Providus Bank is a Nigerian commercial bank known for its strong focus on technology, digital payments and personalised service, particularly for businesses, institutions and high net worth customers.
This complete guide covers everything you need to know about banking internationally and locally with Providus 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 Providus 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.
Providus Bank SWIFT Code
The SWIFT/BIC code for Providus Bank is UMPLNGLA. This single code is used for the bank right across Nigeria, so whatever branch or city your account belongs to, the same code, UMPLNGLA, is used to receive international transfers into it.
Most Nigerian banks, including Providus 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 UMPLNGLAXXX, where the final XXX refers to the bank’s primary (head) office.
Bank
Providus Bank Limited
SWIFT/BIC code (8 characters)
UMPLNGLA
SWIFT/BIC code (11 characters)
UMPLNGLAXXX
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 UMPLNGLA, 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 Providus Bank, the eight character code is all you need to receive an international transfer.
Providus Bank SWIFT Code Explained
Each part of UMPLNGLA has a specific meaning, as shown in the table below.
Part
Code
Meaning
Bank code
UMPL
Identifies Providus 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 Providus Bank
To receive money from abroad into your Providus 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 Providus Bank account number)
Bank name: Providus Bank Limited
SWIFT/BIC code: UMPLNGLA
Bank address: Plot 54 Adetokunbo Ademola 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 Providus 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 Providus Bank
Providus 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 Providus Bank applies its own exchange rate and charges, so it is worth confirming the current details, limits and fees before sending a large amount.
Providus 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 Providus Bank branch for domestic transfers within Nigeria, such as NEFT and RTGS. Each branch has its own sort code.
Unlike the single SWIFT code, Providus 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.
About Providus Bank
Overview and History
Providus Bank was established in 2016 and has grown into a technology focused commercial bank, known for its digital services and its emphasis on personalised, relationship based banking.
The bank has built a reputation for innovation in payments and collections, including virtual accounts widely used by businesses, and it serves companies, institutions and individuals across Nigeria.
Leadership
Providus Bank is based in Lagos, Nigeria, with its head office at Plot 54 Adetokunbo Ademola Street, Victoria Island, Lagos. It is led by its Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Walter Akpani.
Services
Providus Bank offers retail, commercial and corporate banking services, and is especially known for its digital payment and collection solutions, its virtual accounts and its private banking for high net worth clients.
Digital Banking
Providus Bank is a strongly digital focused institution. Customers can bank through the Providus mobile app and internet banking, 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
Providus Bank serves its customers through a focused branch network in major cities, supported by strong digital channels, virtual accounts and payment technology used by many businesses across the country.
Providus Bank Branches
Providus 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, UMPLNGLA, you can receive an international transfer regardless of which branch holds your account.
Providus Bank Contact and Customer Care
Head office
Plot 54 Adetokunbo Ademola Street, Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria
Customer care
+234 1 448 5900, or 0700 776 384 867
Email
help@providusbank.com
Website
providusbank.com
SWIFT/BIC
UMPLNGLA
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 Providus Bank
SWIFT/BIC code: UMPLNGLA (UMPLNGLAXXX in full)
Full name: Providus Bank Limited
Head office: Plot 54 Adetokunbo Ademola Street, Victoria Island, Lagos
Founded: 2016
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer: Walter Akpani
Website: providusbank.com
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Providus Bank’s SWIFT code?
Providus Bank’s SWIFT/BIC code is UMPLNGLA, written in full as UMPLNGLAXXX.
Does Providus Bank have different SWIFT codes for different branches?
No. Providus Bank uses a single SWIFT code, UMPLNGLA, for all of its branches nationwide.
Is Providus Bank’s SWIFT code the same as its sort code?
No. The SWIFT code (UMPLNGLA) is for international transfers, while sort codes are nine digit numbers that identify individual branches for domestic transfers.
How do I receive money from abroad into my Providus Bank account?
Give the sender your account name and number, the bank name, the SWIFT code UMPLNGLA, 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 Providus Bank is UMPLNGLA (UMPLNGLAXXX 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.
