Detailed Guide: Using SAMOA COMMERCIAL BANK LIMITED SWIFT Code for Global Transfers
When dealing with international finance, precision is paramount. The SCOBWSWS Business Identifier Code (BIC) is the exclusive digital signature for SAMOA COMMERCIAL BANK LIMITED located in APIA. Without this precise string of characters, your international wire transfer could be delayed, routed to the wrong intermediary, or returned with significant banking fees.
1. Understanding the 11-Character Logic
The code SCOBWSWS is not a random sequence. It follows a strict ISO-9362
hierarchy that tells the global financial system exactly where your money needs to land:
- SCOB: The Bank Code representing SAMOA COMMERCIAL BANK LIMITED globally.
- WS: The Country Code, identifying that the bank is regulated under Samoa laws.
- WS: The Location Code, usually pointing to the APIA hub.
- XXX: The Branch Code, specifying this exact physical office.
2. How to Receive Money in APIA
If you are a resident or business owner in APIA, you must provide the following information to your international sender. For transactions involving SAMOA COMMERCIAL BANK LIMITED, ensure these fields are filled accurately in the MT103 (SWIFT Message Type):
| Field Name | Required Value |
|---|---|
| Beneficiary Name | Your Full Legal Name |
| Account Number | IBAN or Regional Account Format |
| BIC/SWIFT | SCOBWSWS |
| Destination Bank | SAMOA COMMERCIAL BANK LIMITED |
| Branch Location | APIA, Samoa |
3. Potential Fees & Intermediary Banking
It is important to note that a transfer to SAMOA COMMERCIAL BANK LIMITED might not be direct. Depending on the relationship between your sender's bank and the WS banking system, an "Intermediary Bank" might be involved. These banks may deduct a "Handling Fee" ranging from $15 to $50. Always ask your sender to choose the OUR instruction if they wish to cover all costs, or SHA to share the fees with you.
4. Frequently Asked Questions (Verified Answers)
What happens if I use the Head Office SWIFT instead of the APIA branch code?
In most cases, SAMOA COMMERCIAL BANK LIMITED will
automatically route the funds to your account based on your Account Number/IBAN. However,
using the local SCOBWSWS is recommended for faster processing
and lower risk of manual intervention.
Is SCOBWSWS the same as a Routing Number?
No. Routing numbers are primarily used for domestic transfers within the USA. For international transfers to Samoa, the SWIFT code is the standard identifier used by the global banking network.
How can I verify if this code is still active?
The code SCOBWSWS for
SAMOA COMMERCIAL BANK LIMITED is part of the latest directory update. We
periodically refresh our database to ensure all codes for APIA are compliant
with current financial standards.
Note: Financial data changes. While SCOBWSWS is
verified for SAMOA COMMERCIAL BANK LIMITED, always perform a small test transfer for high-value
transactions. This resource is for educational purposes regarding the banking infrastructure in
APIA, Samoa.