14 Jun 2022
With over 48 million customers worldwide, Barclays is a leading British commercial bank operating in 50 different countries. A majority of expatriates residing in the UK trust its services and choose to transfer money internationally with Barclays.
Transferring funds across borders from the UK or elsewhere often involves your Routing Number, IBAN, and SWIFT CODE. Many expats remain uncertain about these essential bank account details required while making cross-border transactions.
Keep reading to find a brief guide about how you can get these three codes for your international bank account in Barclays UK.
What is a Routing Number?
A ‘Routing’ number is typically a 9-digit code that identifies the location of your bank branch, where you first opened your bank account. Many platforms require checking account numbers when you are making an online payment.
There are other terms as well which define the routing number. Routing transit numbers (RTN) and ABA routing numbers are similar categories referred to as routing numbers.
A routing number is required to authenticate the transfer of funds on the sending and receiving ends. It ensures the security of funds and controls any malicious attempts such as money laundering.
How to get your Barclays UK Routing Number?
Routing numbers are unique codes that are different for every bank. You can find your Barclays UK bank routing number on the bottom-left corner of your cheques. You may contact your bank branch or customer support to get the desired routing number.
What is an IBAN code?
IBAN is a general banking term used to represent international banking account numbers. IBAN is an additive account number sanctioned to customers for better international representation in the banking sector.
An IBAN is typically a 34-digit code in alphanumeric characters that contains essential information about your bank account, such as:
IBAN ensures the smooth transfer of funds without the risk of any flaws or errors on sending or receiving ends. An international money transfer is safely and swiftly completed using IBAN.
How to get your Barclays UK IBAN Number?
You can generate your IBAN from an online tool available on Barclays’ official website. It will ask you to produce your sort code and bank account number. After entering the two details, simply click the “Generate IBAN” button, and your IBAN will be displayed in a few seconds.
If you find it challenging to generate your IBAN through the website, you may contact your bank branch and ask them to help you generate it for you.
What are SWIFT codes?
A SWIFT code assists overseas banks in identifying the country, bank, and branch where the funds are to be transferred. If you are an expatriate residing in the UK and want to send money home, you must produce your SWIFT code to complete the transfer.
SWIFT Code, also called a BIC Code or Bank Identifier Code, ensures that your money is going to the right recipient. Like routing numbers and IBAN, these codes also enhance security and smooth processing of your funds' transfer.
How to get your Barclays UK SWIFT?
It usually is an 8-11 digit code that you can find on your bank statements or online banking profile. The code is located in its top-right corner when you open your bank statement.
You can follow these simple steps to see your Barclays UK SWIFT Code in your bank statement:
If you are still unsure and can’t get the desired code yourself, don’t worry. You can contact your bank branch or customer support to get assistance in this matter.
How can you send/receive money internationally?
You can send and receive payment from abroad using different methods. Many people use banks to transfer money overseas. But for long-term practice, bank transfers are not considered a suitable alternative.
Using a reliable remittance service provider is today's most-used method for cross-border payments. A vast majority of the expats in the UK choose to send money online to their families, considering the best exchange rates, low transfer fees, and secure transactions.
Before you receive payments from overseas, there is a list of things you may need to provide to the sender. The list contains:
Takeaways
IBAN, Routing Numbers, and SWIFT Codes are critically important to complete international transactions safely. In case you cannot find these codes accurately, your transactions will not be initiated or they might fail halfway due to missing or wrong information provided.
In such a case, you will need to either provide the correct information to proceed with the transaction or request the bank to revert it if you won’t have the correct codes. It is always advised to find the correct codes before making a transaction. So, your transaction can find its way to the right owner. Using a trusted remittance partner like ACE Money Transfer can also help you transfer funds securely and swiftly with complete peace of mind.
