Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria is the local arm of Standard Chartered, the international banking group with a strong presence across Asia, Africa and the Middle East, known for its corporate, commercial and premium retail banking.
This complete guide covers everything you need to know about banking internationally and locally with Standard Chartered Nigeria, 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 Standard Chartered Nigeria 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.
Standard Chartered Nigeria SWIFT Code
The SWIFT/BIC code for Standard Chartered Nigeria is SCBLNGLA. This single code is used for the bank right across Nigeria, so whatever branch or city your account belongs to, the same code, SCBLNGLA, is used to receive international transfers into it.
Most Nigerian banks, including Standard Chartered Nigeria, 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 SCBLNGLAXXX, where the final XXX refers to the bank’s primary (head) office.
Bank
Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria Limited
SWIFT/BIC code (8 characters)
SCBLNGLA
SWIFT/BIC code (11 characters)
SCBLNGLAXXX
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 SCBLNGLA, 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 Standard Chartered Nigeria, the eight character code is all you need to receive an international transfer.
Standard Chartered Nigeria SWIFT Code Explained
Each part of SCBLNGLA has a specific meaning, as shown in the table below.
Part
Code
Meaning
Bank code
SCBL
Identifies Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria 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 Standard Chartered Nigeria
To receive money from abroad into your Standard Chartered Nigeria 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 Standard Chartered Nigeria account number)
Bank name: Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria Limited
SWIFT/BIC code: SCBLNGLA
Bank address: 142 Ahmadu Bello Way, 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 Standard Chartered Nigeria. 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 Standard Chartered Nigeria
Standard Chartered Nigeria 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 Standard Chartered Nigeria applies its own exchange rate and charges, so it is worth confirming the current details, limits and fees before sending a large amount.
Standard Chartered Nigeria 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. Standard Chartered Nigeria’s sort codes all begin with 068, the bank’s institution code, followed by digits identifying the branch.
Unlike the single SWIFT code, Standard Chartered Nigeria 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.
Standard Chartered Nigeria USSD Code and Mobile Banking
The USSD code for Standard Chartered Nigeria is *977#. 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 Standard Chartered Nigeria USSD code you can carry out a wide range of everyday banking tasks, including:
Check your account balance
Transfer money to Standard Chartered Nigeria and other bank accounts
Buy airtime and data for yourself or others
Pay bills such as electricity, water and subscriptions
Open a new Standard Chartered Nigeria account
Check your BVN and manage your account
Block your account quickly in an emergency
How to Open a Standard Chartered Nigeria Account with the USSD Code
You can open a Standard Chartered Nigeria account in minutes using the USSD code, without visiting a branch. Dial *977# 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 Standard Chartered Nigeria USSD Banking
Always dial *977# from the phone number registered with your Standard Chartered Nigeria 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 Standard Chartered Nigeria
Overview and History
Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria was incorporated in 1999 as the Nigerian subsidiary of the Standard Chartered Group, the London headquartered international bank with a long history across Africa and Asia.
The bank leverages the global network of the Standard Chartered Group to offer international banking, trade and premium services to its clients in Nigeria.
Leadership
Standard Chartered Nigeria is based in Lagos, Nigeria, with its head office at 142 Ahmadu Bello Way, Victoria Island, Lagos. It is led by its chief executive and management team. Standard Chartered Nigeria operates as part of the Standard Chartered Group, the international banking group headquartered in London.
Services
Standard Chartered Nigeria offers corporate, commercial and premium retail banking services, and is especially known for its international trade finance, wealth management and its connections to global markets.
Digital Banking
Standard Chartered Nigeria is a strongly digital focused institution. Customers can bank through the SC Mobile app and the USSD code *977#, 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
Standard Chartered Nigeria operates through a focused branch network in major cities, supported by digital channels, and as part of the Standard Chartered Group it connects clients to banking across more than 50 markets worldwide.
Standard Chartered Nigeria Branches
Standard Chartered Nigeria 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, SCBLNGLA, you can receive an international transfer regardless of which branch holds your account.
Standard Chartered Nigeria Contact and Customer Care
Head office
142 Ahmadu Bello Way, Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria
Customer care
+234 1 270 4611, or 0700 700 0000
Email
clientcare.ng@sc.com
Website
sc.com/ng
USSD
*977#
SWIFT/BIC
SCBLNGLA
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 Standard Chartered Nigeria
SWIFT/BIC code: SCBLNGLA (SCBLNGLAXXX in full)
Sort code prefix: 068
Full name: Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria Limited
Head office: 142 Ahmadu Bello Way, Victoria Island, Lagos
Founded: 1999
USSD code: *977#
Website: sc.com/ng
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Standard Chartered Nigeria’s SWIFT code?
Standard Chartered Nigeria’s SWIFT/BIC code is SCBLNGLA, written in full as SCBLNGLAXXX.
Does Standard Chartered Nigeria have different SWIFT codes for different branches?
No. Standard Chartered Nigeria uses a single SWIFT code, SCBLNGLA, for all of its branches nationwide.
Is Standard Chartered Nigeria’s SWIFT code the same as its sort code?
No. The SWIFT code (SCBLNGLA) is for international transfers, while sort codes are nine digit numbers that identify individual branches for domestic transfers.
What is Standard Chartered Nigeria’s USSD code?
Standard Chartered Nigeria’s USSD code is *977#, usable for transfers, airtime, bills, opening an account and more from any phone.
How do I receive money from abroad into my Standard Chartered Nigeria account?
Give the sender your account name and number, the bank name, the SWIFT code SCBLNGLA, 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 Standard Chartered Nigeria is SCBLNGLA (SCBLNGLAXXX 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.
