Wise Business account in Singapore to setup Shopify Payments not working

Payments + Shipping & Fulfilment

Topic summary

A user is unable to set up Shopify Payments in Singapore using a Wise Business account due to branch code validation issues.

The Problem:

  • Shopify Payments requires a numerical 3-digit branch code
  • Wise accounts don’t provide traditional branch codes
  • Common workarounds (entering “XXX” or “003”) fail validation or don’t persist after page refresh
  • The setup appears successful initially but resets when the page is refreshed

Recommended Solutions:

  • Use a traditional Singapore bank account (DBS, OCBC, UOB) as officially recommended by Shopify
  • Alternative: Set up PayPal or manual payment methods if committed to using Wise
  • Contact Shopify Support directly to clarify current Wise account compatibility

Resolution:
The user decided to proceed with opening a traditional bank account for the time being, as Wise accounts appear incompatible with Shopify Payments’ current requirements in Singapore.

Summarized with AI on October 28. AI used: claude-sonnet-4-5-20250929.
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I am setting up an ecommerce store, for which I would like to receive the payments to my Wise Singapore account, Currently, it only gives acct number, bank code and Swift/BIC. So when setting up the Shopify Payments, there is a requirement for Branch code. Although online sources state to use XXX for Wise accounts, it fails the validation as it requires numerical values. Upon more digging, stumbled upon a resource that mentioned to use ‘003’ instead. After entering, it seems to have been setup, but as soon as I refresh the screen, it asks to setup Shopify payments’ receiving account details again. Been stuck in this loop for a while now. Any help is appreciated.

1 Like
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Hello @Moolahlea Thanks for the clear explanation — you’re definitely not alone in running into issues with Wise (formerly TransferWise) accounts and Shopify Payments in Singapore. Here’s a breakdown of what’s happening and how to possibly resolve it:

The Problem:
Shopify Payments in Singapore requires a local SGD bank account with the following details:

. Bank name

. Account number

. Branch code (numerical, 3 digits)
Wise accounts often do not provide a traditional branch code, which is why you’re hitting validation issues.

Wise may show something like:

. Bank Code: 051 (DBS)

. Branch Code: Often omitted or online advice says “XXX” — not valid for Shopify

. Swift/BIC: Usually “DBSSSGSGXXX”

Entering 003 may appear to work temporarily, but the system can’t validate it properly or retain the data on the backend, which is why it resets after refreshing.

What You Can Do:

  1. Use a Local Bank Account in Singapore
    Shopify officially recommends using a traditional Singaporean bank account (like DBS, OCBC, UOB, etc.) for receiving Shopify Payments. If you have a local personal or business account, consider using that instead of Wise.

  2. Use Wise with PayPal or Manual Payments Instead
    If you’re set on using Wise, here are alternative routes:

. Use PayPal Express Checkout, which allows customers to pay via PayPal, and you can withdraw funds to Wise.

. Enable manual payment methods and handle settlements offline or through Wise invoices.

. Set up Stripe separately, but this requires developer work and is not officially supported on Shopify Payments in Singapore.

  1. Contact Shopify Support Directly
    Explain your issue clearly. Sometimes their support can manually validate or clarify if Wise accounts are accepted (they were previously accepted in limited cases via community workarounds, but rules change).

Suggested Forum Post (if you want to share it for feedback):
Title: Shopify Payments Singapore Not Accepting Wise Business Account

Post:
I’m setting up a Shopify store based in Singapore and trying to use my Wise Business account to receive Shopify Payments. Wise only provides an account number, bank code, and SWIFT/BIC — but no branch code.

Some sources suggest entering “XXX”, but Shopify only accepts numeric values. I tried entering “003” and it appears to accept it at first, but upon refreshing, the account setup disappears and prompts me again.

Has anyone successfully used Wise in Singapore for Shopify Payments? Or is it required to use a traditional local bank account now?

Thank you :blush:

1 Like
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Thank you so much man! Appreciate the step by step and alternative solutions you provided. I think I just might have to go with a traditional bank for the time being then.

1 Like
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Thank you if you need any help please let me know :blush: and if you think I was helpful for you You can also appreciate with buy me a coffee Happy to help anytime :grinning_face: :folded_hands: