Bank code in Hong Kong: What it is and where to find it

Key takeaways

• A bank code is a three-digit number that identifies a financial institution in Hong Kong, and you need it for local transfers, direct debits, and payroll.

• For international transfers, you'll also need a SWIFT/BIC code, and depending on where the money is going, you may also need an IBAN or routing number.

• If your business moves money across borders, Airwallex lets you send money to 200+ regions at interbank FX rates, with approximately 93% of transfers arriving the same day.

A bank code is a unique three-digit identifier assigned to financial institutions in Hong Kong. It helps the local clearing system process transactions accurately. You will need a hong kong bank code for tasks like local bank transfers, setting up direct debits, or managing corporate payrolls. This article provides the updated hong kong bank code list for 2026. We will also break down the differences between a local bank code, branch codes, and international transfer codes.

What is a bank code?

A bank code acts as a primary digital routing number for domestic transactions. Local clearing systems use this three-digit number to direct your money to the right institution. Some major institutions use multiple codes due to historical mergers. For example, the Bank of China (Hong Kong) uses 012, 014, and 019.

A complete local bank account number generally consists of three main components:

1. Bank code: A three-digit number identifying the specific institution, such as 004 for HSBC.

2. Branch code: A three-digit number identifying the specific branch where the account opened.

3. Account number: The unique individual or business account digits sequence.

Bank code vs branch code: What's the difference

The bank code identifies the institution itself, and in Hong Kong it's always three digits. The branch code identifies the specific office where the account was opened, and that is also three digits. Together with the account number, these two codes make up the full routing information needed for a domestic transfer.

How to find bank codes and branch codes?

Finding the correct codes for local transfers is straightforward. You can easily locate a hong kong bank code through several secure channels.

• The bank’s official website: Most banks provide a complete list of bank codes and branch codes for customer reference on their official websites.

• Online banking interface: Your account details page usually shows the bank and branch codes linked to your account.

• Customer service: Contact the bank’s customer service to confirm the correct codes when in doubt.

• Online payment platforms: Some platforms automatically provide bank code options when making e-transfers.

• Bank statements: Monthly bank statements are reliable references as these statements usually display the bank and branch codes.

If you're not sure whether a code is correct, especially for large transfers, check directly with the receiving bank before you send the money. This matters even more when you're dealing with institutions that have multiple codes because of historical mergers.

Types of bank codes: What they are and when you need them

Hong Kong uses a three-digit bank code for domestic transfers, but when you send or receive money internationally, you'll come across other identifiers too. They all do a similar job, which is identifying where the money should go, but they're used in different places and for different kinds of payments.

Here’s a quick reference comparing the main identifiers you’ll encounter when moving money in and out of Hong Kong.

SWIFT/BIC code

A SWIFT code, also called a Business Identifier Code or BIC, is an eight or eleven character alphanumeric code that identifies a financial institution for international transfers. SWIFT and BIC mean the same thing, so the terms are used interchangeably. If you're paying an overseas supplier, your bank will ask for their SWIFT code. All Hong Kong banks have SWIFT codes for international transfers, and you'll need one any time you're sending or receiving money across borders.

IBAN

An International Bank Account Number, or IBAN, is a standardised format for bank account numbers used mainly in Europe and parts of the Middle East. It can be up to 34 alphanumeric characters long, and it helps identify the recipient's bank account precisely, which reduces errors in cross-border transactions. Hong Kong doesn't use IBAN domestically, so Hong Kong bank accounts don't have IBANs. But if you're paying a European supplier, you'll need to provide their IBAN so the payment reaches the right account.

Routing number and sort code

A routing number, also called an ABA number, is used in the United States to identify banks for domestic transfers. A sort code does the same job in the United Kingdom. Both work like a bank code by identifying the institution and branch, but only in their own markets. If your Hong Kong business is paying a US supplier, you'll need their routing number. If you're paying a UK supplier, you'll need their sort code.

For domestic Hong Kong transfers, you only need the bank code, branch code, and account number. You don't need any international identifiers. Now that that's clear, here are the specific codes for the most common licensed banks in Hong Kong.

List of bank codes for licensed banks in Hong Kong (2026)

The table below lists the bank codes of some common licensed banks and digital banks in Hong Kong.

Finding the correct hong kong bank code ensures domestic transfers move smoothly. However, traditional legacy transfers often involve rigid frameworks, manual processing times, and high fees. Modern businesses frequently require more flexible financial platforms like Airwallex to scale globally.

Airwallex: a leading global financial platform for modern business

Airwallex offers a faster, more secure, and cost-effective alternative to traditional banks for cross-border payments, offering businesses with greater flexibility and efficiency.

• Multi-currency Business Account: Airwallex Business Account allows you to easily open accounts in 70+ countries, without the need for visiting multiple branches. Setting up an account is quick and straightforward.

• Efficient and low-cost international transfers: With our local payment networks, over 93% of international transfers arrive on the same day. Airwallex also offers competitive exchange rates than traditional banks, with fees as low as 0.2% above the interbank exchange rate, making global transactions swift and affordable.

• Expenses management with multi-currency corporate card: Airwallex Corporate Cards allow businesses to issue company cards as needed and categorise expenses accordingly. These cards enable global payments while offering real-time expense tracking and spending management for your team.

Airwallex reduces the costs of cross-border payments, streamlines global payments, and accelerates cash flow. With flexible multi-currency account management, you can control your finances anywhere, anytime. Airwallex also offers a more efficient and secure global financial solution compared to traditional banks. Open a Business Account today to unlock seamless international transactions and smarter financial management.

Frequently asked questions

1. What happens if I enter an incorrect hong kong bank code? 

The local clearing network will fail to identify the destination institution. The transaction will bounce back to your balance within a few business days. Note that processing institutions may deduct administrative transaction fees for rejected routing requests.

2. Why does the Bank of China (Hong Kong) have multiple entries? 

The institution absorbed several separate entities over time, including Po Sang Bank and Hua Chiao Commercial Bank. The clearing system maintains separate legacy routing paths to ensure older accounts continue functioning smoothly. Always check your latest corporate statement to see which specific identifier applies to your profile.

3. Do I need a SWIFT code for domestic transfers? 

No, you do not need international identifiers for local transfers. Moving money inside the domestic market only requires a three-digit hong kong bank code, a three-digit branch code, and the individual account number. Keep international routing fields blank unless you are sending funds outside the local territory.