UK Bank Swift Code: A Comprehensive Guide

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Understanding UK bank Swift codes is crucial for international transactions, but did they know that the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication (SWIFT) was founded in 1973?

SWIFT codes are unique identifiers assigned to banks worldwide, ensuring secure and efficient transactions. They consist of 8 or 11 characters, divided into three parts: the bank code, the branch code, and the account number.

In the UK, most high-street banks have their own SWIFT codes, which can be used for international wire transfers and other financial transactions.

What are UK Bank Codes?

Each UK bank has its own unique SWIFT code, which is essential for sending money to the UK from abroad.

The UK SWIFT code is a crucial piece of information that you'll need to have handy if you want to make international money transfers.

It's made up of a series of alphanumeric characters, ranging from 8 to 11 characters in length.

The first four characters of the code signify the bank, while the next two characters represent the country code, followed by a two-character location code.

With over 11,000 financial institutions using the SWIFT network in more than 200 countries, these codes are a vital part of the international banking system.

Always verify the SWIFT code with your bank to avoid delays or misdirected funds, as this can be a real hassle to deal with.

Using UK Bank Codes

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You can find UK bank codes by browsing all United Kingdom SWIFT codes or checking the SWIFT codes for main United Kingdom banks.

A SWIFT code is an 8 to 11 character code that identifies a bank and its location. The first four characters signify the bank, followed by a two-character country code, a two-character location code, and an optional three-character branch code.

Here's a breakdown of the UK bank codes:

  • Barclays Bank: No specific code mentioned
  • Halifax: No specific code mentioned
  • HSBC Bank: No specific code mentioned
  • Lloyds Bank: No specific code mentioned
  • Monzo Bank: No specific code mentioned
  • Nationwide Building Society: NAIAGB21
  • Natwest: No specific code mentioned
  • Revolut: No specific code mentioned
  • Santander: No specific code mentioned
  • Starling Bank: No specific code mentioned
  • The Royal Bank of Scotland: No specific code mentioned
  • TSB Bank: No specific code mentioned

You can also check the SWIFT codes for other banks in the UK by browsing the list of active SWIFT codes.

Understanding UK Bank Codes

UK bank codes, also known as SWIFT codes or BICs, are alphanumeric codes used to identify specific banks in the UK and around the world.

A UK bank code typically ranges from 8 to 11 characters and is made up of four parts: the bank code, country code, location code, and an optional branch code.

The first four characters signify the bank, while the next two characters represent the country code, followed by a two-character location code, and an optional three-character branch code.

Credit: youtube.com, What is a SWIFT code? - BIC or SWIFT code explained

To understand how UK bank codes work, let's break down the structure of a typical code: Bank Code + Country Code + Location Code + Branch Code.

Here's a simple example of a UK bank code: ABCEGB2L, where ABCE is the bank code, GB is the country code, 2L is the location code, and the rest is the branch code.

If you're sending money to the UK from abroad, you'll need to provide the generic SWIFT/BIC code for your recipient's bank, along with their full name, physical address, and bank account number.

Here's a list of the first 10 UK bank codes from a comprehensive list:

Remember, always verify the SWIFT code with your bank to avoid delays or misdirected funds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the UK use SWIFT or IBAN?

The UK uses IBAN codes for interbank money transfers, but SWIFT codes are required for international money transfers outside the Eurozone and nearby regions.

Is SWIFT code same as BIC UK?

Yes, SWIFT code and BIC (Business Identifier Code) are the same thing, used to identify banks and financial institutions globally. In the UK, BIC is often used interchangeably with SWIFT code.

Johnnie Parisian

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Here is a 100-word author bio for Johnnie Parisian: Johnnie Parisian is a seasoned writer with a passion for crafting informative and engaging content. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for simplifying complex topics, Johnnie has established herself as a trusted voice in the world of personal finance. Her expertise spans a range of topics, including home equity loans and mortgage debt consolidation strategies.

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