NWBKGB2LBHM — NATIONAL WESTMINSTER BANK PLC
NWBKGB2LBHM is the SWIFT/BIC code for NATIONAL WESTMINSTER BANK PLC in BIRMINGHAM, United Kingdom — an 11-character branch code under ISO 9362.
BIC breakdown (ISO 9362)
Head-office code: NWBKGB2L
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Institution | NATIONAL WESTMINSTER BANK PLC |
| Country | United Kingdom (GB) |
| Location Code | 2L |
| Branch | None |
| Type | 11-character branch code (BIC11) |
⚠️ Critical Money Transfer Warning (YMYL)
Verify the BIC with your beneficiary bank: Database records are informational only. swiftbic.org is not affiliated with SWIFT. Always verify the SWIFT/BIC code and name of the beneficiary with the receiving bank or official registration records before initiating any international wire transfer.
Common Mistakes: Do not confuse the SWIFT/BIC code (identifies the bank branch) with the IBAN (identifies the specific bank account). Using an incorrect branch suffix or a deactivated code can result in payments being returned, delayed, or subject to significant administrative return fees.
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Related codes for this bank
Frequently asked questions
What bank does the SWIFT code NWBKGB2LBHM belong to?
The SWIFT code NWBKGB2LBHM identifies NATIONAL WESTMINSTER BANK PLC in BIRMINGHAM, United Kingdom. This branch code is used for cross-border payments and SWIFT network routing.
What do the parts of the SWIFT code NWBKGB2LBHM mean?
The 8 or 11 characters of NWBKGB2LBHM are parsed as follows: characters 1-4 (NWBK) represent the bank code for NATIONAL WESTMINSTER BANK PLC; characters 5-6 (GB) indicate the country code for United Kingdom; characters 7-8 (2L) specify the location code; and the final characters (BHM) designate the specific branch.
Is NWBKGB2LBHM a valid SWIFT/BIC code?
NWBKGB2LBHM is formatted as a valid ISO 9362 Business Identifier Code and is listed in our reference directory for NATIONAL WESTMINSTER BANK PLC in BIRMINGHAM, United Kingdom. Our directory records come from an open community compilation last updated in 2024, so listing is not confirmation of current status — SWIFT does not publish a free live status feed. Always confirm the code with the beneficiary bank before sending funds.
What is the physical address of the bank registered to NWBKGB2LBHM?
The physical address registered for NWBKGB2LBHM is: 6 BRINDLEY PLACE, B1 2XB, BIRMINGHAM, United Kingdom. Verify this address matches your recipient's branch details before initiating a transaction.
What is the difference between an 8-character and an 11-character BIC?
An 8-character BIC (BIC8) identifies an institution's primary head office, while an 11-character BIC (BIC11) specifies a distinct branch or department. Appending 'XXX' to NWBKGB2L forms the conventional head-office branch suffix; both formats route validly on the network.
Which branch does NWBKGB2LBHM identify?
NWBKGB2LBHM identifies the BHM branch of NATIONAL WESTMINSTER BANK PLC in BIRMINGHAM, United Kingdom. The branch code characters 'BHM' target this specific clearing node directly within NATIONAL WESTMINSTER BANK PLC's branch network.
Do I need an IBAN as well as NWBKGB2LBHM?
SWIFT codes like NWBKGB2LBHM identify the bank institution, while IBANs (ISO 13616) identify the individual customer account. Within SEPA (ECB SEPA), IBANs are sufficient for routing; outside SEPA, both SWIFT BIC and account number are typically required.
What happens if I use the wrong SWIFT/BIC code?
Using an incorrect code can delay transfers, cause payment returns, or route funds to an incorrect institution. Correspondent banks along the route may charge return processing fees, and currency conversion losses may occur. Always verify details with the beneficiary.
How long does a payment using NWBKGB2LBHM take to arrive?
International SWIFT wires typically settle within 1 to 5 business days, depending on time zones, clearing cut-offs, correspondent hops (BIS CPMI), and compliance checks.
Why does my payment need an intermediary or correspondent bank?
When sending and receiving banks lack direct clearing accounts, transfers route through intermediary correspondent banks (BIS CPMI) that maintain shared Nostro/Vostro accounts. Each hop may deduct a handling fee.
Is NWBKGB2LBHM the same as a domestic clearing code in United Kingdom?
No. NWBKGB2LBHM is an international ISO 9362 SWIFT BIC. Domestic transfers in United Kingdom clear through undefined under [object Object] oversight (primary currency: GBP). SWIFT BICs route cross-border transactions.
How current is the information on this page?
This record is sourced from an open community BIC compilation (2024 vintage). For full data provenance, see our Data Sources Register.
What should I do before sending money to this bank?
Confirm the exact BIC and account details directly with your beneficiary, verify beneficiary bank name match, and beware of invoice fraud. Reference directories are for verification support.
Sources & References
- 🌐 ISO 9362:2022: International standard for Business Identifier Codes (ISO OBP).
- 🌐 ISO 13616-1: International Bank Account Number specifications (ISO OBP).
- 🏢 SWIFT Registration Authority: Designated ISO 9362 registration authority (swift.com).
- 🇪🇺 European Central Bank (ECB): SEPA clearing framework and standards (ECB SEPA).
- 🇪🇺 European Payments Council (EPC): SEPA rulebooks and guidelines (EPC).
- 🏦 Bank for International Settlements (BIS): CPMI cross-border payments standards (BIS CPMI).
- 🏛️ US Treasury OFAC: Financial sanctions and wire compliance oversight (US Treasury).
- 📂 swiftbic.org Data Register: Record-level provenance and dataset coverage (Data Sources).
- 🌐 World Bank Group: Payment Systems and Remittances overview (World Bank).
- 💻 Open Community BIC Compilation: MIT-licensed community repository (br99bry/swift-bank-codes).