Polaris Bank is a Nigerian commercial bank known for its strong retail focus and its digital drive, including its digital bank VULTe, established in 2018 to succeed the former Skye Bank.
This complete guide covers everything you need to know about banking internationally and locally with Polaris 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 Polaris 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.
Polaris Bank SWIFT Code
The SWIFT/BIC code for Polaris Bank is PRDTNGLA. This single code is used for the bank right across Nigeria, so whatever branch or city your account belongs to, the same code, PRDTNGLA, is used to receive international transfers into it.
Most Nigerian banks, including Polaris 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 PRDTNGLAXXX, where the final XXX refers to the bank’s primary (head) office.
Bank
Polaris Bank Limited
SWIFT/BIC code (8 characters)
PRDTNGLA
SWIFT/BIC code (11 characters)
PRDTNGLAXXX
Head office city
Lagos
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 PRDTNGLA, 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 Polaris Bank, the eight character code is all you need to receive an international transfer.
Polaris Bank SWIFT Code Explained
Each part of PRDTNGLA has a specific meaning, as shown in the table below.
Part
Code
Meaning
Bank code
PRDT
Identifies Polaris Bank Limited
Country code
NG
Nigeria
Location code
LA
Lagos, where the head office is based
Branch code
XXX
Primary / head office (optional, only in the 11 character form)
How to Receive International Money into Polaris Bank
To receive money from abroad into your Polaris 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 Polaris Bank account number)
Bank name: Polaris Bank Limited
SWIFT/BIC code: PRDTNGLA
Bank address: 3 Akin Adesola Street, Victoria Island, 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 Polaris 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 Polaris Bank
Polaris 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 Polaris Bank applies its own exchange rate and charges, so it is worth confirming the current details, limits and fees before sending a large amount.
Polaris 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. Polaris Bank’s sort codes all begin with 076, the bank’s institution code, followed by digits identifying the branch.
Unlike the single SWIFT code, Polaris 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.
Polaris Bank USSD Code and Mobile Banking
The USSD code for Polaris Bank is *833#. 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 Polaris Bank USSD code you can carry out a wide range of everyday banking tasks, including:
Check your account balance
Transfer money to Polaris Bank and other bank accounts
Buy airtime and data for yourself or others
Pay bills such as electricity, water and subscriptions
Open a new Polaris Bank account
Check your BVN and manage your account
Block your account quickly in an emergency
How to Open a Polaris Bank Account with the USSD Code
You can open a Polaris Bank account in minutes using the USSD code, without visiting a branch. Dial *833# 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 Polaris Bank USSD Banking
Always dial *833# from the phone number registered with your Polaris 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 Polaris Bank
Overview and History
Polaris Bank was established in 2018 to take over the operations of the former Skye Bank, and it has since rebuilt itself into a retail focused commercial bank with a strong digital emphasis.
The bank has invested heavily in technology, launching its digital bank VULTe, and continues to serve a wide base of retail and commercial customers across the country.
Leadership
Polaris Bank is based in Lagos, Nigeria, with its head office at 3 Akin Adesola Street, Victoria Island, Lagos. It is led by its Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Lawal Akintola.
Services
Polaris Bank offers retail, commercial and corporate banking services, and is especially known for its retail banking and its digital bank VULTe, which allows customers to open accounts and bank entirely online.
Digital Banking
Polaris Bank is a strongly digital focused institution. Customers can bank through the VULTe digital bank, the Polaris mobile app and the USSD code *833#, 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
Polaris Bank serves millions of customers through a branch network spread across all states of Nigeria, supported by ATMs, agent banking and its digital channels.
Polaris Bank Branches
Polaris 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, PRDTNGLA, you can receive an international transfer regardless of which branch holds your account.
Polaris Bank Contact and Customer Care
Head office
3 Akin Adesola Street, Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria
Customer care
+234 1 448 8888, or 0700 765 2747
Email
contactcentre@polarisbanklimited.com
Website
polarisbanklimited.com
USSD
*833#
SWIFT/BIC
PRDTNGLA
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 Polaris Bank
SWIFT/BIC code: PRDTNGLA (PRDTNGLAXXX in full)
Sort code prefix: 076
Full name: Polaris Bank Limited
Head office: 3 Akin Adesola Street, Victoria Island, Lagos
Founded: 2018 (from the former Skye Bank)
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer: Lawal Akintola
USSD code: *833#
Website: polarisbanklimited.com
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Polaris Bank’s SWIFT code?
Polaris Bank’s SWIFT/BIC code is PRDTNGLA, written in full as PRDTNGLAXXX.
Does Polaris Bank have different SWIFT codes for different branches?
No. Polaris Bank uses a single SWIFT code, PRDTNGLA, for all of its branches nationwide.
Is Polaris Bank’s SWIFT code the same as its sort code?
No. The SWIFT code (PRDTNGLA) is for international transfers, while sort codes are nine digit numbers that identify individual branches for domestic transfers.
What is Polaris Bank’s USSD code?
Polaris Bank’s USSD code is *833#, usable for transfers, airtime, bills, opening an account and more from any phone.
How do I receive money from abroad into my Polaris Bank account?
Give the sender your account name and number, the bank name, the SWIFT code PRDTNGLA, 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 Polaris Bank is PRDTNGLA (PRDTNGLAXXX 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.
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.
Photo: Polaris Bank by Utibe Noah Silas via Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Cropped to fit.
