BKCHPAPA — BANK OF CHINA, PANAMA BRANCH

The SWIFT code BKCHPAPA identifies BANK OF CHINA, PANAMA BRANCH in PANAMA, Panama. This head office code is used for cross-border payments and SWIFT network routing.

The 8 or 11 characters of BKCHPAPA are parsed as follows: characters 1-4 (BKCH) represent the bank code for BANK OF CHINA, PANAMA BRANCH; characters 5-6 (PA) indicate the country code for Panama; characters 7-8 (PA) specify the location code; and the final characters (—) designate the specific branch.

BKCHPAPA is formatted as a valid ISO 9362 Business Identifier Code and is listed in our reference directory for BANK OF CHINA, PANAMA BRANCH in PANAMA, Panama. Our directory records come from an open community compilation last updated in 2024, so listing is not confirmation of current status — SWIFT does not publish a free live status feed. Always confirm the code with the beneficiary bank before sending funds.

The physical address registered for BKCHPAPA is: PUNTA PACIFICA PH OCEANIA BUSINESS, PLZ TORRE 2000, FLOOR 36 SAN, FRANCISCO, 0832, PANAMA, Panama. Verify this address matches your recipient's branch details before initiating a transaction.

An 8-character BIC (BIC8) identifies an institution's primary head office, while an 11-character BIC (BIC11) specifies a distinct branch or department. Appending 'XXX' to BKCHPAPA forms the conventional head-office branch suffix; both formats route validly on the network.

Yes. BKCHPAPA is the primary 8-character head office code for BANK OF CHINA, PANAMA BRANCH. When a specific branch BIC is unknown, payments directed to BKCHPAPA (or BKCHPAPAXXX) route to the central head office for internal distribution.

SWIFT codes like BKCHPAPA identify the bank institution, while IBANs (ISO 13616) identify the individual customer account. Within SEPA (ECB SEPA), IBANs are sufficient for routing; outside SEPA, both SWIFT BIC and account number are typically required.

Using an incorrect code can delay transfers, cause payment returns, or route funds to an incorrect institution. Correspondent banks along the route may charge return processing fees, and currency conversion losses may occur. Always verify details with the beneficiary.

International SWIFT wires typically settle within 1 to 5 business days, depending on time zones, clearing cut-offs, correspondent hops (BIS CPMI), and compliance checks.

When sending and receiving banks lack direct clearing accounts, transfers route through intermediary correspondent banks (BIS CPMI) that maintain shared Nostro/Vostro accounts. Each hop may deduct a handling fee.

BKCHPAPA routes international cross-border transfers. Domestic clearing arrangements vary in Panama; confirm with the beneficiary bank before sending funds. SWIFT/BIC codes handle international wire entry.

This record is sourced from an open community BIC compilation (2024 vintage). For full data provenance, see our Data Sources Register.

Confirm the exact BIC and account details directly with your beneficiary, verify beneficiary bank name match, and beware of invoice fraud. Reference directories are for verification support.