SWIFT/BIC codes in United Kingdom: banks starting with U

Finding a SWIFT code in United Kingdom

For United Kingdom we have 20757 SWIFT/BIC codes. A SWIFT code shows the banks handling a transfer which institution is meant to get an international payment.

Choose a bank from the list to view the head office code and any branch codes along with tips for payments to and from that bank. Further down you can read how a code from United Kingdom is put together, how to send money there at a fair price and how to check a code before you pay.

Sending GBP to United Kingdom

Most accounts in United Kingdom are usually held in GBP. A payment in a foreign currency is converted into GBP on its way to the recipient – and the bank that does it picks the rate.

Who does the conversion affects the final amount, as rates and margins differ per bank. Compare what GBP arrives via different providers; the difference between options can be larger than you expect. With bigger transfers, a seemingly small gap in the rate can be worth more than the fee.

When does money sent to United Kingdom arrive?

An international transfer to United Kingdom usually needs anywhere from one to several business days. Bank holidays in United Kingdom or in the sending country can add extra days, because banks do not process payments on those days.

A growing number of banks are connected to SWIFT gpi, which lets them follow a payment from bank to bank. Each gpi transfer carries a unique transaction reference, the UETR that banks can use to see where the money is. Money transfer services often provide a status in their app, which makes it easier to see where the money is.

The largest SWIFT network in United Kingdom: HSBC Bank PLC

HSBC Bank PLC leads our list of United Kingdom banks in SWIFT/BIC codes. Its head office code is HBUKGB41XXX – the code most transfers need.

A large number of codes often means separate codes for branches, departments or services. Making a payment to HSBC Bank PLC? Go with HBUKGB41XXX except when the recipient gives you a branch code.

Incoming international payments in United Kingdom

If you are waiting for money from abroad in United Kingdom, give the sender a complete set of details. Give them your name as registered with the bank, the IBAN or account number, the BIC of your bank and your address.

Your bank’s code is in the list on this page. Certain banks may also ask for the name and address of your bank, so keep it at hand.

What lands in your account can be lower than the amount sent. Fees for incoming transfers differ from bank to bank – your bank’s price list tells you what applies. Agree with the sender who pays which costs, especially for larger amounts.

The cheapest way to send money to United Kingdom

An international bank payment to United Kingdom can cost rather more than you think. On top of a fixed fee, intermediary banks may take a cut, and when the money is converted the bank often uses a less favourable rate than the actual market rate.

Most of the cost usually sits in the exchange rate, rather than in the fee. A simple test: set the offered rate against the mid-market rate and work out the difference on your amount.

Specialist money transfer services frequently offer a rate near the mid-market rate. GoldexPay lists these providers next to each other so you can see the amount that reaches the recipient for the same amount sent.

How SWIFT codes from United Kingdom are built

Each SWIFT/BIC code consists of 8 or 11 characters. First comes four letters for the bank, followed by a two-letter country code and two characters for the location.

No matter which bank, every code from United Kingdom share the same fifth and sixth letters: the ISO code of the country. When the country letters point to another country, the code belongs to a bank somewhere else.

If the last three are XXX, it means the head office. For most transfers the head office code is what you need, unless the recipient gives you a branch code.

Banks in United Kingdom starting with :letter

Here you see a selection: only banks in United Kingdom whose name begins with :letter. The counts in the introduction still cover all banks in United Kingdom, not just this letter.

Cannot find the bank? Its official name may start with a different letter, for example the full legal name rather than a brand name. The complete list is available if you cannot find the bank here.

Check the code before you pay

The safest source for the BIC is the recipient’s own bank details: an invoice, a statement or their online banking. When the code you were given does not match our list, do not guess.

We collect SWIFT/BIC codes from public sources and update our list regularly. Institutions merge, close branches and change codes, and no directory catches every change immediately. Treat this list as a reference, not as the final word; the recipient’s bank details are leading. GoldexPay is an independent comparison site.

Scammers regularly send fake invoices with changed bank details. Before paying, verify changed details through a separate channel, using a number you already had.

Paying in euros to United Kingdom

Because United Kingdom is in the SEPA zone, a euro transfer to an account in United Kingdom normally only needs the IBAN. Many banks do not require the BIC for these payments.

You will still need a SWIFT code for non-euro payments or money from outside the SEPA area. Instant euro transfers have become widely available within SEPA. Fees are generally low as long as everything stays in euros; the conversion is where it gets expensive.