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Clearing code / national bank code – payments to countries without IBAN

Explains what a clearing code (national bank code) is, which countries require it instead of IBAN, and how to enter it correctly when making a payment in Catacloud.

Written by Florence C.L.H. Kröger-Smedmann

What is a national bank or clearing code?

Many countries do not use IBAN. To send a payment to these countries, you need a national bank or clearing code in addition to the account number. The clearing code is used for payment routing and identifies the recipient's bank and branch.

Without the correct clearing code, the payment will be rejected by the bank.

Which countries use a clearing code instead of IBAN?

The most common countries and their code formats:

  • USA – ABA routing number (9 digits)

  • United Kingdom – Sort code (6 digits)

  • Germany – BLZ (8 digits)

  • Australia – BSB number (6 digits)

  • Canada – Transit number (9 digits)

  • India – IFSC code (11 characters)

You can find the clearing code on the recipient's bank statement, or by asking the recipient directly.

Sending a payment with a clearing code in Catacloud

The clearing code is entered directly on the payment form when creating a new payment:

  1. Go to Bank → Payments and click New payment.

  2. Select the type Single payment.

  3. Select From account and fill in the Recipient.

  4. In the Bank account field – select the correct country flag and enter the recipient's account number (local format, not IBAN).

  5. Fill in BIC/SWIFT – the bank's international identifier (e.g. DNBANOKK).

  6. Fill in National bank or clearing code – e.g. ABA routing number for USA, sort code for UK.

  7. Fill in the recipient's Address, Postal code, City, State/Region and Country.

  8. Enter Amount, Due date and an optional Message.

  9. Click Add for approval or Attestation.

Tips and common mistakes

My payment to the USA was rejected.
Check that you have entered the ABA routing number (9 digits) in the National bank or clearing code field. The routing number is not the same as the account number – the recipient has both.

Do I also need BIC/SWIFT?
Yes. BIC/SWIFT identifies the bank's international address and is always required for international payments, in addition to the clearing code.

Why do I need to provide an address?
Address information is required by banks for international payments and is used to identify the recipient when transferring to countries without IBAN.

Where do I find the correct clearing code?
Ask the recipient to provide the code, or look up the bank name via the Federal Reserve (USA), Sort Code Checker (UK), or equivalent services for other countries.

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