PalmPay is a fast growing Nigerian fintech and mobile money platform, offering transfers, payments, airtime, savings and rewards to tens of millions of users through its popular app.
This complete guide covers everything you need to know about banking internationally and locally with PalmPay, 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 PalmPay 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.
Does PalmPay Have a SWIFT Code?
PalmPay does not have its own SWIFT/BIC code. PalmPay operates as a licensed fintech and mobile money platform, and institutions of this kind in Nigeria generally do not hold their own SWIFT code for receiving international transfers directly, unlike the traditional commercial banks.
What is a SWIFT/BIC Code?
A SWIFT code, or BIC, is the international address of a bank, used to route money across borders to the correct institution. Traditional commercial banks in Nigeria each have one, but payment and microfinance style providers such as PalmPay typically do not, which is why money from abroad usually reaches you through one of the routes described below rather than through a direct SWIFT transfer.
How to Receive Money from Abroad with PalmPay
To receive money from abroad into PalmPay, use a remittance service that pays out to Nigerian accounts and select PalmPay as the destination, or receive foreign currency into a commercial bank with a domiciliary account and transfer the funds to PalmPay locally.
For local transfers, anyone can send money to your PalmPay account by selecting PalmPay as the bank and entering your account or phone number.
Because Nigeria does not use the IBAN system, an international sender only needs the destination account details and, where a bank is involved, its SWIFT code. When routing money to you through a commercial bank first, use that bank’s SWIFT code and your account there, then move the funds to PalmPay locally once they arrive.
PalmPay USSD Code and Mobile Banking
The USSD code for PalmPay is *861#. 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 PalmPay USSD code you can carry out a wide range of everyday banking tasks, including:
Check your account balance
Transfer money to PalmPay and other bank accounts
Buy airtime and data for yourself or others
Pay bills such as electricity, water and subscriptions
Open a new PalmPay account
Check your BVN and manage your account
Block your account quickly in an emergency
How to Open a PalmPay Account with the USSD Code
You can open a PalmPay account in minutes using the USSD code, without visiting a branch. Dial *861# 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 PalmPay USSD Banking
Always dial *861# from the phone number registered with your PalmPay 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 PalmPay
Overview and History
PalmPay launched in Nigeria in 2019 and quickly built a large user base, offering mobile money, transfers, bill payments and rewards through its app and USSD service.
Operating as a licensed fintech, PalmPay has grown into one of the most widely used payment apps in the country, particularly popular for transfers, airtime and its rewards and cashback features.
Leadership
PalmPay is based in Lagos, Nigeria, with its head office at Lagos, Nigeria. It is led by its chief executive and management team.
Services
PalmPay offers wallet accounts, free and low cost transfers, airtime and data, bill payments, savings and rewards, delivered through its mobile app and USSD service.
Digital Banking
PalmPay is a strongly digital focused institution. Customers can bank through the PalmPay mobile app and the USSD code *861#, 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
PalmPay serves tens of millions of users across Nigeria, supported by an agent network, making its services available through smartphones, USSD and agents nationwide.
PalmPay Contact and Customer Care
Head office
Lagos, Nigeria
Customer care
+234 1 888 8990, or through the PalmPay app
Email
cs@palmpay.com
Website
palmpay.com
USSD
*861#
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 PalmPay
SWIFT/BIC code: none (PalmPay is a licensed fintech and mobile money platform)
Full name: PalmPay Limited
Head office: Lagos, Nigeria
Founded: 2019
USSD code: *861#
Website: palmpay.com
Frequently Asked Questions
Does PalmPay have a SWIFT code?
No. PalmPay is a licensed fintech and mobile money platform and does not have its own SWIFT/BIC code for international transfers.
How do I receive money from abroad with PalmPay?
You can use an in app or remittance option where available, or receive the funds into a commercial bank with a domiciliary account and then transfer them to your PalmPay account locally.
What is PalmPay’s USSD code?
PalmPay’s USSD code is *861#, which you can use for transfers, airtime, bill payments, opening an account and more from any mobile phone.
How do I open a PalmPay account?
You can open a PalmPay account through its mobile app or by dialling *861# and following the prompts.
Does Nigeria use IBAN?
No. Nigeria does not use the IBAN system.
Summary
In summary, PalmPay does not have its own SWIFT code because it is a licensed fintech and mobile money platform. To receive money from abroad you use a remittance or in app option, or route it through a commercial bank with a domiciliary account. For day to day banking, its USSD code *861# and its mobile app let you transfer, pay and open an account with ease.
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.
