MERRILL LYNCH SWIFT Code — China
Browse all 1 city where MERRILL LYNCH has SWIFT-registered branches in China. Select a city to get the verified BIC/SWIFT code for international wire transfers.
MERRILL LYNCH SWIFT Code in China — Complete Guide
A SWIFT code (also known as a BIC — Bank Identifier Code) for MERRILL LYNCH in China is an internationally recognised alphanumeric identifier required for all cross-border wire transfers involving this bank. BankZop currently lists 1 verified SWIFT codes for MERRILL LYNCH across 1 city in China.
Whether you are receiving a foreign remittance, paying an overseas supplier, or sending money abroad from China, you need the correct MERRILL LYNCH SWIFT code for the specific branch. An incorrect SWIFT code can delay your transfer by several business days, or cause it to be returned with bank charges deducted.
How to Find the Right MERRILL LYNCH SWIFT Code
BankZop makes finding the exact SWIFT code for any MERRILL LYNCH branch in China simple:
- Select a city from the list above — use the filter to find your city quickly.
- View all SWIFT codes for that city — the next page shows every registered BIC code for MERRILL LYNCH branches in that location.
- Copy the SWIFT code — use the one-click copy button, then paste it directly into your bank's international transfer form.
If you already have a SWIFT code and want to verify it belongs to MERRILL LYNCH, use the Search by SWIFT Code tab on the SWIFT Code home page.
SWIFT Code Structure for MERRILL LYNCH
All SWIFT codes follow the same 8 or 11-character ISO 9362 format. Here is how to read a MERRILL LYNCH BIC code:
| Position | Length | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1–4 | 4 letters | Bank / Institution Code | ALLA |
| 5–6 | 2 letters | Country Code (ISO 3166-1) | XX |
| 7–8 | 2 chars | Location / City Code | BB |
| 9–11 | 3 chars | Branch Code (optional — XXX = Head Office) | XXX |
8-Character vs 11-Character MERRILL LYNCH SWIFT Codes
MERRILL LYNCH branches may have either 8-character or 11-character SWIFT codes. Here is the key difference and when to use each:
- 8-character SWIFT code (Head Office BIC) — Refers to MERRILL LYNCH's primary or head office for that city. Most standard international wire transfers can be processed with just the 8-character code. The receiving bank routes funds internally.
- 11-character SWIFT code (Branch BIC) — Includes the 3-character branch suffix at the end, routing directly to a specific MERRILL LYNCH branch. Faster and more precise — recommended for large-value or time-sensitive transfers.
Best Practice: Always use the full 11-character SWIFT code if available. If only the 8-character code is known, it remains valid for most international transfers to MERRILL LYNCH in China.
Common Uses of MERRILL LYNCH SWIFT Codes
The SWIFT codes for MERRILL LYNCH in China are required for a variety of international financial transactions:
- Receiving international wire transfers — Provide your MERRILL LYNCH branch SWIFT code to the overseas sender so their bank routes the funds correctly.
- Inward remittances — NRI transfers, freelance payments from global clients, salary credited from foreign employers.
- Sending money abroad — MERRILL LYNCH uses SWIFT to route your outward international transfers to the correct beneficiary bank.
- Trade finance & letters of credit — International trade settlements, documentary collections, and bank guarantees between MERRILL LYNCH and foreign correspondent banks.
- SWIFT gpi fast payments — Trackable, same-day cross-border payments via the Global Payments Innovation network.
- Education and travel payments — Paying overseas tuition fees or international travel expenses from a MERRILL LYNCH account.
How Long Do Transfers Take Using a MERRILL LYNCH SWIFT Code?
International wire transfers via MERRILL LYNCH SWIFT codes typically take 1–5 business days. The exact timing depends on:
| Factor | Impact on Transfer Time |
|---|---|
| Same currency transfer | 1–2 business days (fastest) |
| Currency conversion required | 2–3 business days |
| Correspondent bank involved | 3–5 business days |
| Incorrect SWIFT code entered | Delayed or returned (with charges) |
| Weekend or public holiday | +1–2 business days added |
SWIFT Code Errors — What to Avoid with MERRILL LYNCH
These are the most common mistakes when using a MERRILL LYNCH SWIFT code that cause transfers to fail or be delayed:
- Spaces or lowercase letters — SWIFT codes must always be uppercase with no spaces.
- Using an outdated code — Codes can change after bank mergers or system restructuring. Always verify on BankZop before initiating.
- Confusing IFSC with SWIFT — IFSC codes (used for India domestic NEFT/RTGS) are completely different from SWIFT codes. They cannot be used interchangeably.
- Wrong branch city — Selecting a SWIFT code for the wrong city branch can cause internal routing delays even if the bank code is correct.
- Missing account number — A correct SWIFT code with a wrong account number still causes a failed transfer. Verify both independently.
Correspondent Banks and Intermediary SWIFT Codes
Not all banks maintain direct SWIFT relationships with MERRILL LYNCH. In these cases, a correspondent (intermediary) bank acts as a relay, holding accounts on behalf of MERRILL LYNCH to facilitate the currency exchange or settlement. Your sending bank may ask for the correspondent bank's SWIFT code in addition to the MERRILL LYNCH BIC. Always confirm intermediary bank details directly with the recipient's MERRILL LYNCH branch for high-value transactions.
Tips for Successful Transfers Using MERRILL LYNCH SWIFT Codes
- Verify before every high-value transfer — SWIFT codes can change. Always check on BankZop and confirm with the recipient's branch.
- Use 11-character codes when possible — Direct branch routing reduces manual processing risk.
- Confirm the transfer currency — Some MERRILL LYNCH accounts may have currency conversion charges if the transfer arrives in a different denomination.
- Initiate early in the business day — Transfers initiated before the bank's cut-off time process in the same day's settlement batch.
- Save the transaction reference — Essential for tracing delayed or missing transfers through MERRILL LYNCH's international team.
MERRILL LYNCH SWIFT code data sourced from SWIFT Official Directory and verified against MERRILL LYNCH's published branch disclosures. Last reviewed Jun 2026 by BankZop Editorial Team. Always confirm SWIFT codes with your bank before initiating any international transfer.

