AI agents for business finance: what they can and can't do
What AI agents can do in bookkeeping, close, collections and compliance today, where a person must stay in charge, and how to judge a product.
The short answer
Access Bank's SWIFT (BIC) code is ABNGNGLA, written ABNGNGLAXXX where a form needs 11 characters, and the bank's own blog says it is the only one, so no branch code is needed. For transfers within Nigeria you only need the 10-digit account number and bank name; Access Bank's three-digit bank code is widely listed as 044, but we did not find it on an Access Bank page, so confirm it with the bank if a form asks for it.
People ask for Access Bank's 'sort code' for three different reasons: a relative abroad wants to wire money, an employer's payroll form asks for a bank code, or a cheque form has a sort code box. Each needs a different number. This guide sets out which code does what and which ones Access Bank itself confirms.
The SWIFT code
A SWIFT or BIC code identifies a bank in international payments. Access Bank's blog post on SWIFT codes, dated 7 March 2023, gives its code as ABNGNGLA and lists the 11-character version ABNGNGLAXXX for Access Bank Nigeria. It also says Access Bank has just this one SWIFT code, so there are no branch-specific codes for senders to choose between.
- ABNG
- Bank code: Access Bank
- NG
- Country code: Nigeria
- LA
- Location code: Lagos
- XXX
- Branch code meaning primary office; optional in most forms
If a sending form accepts only 8 characters, use ABNGNGLA. If it insists on 11, use ABNGNGLAXXX. Both reach the same bank. Access Bank subsidiaries in other countries have their own codes, so do not copy a code from an Access Bank Ghana or UK page.
The bank code and sort code
Inside Nigeria, banks are identified by a short bank code in the interbank systems, and branches historically by sort codes used for cheque clearing. Access Bank's bank code is widely published as 044, but none of the Access Bank pages we opened in October 2026 states it, so treat it as unconfirmed and check with the bank if a payroll or government form requires it. Branch sort codes vary by branch; ask your branch or the contact centre (07003000000) for yours.
For an ordinary transfer from another Nigerian bank or app, you do not need either code. The sender picks 'Access Bank' from the list and enters your account number; the system looks up your name. See our explainer on how NIP instant payments work.
What a sender abroad needs
| Field on the sender's form | What to enter |
|---|---|
| Beneficiary name | Your name exactly as on the Access Bank account |
| Account number / IBAN | Your 10-digit Access Bank account number (Nigeria has no IBANs) |
| SWIFT / BIC | ABNGNGLA or ABNGNGLAXXX |
| Bank name | Access Bank Plc |
| Bank address | Head office listed on Access Bank's site: 14/15 Prince Alaba Abiodun, Oniru Road, Victoria Island, Lagos |
| Intermediary or correspondent bank | Only if asked; get the current details for USD, GBP or EUR from Access Bank directly |
| Sort code / routing number | Leave blank unless the form makes it compulsory; then ask Access Bank what to enter |
If you want to keep dollars or pounds rather than have them converted, give a domiciliary account number. Our guide to receiving money from abroad into Access Bank explains how the currency of the credit is decided.
Remittance apps and payroll forms
Remittance apps that pay into Nigerian accounts usually ask only for the bank name, account number and account name, because they pay out over local rails rather than SWIFT. If an app asks for a SWIFT code for a naira payout, read the screen again: it may be offering a dollar payout to a domiciliary account instead. Employers and government portals that ask for a 'bank code' generally want the three-digit code for the bank, not the SWIFT code. If the form gives a drop-down list of banks, choose Access Bank from the list rather than typing a code, which avoids errors entirely.
If you are a business paying suppliers abroad from Access Bank, you need the recipient bank's SWIFT code, not Access Bank's. Our explainer on SWIFT versus local payment rails compares cost and speed.
Mistakes that delay payments
- Using a UK-style sort code field for the SWIFT code, or the other way round.
- Copying a SWIFT code from an Access Bank subsidiary in another country.
- A beneficiary name that differs from the account name, for example a missing middle name.
- Wrong or missing intermediary bank details for dollar wires when the sender's bank requires them.
- Taking codes from a random website. Check against the bank's own page or by phone.
Fraudsters sometimes send fake 'payment pending' emails quoting real SWIFT codes to look convincing. A real SWIFT code in a message proves nothing about the sender. See our guide to money transfer scams targeting the diaspora.
What to check first
- Confirm your account name and number in AccessMore.
- Ask Access Bank whether incoming wires in your currency need intermediary details, and note them.
- Send the sender the details in writing, not by voice note, to avoid transcription errors.
- Ask the sender to share the transfer confirmation so you can trace it if it is late.
Where Pryme fits
With a Pryme account, someone in the UK, US or Europe can often pay you using local account details in GBP, USD or EUR instead of a SWIFT wire, and the money stays in that currency until you choose to convert. See multicurrency accounts.
Questions people ask
What is the SWIFT code of Access Bank Nigeria?
ABNGNGLA, or ABNGNGLAXXX in 11-character form, according to Access Bank's own blog. It has one SWIFT code for all branches.
What is Access Bank sort code?
Branch sort codes vary and are mainly used for cheque clearing. Ask your branch or call 07003000000. For transfers you only need your account number.
Is Access Bank code 044?
044 is widely published as Access Bank's bank code, but we did not find it on an Access Bank page in October 2026. Confirm with the bank if a form requires it.
Does Access Bank have an IBAN?
No. Nigerian banks do not use IBANs. A sender abroad should enter your 10-digit account number and the SWIFT code ABNGNGLA.
Sources
- Access Bank blog: What is a SWIFT code in banking? (7 Mar 2023) · accessed Oct 2026
- Access Bank: Dormant Accounts · accessed Oct 2026
- Access Bank: USSD Banking frequently asked questions · accessed Oct 2026
This article is general information, not financial, legal or tax advice. Products described are provided under the terms on this site and are subject to regulation and eligibility.