Clearbank SWIFT/BIC code

What CLRBGB22 means for a payment to Clearbank

Whether you are given CLRBGB22 or CLRBGB22XXX, it is the identical address for Clearbank in United Kingdom. A SWIFT code tells the banks handling a payment which institution is meant to get the money, much like a postcode for banks. In practice you usually see it on invoices from abroad, in payment forms and on the account details of Clearbank customers.

Below we go through the practical side: receiving money at Clearbank, paying someone in another country and how to check the code before you confirm a payment. The SWIFT code alone does not identify a personal account; for that you need the IBAN or account number .

The British Pound and what conversion costs you

The currency in United Kingdom is the British Pound (GBP). Money sent in a different currency will be converted into GBP, and whoever converts it chooses the rate. Every conversion eats into something – usually through the rate rather than a fee.

Who converts the money makes a difference. Often you pay less if you send GBP directly through a transfer service with a good rate, so that the receiving bank does not need to convert again.

The GBP rate fluctuates constantly and quotes are often valid only for a short time. On larger amounts, even small difference in the rate can be worth more than the fee.

How up to date is this code?

This directory draws on publicly available sources and is updated regularly. Even so, banks merge, rename themselves or retire codes and our data may lag behind. Figures such as the number of codes come from our directory and are not confirmed by Clearbank.

Before any payment of any size, check the code with Clearbank or with the recipient. GoldexPay has no connection to Clearbank, we only compare transfer services. Spotted outdated information? Tell us through the contact page.

Tracking a transfer to or from Clearbank

There is no fixed answer: many arrive within a day while others need several business days. Bank holidays in either country add a day or more to the journey. Compliance checks by one of the banks may also cause a delay, regardless of the details.

A growing number of banks use SWIFT gpi. Every payment gets a unique reference, the UETR, which your bank can use to see where the money is. Money transfer services usually provide tracking in their app showing where the payment is.

If a payment has not arrived within the expected time, the person who paid needs to start with the bank that sent it rather than Clearbank. As a recipient, you can check your statements for a partial amount, since fees may have been deducted.

Sending money abroad from Clearbank

A bank transfer abroad costs rather more than the fee suggests. There is the fee for the transfer itself, possibly fees charged by intermediary banks in between and, most importantly, the exchange rate markup if the currency changes.

Many banks do not list the margin on the rate separately. An easy check: put the bank’s rate next to the mid-market rate for the same moment and look at the difference.

Specialist money transfer services often offer rates closer to the mid-market rate. Next time you send money, it is worth comparing what arrives on GoldexPay instead of going straight to your bank. You can still use your account at Clearbank; only the conversion and sending happen elsewhere.

Paying Clearbank in euros within SEPA

Because United Kingdom is part of SEPA, a euro payment into Clearbank from another SEPA country usually only needs an IBAN. Most banking apps no longer ask for the BIC for these payments or fill it in for you.

You will still need CLRBGB22XXX for payments in other currencies or money from outside the SEPA area. A few forms still show a field for the BIC; if so, enter CLRBGB22 or CLRBGB22XXX.

Instant euro transfers have become widely available across SEPA; check with Clearbank whether it applies to your account. As long as the payment stays in euros, a SEPA transfer tends to be inexpensive; it is the conversion that costs money.

Choosing between the 161 SWIFT codes of Clearbank

Our database contains 161 SWIFT/BIC codes for Clearbank in 1 places. Next to the head office code CLRBGB22XXX, there are codes for branches, departments or specific services.

Usually you do not need to pick a branch: payments sent to CLRBGB22XXX are routed within Clearbank correctly. Branch codes are only needed if the recipient’s bank explicitly asks for it, which is more common for corporate accounts and trade services.

Unsure which code to use? Ask the recipient, or look at a recent statement from Clearbank. Codes for branches are more likely to change than CLRBGB22XXX when a bank merges or closes offices.

Why Clearbank has an 8- and an 11-character code

A SWIFT code is made up of fixed blocks: characters one to four identify the bank, the next two give the country and characters seven and eight indicate the location. That gives you CLRBGB22 for Clearbank.

Most banks and apps accept both lengths. If a form requires eleven characters, use CLRBGB22XXX; if it wants eight, use CLRBGB22.

Type the code as one block, in capitals and without separators, exactly as shown here. Pasting the code is safer than typing it by hand: a typo can point to another bank.

Protect yourself against fake payment requests

Be alert when someone unexpectedly asks you to send money to a different account. A real SWIFT code tells you nothing about who owns the account – scammers simply use real codes.

Before paying, confirm changed bank details by phone. Watch out for urgent requests, unusual wording or an email address that differs by one letter. When money was sent to the wrong account, contact your bank immediately – speed improves the chance of getting it back.

Fraud can also work the other way. Someone sends more than agreed and wants you to return the difference via a different route. A payment confirmation from the sender is no proof – check your own account.

Is CLRBGB22 still correct? How to check

Have the recipient copy their bank details directly from a recent statement. Compare it against CLRBGB22 here.

Errors in the SWIFT code are costly rather than disastrous: often the payment comes back, minus fees. A mistake in the IBAN or account number can be a bigger problem because it can reach the wrong person, so check that just as carefully.

An automatic check by your bank merely tells you that the IBAN is valid. If your bank offers it, a name check on the recipient adds extra certainty. Sending a small amount first can be worth it for large sums despite the extra fee.

Receiving money from abroad at Clearbank

When you expect money from abroad, send the payer all details at once. That means: your name as registered with Clearbank, your account number or IBAN, the BIC CLRBGB22XXX (or CLRBGB22) and sometimes your address.

It helps to add Clearbank and Wroxham as well. Check every detail before you send them.

What lands in your account is often less than what was sent. Intermediary banks may deduct a fee, Clearbank may charge for incoming payments, and when currencies differ, a markup on the rate applies. Make clear with the sender who covers the fees before the money is sent.