UK payments: upcoming changes to UK beneficiary bank identifier (sort code) lists for Priority Payments and ACH Payments

Last updated: 3 July 2019

From 13 July 2019, we’ll be updating the local Beneficiary Bank Identifier (sort code) lists in HSBCnet for domestic payments to/from accounts in the UK or international payments made to the UK. These lists are regularly updated to help you include accurate codes in your payments.

What do I need to do?

Starting from 13 July, you may find that sort codes you’ve been using for Priority Payments (CHAPS) or ACH Payments (BACS) have been updated and are no longer recognised in HSBCnet. If this occurs, we recommend that you (or another user in your organisation with the correct payment permissions) review your HSBCnet payment instructions as follows:

Payment templates:
To avoid delays or rejections, we recommend that you review and update your payment templates on or after 13 July to make sure that the sort codes you’re using are accurate. The ‘Find bank identifier’ feature on HSBCnet payment screens should be an up-to-date resource for checking this.

Reminder: when you update a restricted template, you will need to have another user approve the changes in the Authorisation service before the template can be used to make payments.
Payments created on-screen in HSBCnet:
From 13 July, if you submit a payment with a sort code that is not recognised, HSBCnet will send you an error or warning message. If you see an error or warning message when you create your payment, you’ll need to update your payment instructions to include an updated sort code. The best way to make sure you’re using an accurate sort Code is to use the ‘Find bank identifier’ feature on HSBCnet payment screens.
Forward-dated payments and Standing Instructions:
If you have any Forward-dated CHAPS or BACS payments, or Standing Instructions, the payments will be submitted with the payment information that has been entered. We therefore recommend that you review these payment instructions on/after 13 July to make sure that they include updated sort codes to avoid possible delays or cancellations.

Important note: submitting a payment with invalid or incorrect payment details (including sort codes) can result in payment processing delays or cancellations.

Find out more

If you have any questions regarding making domestic UK Priority or ACH Payments, please contact your local HSBCnet Support Centre.