CNAPS Codes Unraveled: Navigating China's Banking Landscape

Table of Contents

• What Is CNAPS?
• What Are The Various Components Of CNAPS?
• What Are CNAPS Codes?
• Who Issues CNAPS Codes In China?
• What Is The Structure And Format Of CNAPS Codes?
• Fist 3 Digits of a CNAPS Code: The Bank Code
• Next 4 Digits of a CNAPS Code: The Area Code or the Region Code
• Next 4 Digits of a CNAPS Code: The Branch Code or the Branch Number
• Last Digit of a CNAPS Code: The Verification Code or the Check Digit
• Agricultural Bank of China Limited CNAPS Code
• China Construction Bank Corporation CNAPS Code
• What Are CNAPS Codes Used For?
• Can I Send Or Receive Money Internationally Using CNAPS Codes?
• Why Are The Benefits Of Using CNAPS Codes?
• How Can I Find My Bank's CNAPS Code?
• CNAPS Codes for Major Chinese Banks
• What Is The CNAPS Code For Agricultural Bank Of China Limited?
• What Is The CNAPS Code For China Construction Bank Corporation?
• What Is The CNAPS Code For China Merchants Bank Co. Ltd.?
• What Is The CNAPS Code For Ping An Bank Co. Ltd.?
• What Is The CNAPS Code For Bank Of China Limited?
• What Is The CNAPS Code For Bank Of Shanghai Co. Ltd.?
• What Is The CNAPS Code For Industrial And Commercial Bank Of China Limited?
• What Is The CNAPS Code For Bank Of Communications?
• What Is The CNAPS Code For HSBC Bank China?
• What Is The CNAPS Code For China CITIC Bank?
• What Is The CNAPS Code For Citibank China?
• RemitFinder's Key Takeaways: CNAPS Codes Are A Foundational Pillar Of Chinese Banking
• Frequently Asked Questions About CNAPS Codes
• What Does CNAPS Mean?
• What Are CNAPS Codes?
• Who Issues CNAPS Codes?
• Is A CNAPS Code The Same As An Account Number?
• How Many Digits Is A CNAPS Code?
• How To Find A Bank's CNAPS Code?
• Can A CNAPS Code Be Used For International Payments?
• Is A CNAPS Code The Same As A SWIFT Code?
• Is It Safe To Share A CNAPS Code?
• Are CNAPS Codes Used Outside Of China?

China's banking system is a key component of its rapidly growing economy and plays a pivotal role in facilitating domestic financial transactions. At the heart of this system are CNAPS Codes, which are essential in navigating China's banking landscape. Understanding CNAPS Codes is crucial for individuals and businesses looking to engage in financial activities within China.

CNAPS, which stands for China National Advanced Payment System, is a centralized clearing system established by the People's Bank of China (PBOC). It was introduced to streamline payment processes, enhance efficiency, and ensure the secure transfer of funds within the country.

CNAPS Codes serve as unique identifiers for financial institutions and are used to facilitate transactions across China's vast banking network. In that sense, they are similar to IFSC Codes used in India, ABA Routing Numbers used in the US and BSB Numbers used in Australia.

The significance of CNAPS Codes lies in their ability to simplify and expedite domestic transactions in China. With a CNAPS Code, individuals and businesses can accurately route funds, make direct deposits, process electronic payments, and perform other financial activities seamlessly.

These codes provide a standardized and efficient mechanism for identifying specific banks and branches, ensuring the smooth flow of money within China's banking system.

In this comprehensive guide, we will delve deeper into the intricacies of CNAPS Codes, exploring their structure, function, and significance in China's banking system. We will also discuss how CNAPS Codes simplify domestic transactions, empowering individuals and businesses to navigate China's dynamic financial landscape confidently and efficiently.

What Is CNAPS?

CNAPS is short for China National Advanced Payment System which is a centralized payment and clearing system developed by the People's Bank of China (PBOC). CNAPS specifies and governs the rules and protocols responsible for the accurate handling of electronic payments within China, specifically for the Chinese Yuan (CNY).

CNAPS facilitates electronic fund transfers and clearing of financial transactions amongst various banks and financial institutions in China.

Note that even though CNAPS primarily supports domestic CNY transactions in China, foreign banks participating in China's financial market also need to understand and adhere to CNAPS specifications.

CNAPS stands for China National Advanced Payment System and is China's domestic payment and clearing system for all interbank transactions amongst banks and financial institutions in the country.

What Are The Various Components Of CNAPS?

CNAPS is a domestic payment system that handles all types of payments amongst banking and financial institutions in China. Here are the sub-components of CNAPS:

• High Value Payment System (HVPS): A real-time gross settlement system for large-value payments.
• Bulk Electronic Payment System (BEPS): A system for handling bulk, low-value payments.
• Internet Banking Payment System (IBPS): Enables real-time clearing and settlement of payments initiated through online banking.
• Local Clearing System: Some cities in China have local clearing systems for same-city transactions.

At the heart of all the sub-systems of CNAPS are CNAPS Codes, which we will look into next.

What Are CNAPS Codes?

CNAPS stands for China National Advanced Payment System, and CNAPS Codes are unique identifiers assigned to branches of financial institutions in China. These codes play a crucial role in the country's banking system and are essential for facilitating secure and efficient domestic transactions.

CNAPS Codes are unique IDs for branches of banks and financial institutions in China, and help route money accurately amongst banks.

Who Issues CNAPS Codes In China?

The CNAPS Code specification is owned by People's Bank of China. As a result, CNAPS Codes are owned, issued and operated by People's Bank of China.

What Is The Structure And Format Of CNAPS Codes?

The structure of CNAPS Codes consists of several components that collectively provide important information about financial institutions in China. Understanding these components is essential for decoding CNAPS Codes.

Note that the usage of a CNAPS code generally starts with the prefix “C/N”.

As per the official guidelines¹ issued by the People's Bank of China, a CNAPS Code follows a standardized format and is composed of 12 digits, structured as follows: ABBCCCCDDDDX.

CNAPS Codes are 12 digit numbers that follow a standardized format based on guidelines published by the People's Bank of China.

We discuss the breakdown of the constituent sub-parts of a CNAPS Code in the following sections.

Fist 3 Digits of a CNAPS Code: The Bank Code

The first 3 digits represent the Bank Code, which is a unique identifier assigned to each financial institution in China.

These first 3 digits are further composed of the following parts:

• The first digit represents the Category Code of this bank. The Category Code is used to distinguish between different types of banking and financial institution types and facilitates the extraction of financial reports and statistics for various institution types. The Category Code will always be a digit in the range of 0-9.
• The next 2 digits represent the Sequence Code of this bank. When combined with the Category Code, they are used to identify each banking institution. The Sequence Code will always be a 2-digit number in the range of 01-99.

Here is how the Category Code assignment is done for the first digit of the Bank Code component of the CNAPS Code.

Once the Sequence Codes are added to the above Category Codes, the result is a 3-digit Bank Code for various banks and financial institutions in China.

The below table shows some assigned Bank Codes in use in China.

Note that this is not a comprehensive list; additional Bank Codes may have been added over time. Please check with your bank for your exact CNAPS Code to ensure you always have the most accurate information.

Next 4 Digits of a CNAPS Code: The Area Code or the Region Code

The next 4 digits represent the area or the region where the concerned bank is located, and hence are together called the Area Code or the Region Code.

Note that the terms City Code or District Code are also used for this sub-part of the CNAPS Code to identify the city or district where the branch of the bank is situated at.

These 4 digits - referred to as Area Code, Region Code, City Code or District Code - rely on the electronic interbank national clearing center code specification (GB13497-92) to determine the correct code for the city or county where the bank is located.

Here are the rules that banks and financial institutions in China follow when deciding which code to use for these 4 digits:

• Banks and financial institutions in the capital cities of various provinces of China and the countries underneath their jurisdiction use the national clearing center code of the provincial capital.
• Banks and financial institutions operating at the prefecture-level cities use the national clearing center code of the said city.
• Banks and financial institutions in counties that are under the jurisdiction of prefecture-level cities use the national clearing center code of the county.

Next 4 Digits of a CNAPS Code: The Branch Code or the Branch Number

The next 4 digits represent the particular Branch or Location of the said bank within the city or district.

Each bank or financial institution operating in China assigns Branch Codes to their various branches sequentially starting from "0001" for branches in the city (county) where such branches are located.

Last Digit of a CNAPS Code: The Verification Code or the Check Digit

The last digit is a Verification Code or Check Digit that helps to check the validity of this CNAPS Code. The check digit is calculated based on a mathematical algorithm applied to the preceding components of the code.

The Verification Code or the Check Digit of a CNAPS Code is derived using the modulo 10 and 11 dual-modulus algorithm.

To summarize the structure of a CNAPS Code, we present the below tabular format for easy reference.

Let us look at couple of real examples below.

Agricultural Bank of China Limited CNAPS Code

The CNAPS Code for Agricultural Bank of China Limited's Juyuan branch in the city of Shanghai is 103290004254. Let us break this down into its sub-parts:

• The first 3 digits, i.e., 103, represent Agricultural Bank of China Limited.
• The next 4 digits, i.e., 2900, represent the city and province of Shanghai.
• The next 4 digits, i.e., 0425, represent the Branch Code for the Juyuan branch of Agricultural Bank of China Limited in Shanghai.
• The last digit, i.e., 4, represents the Validation or Check digit to ensure that this CNAPS Code is valid.

China Construction Bank Corporation CNAPS Code

The CNAPS Code for China Construction Bank Corporation's Houshayu branch in the city of Beijing is 105100015104. Let us break this down into its sub-parts:

• The first 3 digits, i.e., 105, represent China Construction Bank Corporation.
• The next 4 digits, i.e., 1000, represent the city and province of Beijing.
• The next 4 digits, i.e., 1510, represent the Branch Code for the Houshayu branch of China Construction Bank Corporation in Beijing.
• The last digit, i.e., 4, represents the Validation or Check digit to ensure that this CNAPS Code is valid.

We have presented a lot of information above on the structure and format of a CNAPS Code along with 2 real examples of CNAPS Codes from Agricultural Bank of China Limited and China Construction Bank Corporation.

Below is a diagram that encapsulates CNAPS Code format and structure, along with our 2 real examples above, in a pictorial format.

What Are CNAPS Codes Used For?

CNAPS Codes are used to accurately route domestic financial payments and transactions amongst the country's banks and financial institutions.

The fact that a CNAPS Code unambiguously identifies a branch of a bank in China lends it very useful to accurate routing of money between banks.

Can I Send Or Receive Money Internationally Using CNAPS Codes?

CNAPS Codes are fundamental to payment processing and routing for domestic transactions in China. In that sense, they do not directly facilitate international money transfers to China.

If you need to send money to someone in China from overseas, consider money transfer companies who specialize in international remittances.

Why Are The Benefits Of Using CNAPS Codes?

Here is a closer look at what key benefits CNAPS Codes offer:

• Identification of Financial Institutions: CNAPS Codes serve as a standardized identification system for banks and other financial institutions in China. Each code is unique to a specific institution and branch, enabling accurate routing and processing of funds during transactions.
• Streamlining Domestic Transactions: CNAPS Codes play a vital role in processing domestic financial transactions within China. They ensure that funds are correctly directed to the intended recipient by accurately identifying the recipient's bank and branch. This streamlines direct deposits, electronic payments, and interbank transfers, enhancing efficiency and reducing errors.
• Enhancing Transparency and Security: CNAPS Codes enhance transparency and security in financial transactions. By providing a standardized identification system, CNAPS Codes reduce the risk of errors or misrouting of funds by providing a standardized identification system. This promotes trust and confidence in the banking system.
• Supporting Financial Inclusion: CNAPS Codes also play a role in promoting financial inclusion in China. By simplifying transactions and providing a standardized system for identification, CNAPS Codes make it easier for individuals and businesses in remote or underserved areas to access banking services and participate in the formal financial system.

One of the major benefits of CNAPS Codes is accurate and error-free routing of payments and funds in-between China's banks and financial institutions.

How Can I Find My Bank's CNAPS Code?

There are several easy ways to find your bank's CNAPS Code. To identify and locate CNAPS Codes for Chinese banks, you can follow these steps:

• Visit your bank's website: Start by visiting the bank's official website you are interested in. Most Chinese banks provide CNAPS Code information on their websites, usually under the "Banking Services", "Contact Us", or "Customer Support" sections. Look for a dedicated page or search for keywords such as "CNAPS Code" or "bank branch code" on the website.
• Contact customer service: You can also reach out to your bank's customer service department to ask about their CNAPS Code. You can typically find their contact details on the bank's website. Contact customer service via phone, email, or online chat and inquire about the CNAPS Code for the specific branch or purpose you require.
• Utilize online CNAPS Code directories: Online databases provide comprehensive lists of CNAPS Codes for Chinese banks. These databases are specifically designed to assist individuals and businesses in locating CNAPS Codes easily. Perform a search using keywords such as "CNAPS Code database" or "Chinese bank CNAPS Code lookup", and you will find reliable online resources to help you identify the CNAPS Code for your bank.
• Visit your local branch: If you are physically present in China, you can visit the local branch of the bank you are interested in and inquire about the CNAPS Code. The bank staff should be able to provide you with the necessary information and assist you in locating the CNAPS Code you need.

These are some easy ways to gather information regarding the CNAPS Code for the specific bank and branch you are interested in.

CNAPS Codes for Major Chinese Banks

If you send or receive electronic payments within China, you will need your 12-digit CNAPS Code to make error-free financial transactions.

In the prior section, we listed quite a few easy and simple ways to find your bank's CNAPS Code. In this section, we will provide the CNAPS Codes for some popular banks and financial institutions in China.

Note that this is not a comprehensive list. Make sure to double-check your CNAPS Code with your bank before you use it to for transactions.

What Is The CNAPS Code For Agricultural Bank Of China Limited?

Agricultural Bank of China Limited has many branches so it is not possible to list all their CNAPS Codes here. As an example, the CNAPS Code for Agricultural Bank of China Limited's Juyuan branch in the city of Shanghai is 103290004254.

Check with your bank to obtain the CNAPS Code for your branch.

What Is The CNAPS Code For China Construction Bank Corporation?

China Construction Bank Corporation also has numerous branches across China. For example, the CNAPS Code for China Construction Bank Corporation's Houshayu branch in the city of Beijing is 105100015104.

Ask your bank staff or check their website to get the CNAPS Code for the branch you need it for.

What Is The CNAPS Code For China Merchants Bank Co. Ltd.?

An example of a CNAPS Code for China Merchants Bank Co. Ltd. is 308552024270, which is the CNAPS Code for the Zhuzhou Station Road Branch of China Merchants Bank Co. Ltd. located in Zhuzhou City of Hunan province.

For CNAPS Code of other branches of China Merchants Bank Co. Ltd., contact your local bank branch.

What Is The CNAPS Code For Ping An Bank Co. Ltd.?

Ping An Bank Co. Ltd. also has numerous CNAPS Codes for its branches. An example is 307146022813 - the CNAPS Code for the Langfang Branch of Ping An Bank Co. Ltd. located in Langfang City in Hebei province.

What Is The CNAPS Code For Bank Of China Limited?

To find the exact CNAPS Code for Bank of China Limited branches, get in touch with the bank.

Here is an example of a Bank of China Limited CNAPS Code - 104584002068. This is the CNAPS Code for the China Resources City Branch of Bank of China Limited located in the city of Shenzhen in the province of Guangdong.

What Is The CNAPS Code For Bank Of Shanghai Co. Ltd.?

Bank of Shanghai Co. Ltd. has thousands of branches so it is not possible to list all their CNAPS Codes; check with your local branch to find their CNAPS Code.

An example of a Bank of Shanghai Co. Ltd. CNAPS Code is 325290002122, which is the CNAPS Code for the Boxing Road Branch located in the city and province of Shanghai.

What Is The CNAPS Code For Industrial And Commercial Bank Of China Limited?

Industrial and Commercial Bank of China Limited has many branches; check with your local bank branch to inquire about their CNAPS Code.

As an example, the Hehua Street Branch of Industrial and Commercial Bank of China Limited located in Neijiang City in the province of Sichuan has a CNAPS Code 102663407051.

What Is The CNAPS Code For Bank Of Communications?

Bank of Communications CNAPS Codes look like 301734000016, which is the CNAPS Code of the Zhaotong Branch of Bank of Communications in Zhaotong City in Yunnan province.

Check with your local Bank of Communications branch to find their CNAPS Code.

What Is The CNAPS Code For HSBC Bank China?

HSBC Bank in China has many branches, so check with your local branch to find their exact CNAPS Code.

As an example, the CNAPS Code for the Beijing Branch of HSBC Bank in China is 501100000011.

What Is The CNAPS Code For China CITIC Bank?

Since China CITIC Bank has thousands of branches, it is difficult to list all their CNAPS Codes here. For example, the CNAPS Code of the China CITIC Bank Lanzhou New District Branch located in the city of Lanzhou in the province of Gansu is 302821000130.

What Is The CNAPS Code For Citibank China?

Just like other banks, Citibank China also has many branches, which makes it difficult for us to list all of Citibank's CNAPS Codes here. Make sure to check with your local branch to get the correct CNAPS Code for Citibank.

An example of Citibank China CNAPS Code is 531100000018, which is the code for the bank's Beijing branch.

RemitFinder's Key Takeaways: CNAPS Codes Are A Foundational Pillar Of Chinese Banking

In conclusion, understanding and utilizing CNAPS Codes is essential for effectively navigating China's banking landscape. CNAPS Codes are pivotal in identifying banks and branches, facilitating secure and efficient domestic transactions.

CNAPS Codes provide accurate routing of funds, ensuring that transactions reach the intended recipients promptly and accurately. They contribute to transparency, security, and efficiency in domestic transactions and interbank transfers involving Chinese financial institutions.

CNAPS Codes are a cornerstone of China's financial infrastructure, offering a standardized and secure framework for conducting transactions in the world's second-largest economy.

In summary, mastering the intricacies of CNAPS Codes is key to unlocking the full potential of China's banking landscape. By harnessing the power of these codes, individuals and businesses can optimize their financial interactions, foster seamless transactions, and participate confidently in China's robust economy.

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Frequently Asked Questions About CNAPS Codes

In this section, we will cover some Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about CNAPS Codes.

What Does CNAPS Mean?

CNAPS is the short form of China National Advanced Payment System, and is a centralized payment and clearing system developed by the People's Bank of China (PBOC).

CNAPS provides specifications and policies to govern streamlined handling of domestic electronic payments within China, specifically for the Chinese Yuan (CNY).

What Are CNAPS Codes?

CNAPS Codes are unique fingerprints or IDs of branches of financial institutions in China. Due to their uniqueness in the Chinese banking ecosystem, CNAPS Codes are highly useful in facilitating secure and efficient domestic financial transactions.

Who Issues CNAPS Codes?

CNAPS Codes are issued and managed by People's Bank of China.

Is A CNAPS Code The Same As An Account Number?

No, a CNAPS Code is not the same as an account number.

A CNAPS Code is a unique ID for a bank branch in China, whereas your account number is your bank account's ID provided by your bank.

How Many Digits Is A CNAPS Code?

A CNAPS Code is a 12-digit number which contains the following information:

• Bank Code (first 3 digits): This is further comprised of a single first digit Category Code followed by 2 digit Sequence Code. The Bank Code identifies a bank within China.
• Area Code or the Region Code (next 4 digits): The Area Code or the Region Code, also sometimes called the City Code or District Code, identifies the city or district where the branch of the bank is situated at.
• Branch Code or Branch Number (next 4 digits): The Branch Code or the Branch Number helps to identify a particular bank branch and is a sequence assigned by banks to their various branches throughout China.
• Verification Code or Check Digit (last digit): The last digit of a CNAPS Code is called the Verification Code or the Check Digit, and is used to validate the accuracy of the CNAPS Code.

How To Find A Bank's CNAPS Code?

Most banks have their CNAPS Code on their website or mobile app. You can also contact your bank's customer service or visit your local branch to inquire about your CNAPS Code. Finally, there are many online CNAPS Code directories where you can easily lookup your bank's CNAPS Code.

Can A CNAPS Code Be Used For International Payments?

No, a CNAPS Code is not used for processing international payments. CNAPS Codes are used to process and handle domestic financial payments and transactions within China.

Is A CNAPS Code The Same As A SWIFT Code?

No, a CNAPS Code and a SWIFT Code are not the same.

A CNAPS Code is a unique ID for a bank branch in China and is used for processing domestic financial transactions. On the other hand, a SWIFT Code is a unique ID for a bank in any country and is used to send and receive money internationally from and to that bank.

Is It Safe To Share A CNAPS Code?

Since CNAPS Codes are public information, it is generally safe to share them.

One caveat to this, though, is that by sharing your CNAPS Code, you are revealing the exact bank and branch where your account is held at. This information could be potentially useful to an attacker or hacker.

We, therefore, recommend sharing your CNAPS Code only with trusted individuals and entities, and sticking with the best practice of minimal disclosure when dealing with financial matters.

Are CNAPS Codes Used Outside Of China?

CNAPS Codes are not used outside of China - they are typically used only within China's domestic banking infrastructure to route money amongst various banks and financial institutions operating in the country.

References:
1. Announcement of the People's Bank of China, December 2003 (No. 167)