Imagine standing at the crossroads of the digital age, preparing to send a financial gift—a remittance—to loved ones in Pakistan. Before you lies a cryptic sequence of characters: the SWIFT code. This alphanumeric combination serves as both a lock securing your financial connection and a passport ensuring your funds reach their destination.
SWIFT Codes: The Global Financial Passport
The SWIFT code, officially known as the Bank Identifier Code (BIC), functions as a unique international identification system developed by the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication. This 8-11 character sequence serves three critical functions in global finance:
- Bank Identification: The first four letters (e.g., FAYS for Faysal Bank) identify the financial institution
- Geographic Location: The subsequent two letters indicate the country (PK for Pakistan), followed by two characters specifying the city (KA for Karachi)
- Branch Specification: Optional final three characters (typically XXX for headquarters) pinpoint specific branches
Faysal Bank's Primary SWIFT Code: FAYSPKKAXXX
The bank's principal SWIFT code breaks down as follows:
- FAYS: Bank identifier for Faysal Bank
- PK: Country code for Pakistan
- KA: Location code for Karachi
- XXX: Designation for the head office
Branch-Specific SWIFT Codes
While FAYSPKKAXXX serves for general transactions, Faysal Bank maintains branch-specific codes for precise routing:
- FAYSPKKA111: Bilal Road, Civil Lines, Faisalabad
- FAYSPKKA112: The Mall, Lahore
- FAYSPKKA113: Razia Sharif Plaza, Islamabad
- FAYSPKKA114: Super Market, Peshawar
- FAYSPKKA115: Shahrah-e-Adalat, Quetta
When to Use the Primary SWIFT Code
The generic FAYSPKKAXXX applies when:
- The recipient hasn't provided a branch-specific code
- Transactions route through the Karachi headquarters
- You require a universally recognized identifier
Verification Protocol
To ensure accurate fund transfers:
- Confirm the SWIFT code directly with the recipient
- Cross-reference with Faysal Bank's official channels
- Validate through authenticated financial databases
International Remittance Best Practices
When initiating transfers to Faysal Bank accounts:
- Triple-check all alphanumeric sequences
- Verify the recipient's full legal name and account number
- Understand applicable fees and exchange rates
- Retain transaction documentation for 90 days
Receiving International Transfers
For individuals receiving funds into Faysal Bank accounts, provide senders with:
- Your full legal name as registered with the bank
- Complete account number
- Correct SWIFT code (branch-specific if available)
- Bank address: Trade Centre, 11/13 I.I. Chundrigar Road, Karachi