An IBAN and BIC or SWIFT codes are used to make international payments faster, safer and cheaper.
IBAN stands for International Bank Account Number. It's your account number written in a standard global format.
Most banks have their own BIC or SWIFT code. BIC stands for Business Identifier Code, although they’re also referred to as a Bank Identifier Code or a Bank International Code.
You might also sometimes see them called a SWIFT code because they use the SWIFT system(Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication). But they're the same thing.
When you'll need your IBAN and BIC or SWIFT code
Your IBAN helps banks to identify accounts held anywhere in the world so they can process international payments automatically.
You'll need to know your own IBAN and BIC or SWIFT code if you're receiving money from outside the UK.
Not every country uses IBANs, but if you'resending money outside the UK, you'll generally need the IBAN and BIC or SWIFT code of the person you're sending money to.
How to get your IBAN and BIC or SWIFT code
There are 4 ways to find out your IBAN and BIC or SWIFT code if you're with HSBC.
1. The quickest and easiest is by logging on to ourmobile banking apporonline banking. Just follow these steps:
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From the main accounts screen, choose the account you want
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Go to ‘Statements’, then select any recent statement
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You'll see your IBAN and BIC or SWIFT code on the right side of the statement above the transaction list
2. You can also find your IBAN and BIC or SWIFT code on your paper statements.
3. If you have anHSBC Currency Account, you can find your IBAN and BIC or SWIFT code by logging on to online banking and looking in the ‘Details’ section above your Currency Account transactions.
4. If you’ve recently opened a current account, you’ll also find your IBAN and BIC or SWIFT code in your welcome letter.
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