Find Bank Codes For Banks Registered in Hong Kong [2024]

What Is a Bank Code in Hong Kong?

A bank code in Hong Kong is a unique three-digit code assigned to each bank, serving to distinguish the bank from other financial institutions. 

The codes may also be referred to as clearing codes or sort codes. This is because they are essentially equivalent to a sort code in the UK or a routing number in the US.

Is a Bank Code the Same as a Branch Code?

No, they are not the same. Each bank has its own bank code, and each branch within that bank has its unique branch code, usually also a three-digit code.

🔍 Tip: Explore further in our article on Hong Kong payment guide: bank code, branch code, & account number

Why Are Bank Codes Important?

Bank codes play a vital role in enabling local payments within Hong Kong. In essence, you'll require three pieces of information to make a local payment in Hong Kong:

• Bank code
• Branch code
• Bank account number

This information allows for transactions to be processed efficiently and accurately to get the payments to the proper recipient in the quickest way. In the case of missing information, you may face the risk of a delayed transaction or payment rejection.

🔔 Please be advised: Banks may impose charges for inaccuracies in payments and for the retrieval of transferred funds.

Bank Codes for International Transfers

Bank codes are used in Hong Kong to facilitate interbank transfers locally. For international transactions, you will need additional information.

In order to make and receive international transfers, you will need either a SWIFT code or an IBAN number. These are also unique identifiers that help facilitate cross-border payments to ensure that funds are directed to the correct recipient.

Below is a summary highlighting the differences between each code:

💡 Insight: Know the difference between a Local Transfer and a SWIFT Transfer.

Where to Find Bank Code?

To find bank and branch codes, consider the following options:

• Reach out directly to your bank for assistance in obtaining the required codes.
• Visit your bank's website or online banking portal, which may offer information or lookup tools for finding these codes.
• Search online or refer to third-party websites that provide directories of bank codes for reference.

We cover a directory for Hong Kong bank codes in the list below.

A

B

*The main bank code for Bank of China is 012. However, due to several banks merging with the Bank of China, there may be some variations in bank codes based on the former identities. For example:

• Formerly Yien Yieh Commercial Bank (鹽業銀行): 014
• Formerly The Kwangtung Provincial Bank (廣東省銀行): 019
• Formerly The China & South Sea Bank Limited (中南銀行): 026
• Formerly Golden Bank (金城银行): 030
• Formerly Sin Hua Bank (新華銀行): 031
• Formerly China State Bank (國華商業銀行): 033
• Formerly Chekiang Industrial Bank of China (浙江兴业银行): 036
• Formerly Hua Chiao Commercial Bank (華僑商業銀行): 064
• Formerly Po Sang Bank (寶生銀行): 070

C

D

*The main bank code for DBS is 016. However, due to mergers with other banks, there may be variations in bank codes based on their former identities. This includes:

• Formerly Kwong On Bank (廣安銀行): 032
• Formerly Overseas Trust Bank (OTB 海外信托银行有限公司): 052

E

F

H

I

J

K

L

M

N

O

P

Q

R

S

T

U

W

Y

Z