SMCOGB2L — HSBC UK BANK PLC

The SWIFT code SMCOGB2L identifies HSBC UK BANK PLC in BIRMINGHAM, United Kingdom. This head office code is used for cross-border payments and SWIFT network routing.

The 8 or 11 characters of SMCOGB2L are parsed as follows: characters 1-4 (SMCO) represent the bank code for HSBC UK 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 (—) designate the specific branch.

SMCOGB2L is formatted as a valid ISO 9362 Business Identifier Code and is listed in our reference directory for HSBC UK 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.

The physical address registered for SMCOGB2L is: 1 CENTENARY SQUARE, B1 1HQ, BIRMINGHAM, United Kingdom. Verify this address matches your recipient's branch details before initiating a transaction.

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 SMCOGB2L forms the conventional head-office branch suffix; both formats route validly on the network.

Yes. SMCOGB2L is the primary 8-character head office code for HSBC UK BANK PLC. When a specific branch BIC is unknown, payments directed to SMCOGB2L (or SMCOGB2LXXX) route to the central head office for internal distribution.

SWIFT codes like SMCOGB2L 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.

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.

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.

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.

No. SMCOGB2L 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.

This record is sourced from an open community BIC compilation (2024 vintage). For full data provenance, see our Data Sources Register.

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.