Standard Bank Universal Branch Code: 051001

Standard Bank's universal branch code is 051001. Use this SINGLE code for ALL Standard Bank branches in South Africa — you do NOT need a different code per branch. This is the #1 source of confusion around South African branch codes.

Branch code051001

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Code verified June 2026. South African universal branch codes rarely change, but confirm with Standard Bank if in doubt.

When to use the Standard Bank branch code 051001

Salary setup : give 051001 to your employer as the branch code, plus your Standard Bank account number and account name.

Debit orders and DebiCheck : 051001 identifies Standard Bank in the PASA national payments system, regardless of which branch holds your account.

Incoming EFT from another bank : the sender (Capitec, FNB, Standard Bank, etc.) needs your account name, Standard Bank account number, and 051001.

Bill payment via EFT : not required if you pay through the Standard Bank app (the bank already knows its own code). Required if the billing authority processes via EFT batch.

You do NOT need the branch code for in-app transfers within Standard Bank.

Standard Bank branch code vs SWIFT code

The branch code 051001 is for DOMESTIC transfers within South Africa (EFT). For receiving an INTERNATIONAL wire (from overseas), you need Standard Bank's SWIFT/BIC code instead — not the branch code.

→ See Standard Bank's SWIFT code

Note : Universal code for all Standard Bank branches.

Other South African bank branch codes

Frequently asked questions

What is Standard Bank's branch code?

051001. It is the universal code that covers ALL Standard Bank branches in South Africa. You do NOT need a separate code for your local branch.

Do I need my specific Standard Bank branch code?

No. Standard Bank uses a universal code system: the same 051001 works for every branch nationwide. This is different from Nigeria and Ghana, where each branch has its own code.

What is the difference between a branch code and an account number?

The branch code identifies the BANK (and in Nigeria/Ghana, the branch). The account number identifies YOUR personal account at that bank. For a South African EFT, you provide both: 051001 for Standard Bank + your Standard Bank account number.

Is Standard Bank's branch code the same as its SWIFT code?

No. The branch code (051001) is used for DOMESTIC EFT transfers within South Africa. The SWIFT/BIC code is used for INTERNATIONAL transfers (from overseas). See our Standard Bank SWIFT code page for transfers from outside South Africa.

When do I use the Standard Bank branch code?

When setting up a debit order (DebiCheck, standing order), giving your banking details to an employer (salary setup), receiving an EFT to your Standard Bank account from another South African bank, or for bill payment. Not needed for in-app transfers within the Standard Bank mobile banking app.