This page lists the IFSC code, branch address, contact number and fund-transfer information for Karnataka Bank Limited, WEST MAMBALAM branch in CHENNAI. The 11-digit IFSC KARB0000161 uniquely identifies this branch in the RBI's centralised payments network and is required for every NEFT, RTGS or IMPS transaction routed to this branch. If you are paying somebody who banks with Karnataka Bank Limited at the WEST MAMBALAM location, this is the only IFSC you need.
We have organised this page into clearly labelled sections so you can jump straight to the part that interests you — the IFSC and MICR details, the full postal address, the contact phone number, a quick primer on NEFT, RTGS and IMPS, the typical product line-up at the branch, and a frequently asked questions section that addresses the queries people raise most often about this branch.
IFSC stands for Indian Financial System Code. It is an 11-character code that pinpoints a particular bank branch on the RBI's real-time payment rails. Every NEFT, RTGS or IMPS instruction must carry the destination branch's IFSC for the credit to land in the correct account.
In our case, KARB0000161 is the IFSC of Karnataka Bank Limited's WEST MAMBALAM branch. The format is fixed: KARB = bank code, 0 = reserved, 000161 = branch identifier.
About Karnataka Bank Limited
Karnataka Bank Limited operates a wide network of branches across India, including the West Mambalam branch in Chennai. Each branch is enabled for NEFT, RTGS, IMPS and core banking, allowing customers to send and receive money anywhere in the country using a unique IFSC – in this case, KARB0000161.
West Mambalam branch overview
Located at GROUND FLOOR,NO12(OLD NO.28),GROUND FLOOR,2ND STREET,POSTAL COLONY WEST MAMBALAM,CHENNAI, PIN - 600033, the West Mambalam branch handles regular banking operations such as account opening, fixed and recurring deposits, locker facilities, loans, and trade finance services where applicable. The IFSC KARB0000161 is required for all interbank electronic transfers routed through this branch.
Branch details at a glance
| Bank Name | Karnataka Bank Limited |
|---|---|
| Branch | West Mambalam |
| IFSC Code | KARB0000161 |
| MICR Code | Refer to cheque leaf |
| Branch Address | GROUND FLOOR,NO12(OLD NO.28),GROUND FLOOR,2ND STREET,POSTAL COLONY WEST MAMBALAM,CHENNAI, PIN - 600033 |
| City | Chennai |
| District | Chennai |
| State | Tamil Nadu |
| STD Code | 44 |
| Phone | 23453258 |
Why every Karnataka Bank Limited branch has a unique IFSC
Before electronic settlement systems went live in India, money transfers between banks relied heavily on demand drafts, mail transfers and telegraphic transfers. These older instruments routinely took days to clear and were prone to misrouting because there was no single machine-readable identifier for a branch. The Reserve Bank of India solved this by issuing each participating branch — including WEST MAMBALAM of Karnataka Bank Limited — its own 11-character IFSC. The code KARB0000161 is therefore not just an internal reference; it is the digital postcode that lets the RBI's NEFT, RTGS and IMPS rails route funds straight to the right branch ledger without any human intervention.
Today, almost every salary credit, vendor payment, refund and EMI deduction in the country flows through this network, which is exactly why a correct IFSC matters so much. A wrong character can either bounce the transfer or send it to the wrong branch, and reversing such a credit is a manual, time-consuming process. Treat IFSC KARB0000161 the same way you would treat your account number — verify it once and save it carefully for future use.
MICR code & cheque clearing
Apart from IFSC, every cheque book issued by Karnataka Bank Limited carries a 9-digit MICR (Magnetic Ink Character Recognition) code that is read by cheque-sorting machines. The MICR code, the IFSC KARB0000161 and the account number together uniquely identify the West Mambalam branch and your account. The MICR for this branch is printed at the bottom of your cheque leaves.
How to transfer money using IFSC KARB0000161
Online transfers in India are powered by three major channels — NEFT, RTGS and IMPS — and each one requires a destination IFSC. Below is a quick guide for using IFSC KARB0000161 across all three.
NEFT to Karnataka Bank Limited, WEST MAMBALAM using IFSC KARB0000161
National Electronic Funds Transfer is the simplest way to move money into an account at this branch. NEFT works around the clock, including Sundays and public holidays, and settles in half-hourly batches.
To send funds, add the recipient as a beneficiary in your bank's online portal, key in the account number, paste the IFSC KARB0000161, and confirm that the system picks up Karnataka Bank Limited – WEST MAMBALAM. Submit the transfer request, authenticate with OTP, and the amount will reach the beneficiary in the next clearing cycle.
RTGS transfers via IFSC KARB0000161
RTGS (Real-Time Gross Settlement) is the fastest high-value transfer mechanism in India. It is meant for transfers of ₹2 lakh and above and settles each transaction individually and instantly. To remit through RTGS to Karnataka Bank Limited – WEST MAMBALAM, ensure your bank's portal accepts IFSC KARB0000161 while registering the beneficiary. RTGS is also available 24x7.
Send money instantly through IMPS
For a real-time, anytime transfer to Karnataka Bank Limited – WEST MAMBALAM, use IMPS. With IFSC KARB0000161 and the beneficiary's account number you can move up to ₹5 lakh per transaction with instant credit, any day of the year.
NEFT vs RTGS vs IMPS — which one should you use?
All three modes accept the IFSC KARB0000161 for Karnataka Bank Limited – WEST MAMBALAM, but they differ in speed, minimum amount and use case. The table below summarises the differences so you can pick the right channel for the situation at hand.
| Parameter | NEFT | RTGS | IMPS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum amount | ₹1 | ₹2,00,000 | ₹1 |
| Maximum amount | No RBI cap | No RBI cap | ₹5,00,000 |
| Settlement | Half-hourly batches | Real-time | Real-time |
| Availability | 24x7 | 24x7 | 24x7 |
| Best for | Routine transfers | High-value transfers | Urgent small / mid transfers |
| IFSC required | Yes – KARB0000161 | Yes – KARB0000161 | Yes – KARB0000161 |
For most retail customers crediting the West Mambalam branch, NEFT or IMPS will be the quickest and most economical option. RTGS comes in for one-off, high-value movements such as property purchases, vendor settlements or large gifts.
How UPI relates to the IFSC code
UPI lets you pay using a short Virtual Payment Address instead of typing the IFSC every time, but behind the scenes every UPI mandate is mapped to an account number plus an IFSC. For accounts at Karnataka Bank Limited's WEST MAMBALAM branch, the IFSC KARB0000161 is what the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) uses to route the credit when you tap Pay on a UPI app.
That is why, even in the UPI era, it is still worth knowing the IFSC of your home branch — for failed UPI mandates, e-mandate set-ups, third-party platform onboarding and salary or refund credits.
Products and account variants supported
Every account opened at the West Mambalam branch is mapped to IFSC KARB0000161 on the RBI payments network. The branch generally supports the full retail product catalogue of Karnataka Bank Limited, including:
- Resident savings accounts and salary accounts
- Current accounts for businesses and professionals
- Fixed deposits, recurring deposits and tax-saver deposits
- Demand drafts, banker's cheques and pay orders
- Retail loans — personal, vehicle, education, gold and home
- Credit cards and overdraft facilities (subject to eligibility)
- Third-party investment products such as mutual funds and insurance (through tie-ups)
Whichever product you choose, the IFSC for incoming credits remains KARB0000161.
Products and services
Customers walking into the West Mambalam branch can access most of Karnataka Bank Limited's standard product suite, including:
- Account opening – savings, current, NRI, salary
- Term deposits and recurring deposits
- Retail and small-business loans
- Insurance and mutual-fund tie-ups
- Locker, safe deposit and ATM card services
- Online and mobile banking activation
- Electronic transfers via IFSC KARB0000161
Digital banking channels
Most day-to-day work that customers used to do at the West Mambalam branch counter can now be completed digitally — adding a beneficiary, transferring funds, applying for a fixed deposit, raising a service request or downloading account statements. The IFSC KARB0000161 is the link between the digital channel and the branch ledger; once a transaction is confirmed, the credit or debit is reflected in the same core banking system that the branch officers see.
Reaching the branch
The West Mambalam branch sits at GROUND FLOOR,NO12(OLD NO.28),GROUND FLOOR,2ND STREET,POSTAL COLONY WEST MAMBALAM,CHENNAI, PIN - 600033. If you are travelling from outside Chennai, search for the branch on a maps application using the bank name and locality, or call 44-23453258 to ask for landmarks. Many customers find it easier to skip the trip altogether: net banking, mobile apps, NEFT, RTGS, IMPS and UPI all work using the IFSC KARB0000161 and your account number.
Common mistakes to avoid when using IFSC KARB0000161
An incorrect IFSC almost always results in a failed transfer or, worse, a credit to the wrong branch. Before you click Confirm on a transfer to Karnataka Bank Limited – WEST MAMBALAM, double-check for these issues:
- Confusing 0 with O. The fifth character of every IFSC is the digit
0, not the letter O. Read carefully. - Spaces or hyphens. Do not put spaces in the IFSC. It is exactly 11 characters:
KARB0000161. - Wrong branch. A bank can have dozens of branches in the same city. Make sure you are using the IFSC for the actual branch where the beneficiary holds the account, not just any nearby branch.
- Old IFSC after a merger. If two banks have merged, the IFSC may have been reissued. Always verify with a recent passbook or cheque leaf.
- Copy-paste from chat. Auto-correct on phones can silently change letters in IFSC codes. Type carefully or copy from a trusted source like the cheque book.
Working hours
Branch counters at West Mambalam are usually open from 10 AM to 4 PM on weekdays. Saturdays follow the RBI's alternate-Saturday rule. Even when the branch is closed, NEFT, RTGS, IMPS and UPI transfers addressed to KARB0000161 continue to work without interruption.
Verifying IFSC KARB0000161 from official sources
The IFSC listed on this page is sourced from the RBI's master list and validated against the bank's branch directory. To double-check before transferring large sums, you can also confirm KARB0000161 by:
- Looking at the cheque leaf – IFSC is printed near the MICR band.
- Opening the passbook's first page.
- Calling the branch directly on 44-23453258.
- Visiting the bank's official branch locator page.
Branch address & contact
Karnataka Bank LimitedWest Mambalam Branch
GROUND FLOOR,NO12(OLD NO.28),GROUND FLOOR,2ND STREET,POSTAL COLONY WEST MAMBALAM,CHENNAI, PIN - 600033
Chennai, Tamil Nadu
Phone: 44-23453258
IFSC: KARB0000161
Frequently asked questions
Is IFSC KARB0000161 the same for all accounts at West Mambalam branch?
Yes. The IFSC KARB0000161 is shared by every account held at Karnataka Bank Limited's West Mambalam branch. Only the account number changes from customer to customer.
Can I use IFSC KARB0000161 for IMPS transfers?
Yes. IMPS works 24x7 and you only need the beneficiary's account number plus IFSC KARB0000161 to send funds instantly.
How do I add Karnataka Bank Limited West Mambalam as a beneficiary?
Log in to your internet or mobile banking app, go to Add Beneficiary, enter the account number and IFSC KARB0000161, and complete OTP verification. Once activated, you can transfer funds at any time.
What is the difference between IFSC and MICR code?
IFSC is an 11-character alphanumeric code used for online transfers, while MICR is a 9-digit numeric code printed on cheques and used by cheque-clearing machines. Both identify the West Mambalam branch but serve different purposes.
Where is Karnataka Bank Limited West Mambalam branch located?
Karnataka Bank Limited's West Mambalam branch is located at GROUND FLOOR,NO12(OLD NO.28),GROUND FLOOR,2ND STREET,POSTAL COLONY WEST MAMBALAM,CHENNAI, PIN - 600033, Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
What is the IFSC code of Karnataka Bank Limited West Mambalam branch?
The IFSC code of Karnataka Bank Limited, West Mambalam branch is KARB0000161. It is used for NEFT, RTGS and IMPS fund transfers to this branch.
Summary
The IFSC code KARB0000161 belongs to Karnataka Bank Limited's WEST MAMBALAM branch, located at GROUND FLOOR,NO12(OLD NO.28),GROUND FLOOR,2ND STREET,POSTAL COLONY WEST… in CHENNAI, TAMIL NADU. Use this code along with the beneficiary's account number for any NEFT, RTGS or IMPS transfer to this branch. Bookmark this page for quick reference whenever you need the branch's banking details.


