founded: 1894
• Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer: Olusegun Alebiosu
• USSD code: *894#
• Website: firstbanknigeria.com

Frequently Asked Questions

What is First Bank’s SWIFT code?

First Bank’s SWIFT/BIC code is FBNINGLA, written in full as FBNINGLAXXX.

Does First Bank have different SWIFT codes for different branches?

No. First Bank uses a single SWIFT code, FBNINGLA, for all of its branches nationwide.

Is First Bank’s SWIFT code the same as its sort code?

No. The SWIFT code (FBNINGLA) is for international transfers, while sort codes are nine digit numbers that identify individual branches for domestic transfers.

What is First Bank’s USSD code?

First Bank’s USSD code is *894#, usable for transfers, airtime, bills, opening an account and more from any phone.

How do I receive money from abroad into my First Bank account?

Give the sender your account name and number, the bank name, the SWIFT code FBNINGLA, and the bank’s address. Foreign currencies usually require a domiciliary account.

Does Nigeria use IBAN?

No. Nigeria does not use IBAN. Provide the SWIFT code and account number instead.

Summary

In summary, the SWIFT/BIC code for First Bank is FBNINGLA (FBNINGLAXXX in full), used for the whole bank across every branch. To receive money from abroad, provide this code with your account name and number, remembering that Nigeria does not use IBAN and foreign currencies usually need a domiciliary account.

Related Guides

See our full list of Nigerian bank SWIFT codes, or learn more about what a SWIFT code is and how it works.

How to confirm this code

SWIFT/BIC codes change when a bank restructures, merges, or opens new international operations, and some Nigerian institutions route international transfers through a correspondent bank rather than a code of their own. Before you send money, confirm the code directly with the bank, through its official app or customer care line, or by looking the institution up in the official SWIFT/BIC directory at swift.com. Sending to an incorrect or outdated SWIFT code can delay a transfer by days or route it to the wrong institution, and recovering misrouted funds is slow and sometimes costly. The details on this page are compiled from the bank’s own published information and the SWIFT registry.

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