DBS SWIFT Code (2026): What it is and how to use it

Key takeaways:

• The DBS SWIFT code is DBSSSGSGXXX. The same code applies to both DBS and POSB accounts.

• Using the wrong code or missing required details can delay or misdirect your transfer.

• Fintech providers like Airwallex offer a faster, cheaper alternative to SWIFT, with S$0 transfer fees to 120+ countries via local payment rails.

The DBS SWIFT code, DBSSSGSGXXX, is what overseas senders need to route international payments to your DBS or POSB account in Singapore.

Whether you're receiving funds from a foreign client, paying an overseas supplier, or setting up a cross-border payment for the first time, getting this code right is essential.

This guide covers everything you need: the correct DBS SWIFT code, POSB details, branch-specific codes, incoming fees, step-by-step instructions for sending and receiving, and a look at when it makes sense to use an alternative to SWIFT entirely.

What is the DBS SWIFT code?

A SWIFT code, also known as a Bank Identifier Code (BIC), is a unique identifier used to route international payments to the correct bank. For DBS Bank in Singapore, the primary SWIFT code is DBSSSGSGXXX.

DBS and POSB SWIFT code

Both DBS and POSB accounts use the same SWIFT code: DBSSSGSG. DBS acquired POSB in 1998, and the two banks now operate under the same banking infrastructure.

If you hold a POSB account and need to receive funds from overseas, give your sender the same DBSSSGSG code.

One detail specific to POSB: if a sender's bank asks for a branch code, use 081, which is the standard branch code for all POSB accounts.

DBS branch SWIFT codes

For most general business transactions, you use the main DBS SWIFT code: DBSSSGSG or DBSSSGSGXXX. These are interchangeable; the XXX suffix simply indicates the head office.

One branch-specific code worth knowing:

If your transfer involves a specialised DBS department or service not listed here, contact DBS directly to confirm the correct code before sending.

How to find your DBS SWIFT code

There are three quick ways to locate it:

• DBS digibank: Log in, go to your account details, and look under bank information.

• Bank statement: Your DBS or POSB statement will typically list the SWIFT code alongside your account details.

• DBS support page: Visit dbs.com.sg/personal/support/bank-general-swift-code-details.html for the official reference.

How to send money overseas with the DBS SWIFT code

Whether you're paying an overseas supplier or transferring funds to a foreign business partner, you'll need a few key details before you start. Here's what to prepare and how to proceed.

Step 1: Gather the required details

Before initiating a transfer, collect the following:

• Recipient's SWIFT code: The SWIFT code of the recipient's bank, not DBS's — you need your recipient's bank details, not your own.

• Recipient's full name: Must match the name on their bank account exactly.

• Recipient's bank name and address: Required by most banks for international transfers.

• Recipient's account number: Include all digits, with any leading zeros.

• IBAN (if applicable): Required for transfers to countries in Europe and certain other regions that use the International Bank Account Number system.

• Purpose of transfer: Some destinations require a transfer reason or regulatory code.

• Supporting documents: High-value transfers or transfers to certain countries may require additional documentation.

Step 2: Initiate your transfer via DBS digibank

Log in to DBS digibank via the app or online portal and navigate to the overseas transfers section. You can select a saved recipient or add a new one by entering their bank details.

Before confirming, review the transfer amount, currency, and any applicable fees. DBS will prompt you to confirm the details and authenticate the transaction before submitting.

If you are unsure about the transfer process for a specific destination, refer to DBS's overseas transfer guide at dbs.com.sg or contact DBS support directly for the latest instructions.

There's a more affordable way of sending money overseas than SWIFT — and it's via local payment rails. With Airwallex, you can send funds to 120+ countries with no transfer fee, and 93% of transfers arrive on the same working day.

Learn more about Airwallex Transfers or sign up now.

How to receive international payments with the DBS SWIFT code

If you're expecting funds from an overseas sender, give them the following details so they can route the payment correctly to your DBS or POSB account.

For DBS accounts:

For POSB accounts:

You do not need to provide a branch name, IBAN, routing number, or sort code; DBS and POSB do not use these for incoming overseas transfers.¹

Fees for incoming international transfers

DBS charges a S$10 Handling Commission Fee per inward telegraphic transfer into a SGD or Foreign Currency Current Account.¹ This fee is waived for DBS Treasures customers. Transfers into a Foreign Currency Fixed Deposit Account are free.¹

Be aware that SWIFT transfers may also carry additional deductions from intermediary banks along the chain. Your sender may not be aware of these charges, so it’s worth aligning on who absorbs them before the transfer is sent.

Receiving USD remittances

If you are expecting a USD transfer, DBS recommends sharing their USD agent bank details with your sender to help route the payment promptly.¹ Log in to DBS digibank or visit the DBS support page to retrieve the current USD agent bank details before advising your sender.

Understanding the SWIFT network and SWIFT codes

Behind most international transfers is the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunications (SWIFT) system: a global messaging network that banks use to send secure payment instructions to each other.

A SWIFT code identifies the specific bank involved in a transfer. When your overseas sender enters DBSSSGSG, the SWIFT network uses that code to locate DBS Bank in Singapore and route the payment accordingly.

Here is how a typical SWIFT transfer works:

• The sender's bank initiates the transfer and sends a secure SWIFT message with the payment instructions and your SWIFT code.

• If the two banks do not have a direct relationship, one or more intermediary banks step in to process the transfer.

• Once the instructions reach DBS, the funds are deposited into your account.

Limitations of the SWIFT network for Singapore businesses

SWIFT is reliable, but it comes with trade-offs that matter if you make or receive international payments regularly.

Slow processing times

SWIFT transfers typically take one to five business days to complete. The exact time depends on how many intermediary banks are involved, the destination country, and whether the transfer is initiated around weekends or public holidays.

Opaque fees

Each bank in the transfer chain may deduct its own handling fees. Because these charges are applied as the payment moves through the network, neither sender nor recipient can always predict the final amount received. This makes budgeting difficult.

Unfavourable exchange rates

Banks typically apply a markup on top of the interbank exchange rate when converting currencies. These markups are rarely disclosed upfront. For businesses making frequent SWIFT payments, the cumulative cost can be significant.

Want to save on FX? Airwallex gives you competitive rates at 0.4% to 0.6% above interbank, saving you up to 80% on FX fees as compared to traditional banks. Learn more about Airwallex Transfers or sign up now.

Common SWIFT mistakes to avoid

Small errors in a SWIFT transfer can cause delays, failed payments, or funds being returned to the sender. These are the mistakes that come up most often:

Using the wrong SWIFT code format

Both DBSSSGSG (8 characters) and DBSSSGSGXXX (11 characters) refer to the DBS main branch and are interchangeable for general transactions.

If a transfer form asks for an 11-character code, use DBSSSGSGXXX. If it only accepts 8 characters, use DBSSSGSG. Do not mix up a branch-specific code with the main code unless your transfer genuinely requires a specialist DBS department.

Including spaces in the code

A SWIFT code must be entered as one unbroken string. Typing "DBSS SGSG" instead of "DBSSSGSG" will make the code invalid. Copy and paste the code directly rather than typing it manually to avoid this.

Name mismatch on the recipient account

The beneficiary name you provide must match the name registered on the DBS or POSB account exactly. Even a small discrepancy can cause the transfer to be flagged or rejected.

Providing an IBAN or routing number

DBS and POSB do not use IBANs, routing numbers, or sort codes for Singapore accounts. If your sender's bank requires one of these fields, ask the sending bank how it should be completed for a transfer to Singapore rather than entering incorrect information.

Not aligning on fees before sending

SWIFT transfers can involve deductions from intermediary banks that neither party anticipated. Before sending or requesting a high-value transfer, agree with your counterpart on who will absorb any intermediary fees to avoid the recipient receiving less than expected.

Skipping USD agent bank details

If you are receiving a USD transfer, not sharing DBS's USD agent bank details with your sender can slow down the payment. Retrieve the current details from DBS digibank or the DBS support page and pass them to your sender before they initiate the transfer.

Why local rail payments work better than SWIFT

Local payment rails route your transfer through the destination country's domestic banking network, the same way a local bank transfer works. That means no intermediary banks, no SWIFT fees, and no multi-day processing times.

If you want to use local rails, choose your payment provider carefully. Most traditional banks default to SWIFT for all international transfers; in contrast, Airwallex routes 94% of its transfers through local rails, and only falls back on SWIFT when no local option exists.

Here’s what you get with Airwallex:

S$0 transfer fees to 120+ countries

Airwallex charges no transfer fee on local rail payments. Compare that to the S$20–S$30 per-transfer fee for a DBS outgoing SWIFT transfer, before FX markups and intermediary deductions. For businesses making regular cross-border payments, that's a meaningful difference.

Faster settlement

93% of Airwallex transfers arrive on the same working day, and 45% arrive instantly. SWIFT transfers to the same destinations typically take one to five business days.

Save up to 80% on FX fees

Airwallex charges a transparent FX margin of 0.4–0.6% above the interbank rate, saving businesses up to 80% on FX fees compared to traditional banks.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Is the DBS SWIFT code the same for POSB accounts?

Yes. Both DBS and POSB accounts use the same SWIFT code: DBSSSGSG. The two banks share the same banking infrastructure. If your sender's form asks for a branch code specifically for a POSB account, provide 081, which is the standard branch code for all POSB accounts.

What is the difference between a SWIFT code and a BIC?

There is no difference. SWIFT code and Bank Identifier Code (BIC) refer to the same thing: a unique identifier used to route international payments to the correct bank. Some transfer forms use one term, some use the other. If you are asked for a BIC for DBS Bank in Singapore, enter DBSSSGSG.

Do I need to provide an IBAN when sending money to a DBS account?

No. DBS and POSB do not use IBANs for Singapore accounts. If a transfer form requires an IBAN and you are sending funds to a DBS account, ask your bank how the payment should be submitted if the transfer form requires an IBAN for a Singapore account. Do not enter a made-up IBAN.

What happens if I enter the wrong DBS SWIFT code?

Your transfer may be delayed, misrouted, or returned to the sender. If the code does not match a valid bank, most systems will reject the payment before it is processed. If it matches a different bank, your funds could be sent to the wrong institution, and recovering them can take time. Always double-check the SWIFT code before confirming any international transfer.

Is the DBS SWIFT code the same for all branches?

For the vast majority of business transactions, use the main DBS SWIFT code DBSSSGSG or DBSSSGSGXXX: these are interchangeable and work for all general incoming and outgoing transfers. Branch-specific codes exist for specialised DBS departments, but you are unlikely to need them for standard business payments. If you are unsure, contact DBS directly to confirm.

Are there faster and cheaper alternatives to SWIFT for international payments?

Yes. Providers that route transfers through local payment rails bypass the SWIFT network entirely, which removes intermediary fees and speeds up settlement. Airwallex, for example, sends 94% of international transfers via local rails in 120+ countries, with 93% arriving on the same working day and no transfer fee on those routes.

Sources:

1. dbs.com.sg/personal/support/bank-general-swift-code-details.html

2. dbs.com.sg/personal/support/bank-receive-funds-from-others.html

This publication does not constitute legal, tax, or professional advice from Airwallex, nor does it substitute seeking such advice, and makes no express or implied representations / warranties / guarantees regarding content accuracy, completeness, or currency. If you would like to request an update, feel free to contact us at [[email protected]]. Airwallex (Singapore) Pte. Ltd. (201626561Z) is licensed as a Major Payment Institution and regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore.