Bank SWIFT code
Santander UK
London, United Kingdom · BIC ABSCGB2L
SWIFT / BIC
ABSCGB2L
Bank code
ABSC
Country
GB
Location
2L
Branch
XXX (primary office)
Head office city
London
BIC length
8 characters (primary office)
What each part of ABSCGB2L means
A SWIFT/BIC code is read left to right in four blocks.
ABSC
Bank code
4 letters — the institution (here, the bank prefix)
GB
Country code
2 letters — ISO 3166 country
2L
Location code
2 characters — city/region; a digit often means a test code
XXX
Branch code
3 characters — XXX marks the primary office
How to use this SWIFT code
Use ABSCGB2L as the receiver bank SWIFT/BIC code when initiating an international wire transfer to Santander UK. Combine it with the recipient's account number (or United Kingdom IBAN) and full name. Double-check the code with Santander UK or the recipient before sending — branch-specific BICs can differ from the head-office code.
Santander UK SWIFT code FAQ
- What is the SWIFT code for Santander UK?
- The SWIFT/BIC code for Santander UK is ABSCGB2L, identifying the bank's head office in London, United Kingdom. Use it as the receiver-bank BIC when initiating an international wire transfer. United Kingdom uses IBANs (22 characters), so include the recipient's IBAN.
- Is ABSCGB2L an 8- or 11-character SWIFT code?
- ABSCGB2L is an 8-character BIC — the bank's primary (head-office) code. An 11-character form would append a branch code (often XXX for the primary office).
- Where do I find the SWIFT code for Santander UK?
- It is shown on bank statements and in online banking, or you can ask Santander UK directly. You can also decode ABSCGB2L in the SWIFT/BIC lookup on this site. Always confirm the code with the receiving bank before sending funds.
- What's the difference between ABSCGB2L and a routing number?
- A SWIFT/BIC code identifies a bank for cross-border payments, while a routing number (ABA) is used for domestic US transfers. For an international wire to Santander UK, you need the SWIFT code; for a domestic US transfer you need the routing number.
⚠️ BIC data reflects the head-office code from public bank disclosures. Branch-specific SWIFT codes may differ — confirm with Santander UK for exact routing before sending funds.