Qib (UK) PLC SWIFT/BIC code

Qib (UK) PLC SWIFT code: EFHLGB2L

EFHLGB2L and EFHLGB2LXXX are two ways of writing the same SWIFT/BIC code, and both point to Qib (UK) PLC in London. A BIC has a single purpose: it makes sure that an international payment reaches the right bank. In practice you usually see the code on invoices from abroad, in your banking app and on the account details that Qib (UK) PLC provides.

On this page you will find what the code means, when it matters and which other details you need for a transfer to or from Qib (UK) PLC. The BIC names a bank or branch, never a single account, which is why you always need the account number too.

8 or 11 characters: EFHLGB2L versus EFHLGB2LXXX

A SWIFT code is made up of a few fixed parts: the first four letters identify the bank, the next two give the country and characters seven and eight mark the location. That gives you EFHLGB2L.

The long version adds three more characters that identify a branch or department. When those three characters are XXX, they simply mean the head office.

Type the code as one block, in capitals and without spaces. A single character may route the money to a different institution.

About this information

This directory draws on publicly available sources and is updated regularly. It is possible that information on this page is no longer current after a merger or reorganisation. Counts and locations are from our own dataset and are not confirmed by Qib (UK) PLC.

For any payment of any size, check the BIC with the recipient’s bank or with the recipient. GoldexPay is an independent comparison service for money transfers and not part of Qib (UK) PLC. Spotted outdated information? Let us know through the contact page so we can correct it.

International transfers from Qib (UK) PLC: the real cost

When you send money to another country through Qib (UK) PLC, the visible fee is rarely all of the cost. On top of the transfer fee, banks in between may take a cut, and when currencies are converted, the bank usually applies a rate that is less favourable than the real market rate.

The markup on the rate is often the largest cost. A simple test: put the rate you get against the mid-market rate and work out the difference on your amount.

For a lot of currency pairs, a specialist provider is cheaper than a bank – mostly thanks to the rate. GoldexPay lists these services next to each other so you can see what actually arrives. You can always use your account at Qib (UK) PLC as the source of the money; only the conversion and sending happen elsewhere.

Which of the 2 codes of Qib (UK) PLC do you need?

With 2 codes, Qib (UK) PLC is one of the banks that use individual codes for branches and departments. The main code remains EFHLGB2LXXX.

If nobody asks you for a branch code, go with EFHLGB2LXXX or its short form EFHLGB2L. Only use a branch code when the account holder gives you that exact code.

Not sure which code applies? Check with the recipient, or look at a recent statement from Qib (UK) PLC. Codes for branches are more prone to change than EFHLGB2LXXX when a bank merges or closes offices.

Euro transfers to Qib (UK) PLC: is a BIC needed?

Inside SEPA, euro transfers to an account in United Kingdom follow common rules and in most cases need only the IBAN. The BIC field is often optional in that case.

The BIC still come into play for payments in other currencies, and for transfers from outside SEPA. Some banks and apps also show a field for the BIC; in that case, fill in EFHLGB2L.

SEPA transfers normally land by the next business day; instant payments are faster if both banks offer them. As long as the payment stays in euros, a SEPA transfer tends to be cheap.

Paying into Qib (UK) PLC in GBP

Most accounts at Qib (UK) PLC are usually held in GBP, the local currency. Money sent in a different currency is converted into GBP on its way to Qib (UK) PLC – and the bank that does it picks the rate. There is rarely a separate line for the conversion.

Who does the conversion has an effect on the final amount. Check how much GBP the recipient gets via several providers; the difference between options can be larger than you expect.

Rates for GBP move all the time. For recurring payments, a slightly better rate add up over a year.

Tracking a transfer to or from Qib (UK) PLC

There is no single answer: many arrive the same day or the next, others take several business days. Bank holidays in the sending or receiving country can add extra days. Sometimes a bank asks what the payment is for.

If the money seems delayed, contact your bank for the tracking status; with that reference banks can see where the payment is. Save the payment confirmation until the recipient confirms – you will need it for any trace request.

If a payment has not arrived after a few business days, the person who paid should contact their own bank. As a recipient, you can check your statements to see a partial amount.

Getting paid from abroad into a Qib (UK) PLC account

When you are waiting for a payment from another country, send the payer a complete set of details. The basics are: the account holder’s name, account number or IBAN, EFHLGB2LXXX or EFHLGB2L and, for some countries, your postal address.

It helps to include Qib (UK) PLC and its city too. Double-check the details before you send them, because the sender’s bank usually copies them as is.

The amount you receive can be less than what was sent. Correspondent banks can take a fee, and when currencies differ, an exchange rate margin comes on top. Agree with the sender who covers the fees.

Verifying the SWIFT code of Qib (UK) PLC

Have the recipient send you the account details directly from their online banking. Check that code against EFHLGB2L on this page and ask if anything does not match.

A wrong SWIFT code may lead to delays, a payment being sent back or extra fees. A mistake in the account number can be more serious because it can reach the wrong person.

Many banking apps validate the format of IBANs and some suggest the matching BIC – that confirms the format, not the owner. More and more banks check the name with the account before you confirm; take any warning seriously. Sending a small amount first is a sensible step for large sums, even if it costs an extra fee.

Scams that use SWIFT codes

Fraudsters regularly send fake invoices containing changed bank details. A valid SWIFT code tells you nothing about whether the request is genuine.

Check changed bank details through a different channel like a call to a number from an earlier contract. Urgency or requests to keep it quiet are red flags; a genuine business can wait for you to check. Already paid? Contact your bank without delay and ask them to start a recall; also report it to the police.

Scams also target the receiver. Someone sends too much and wants you to return the difference. Do not act before the money has really arrived.