Detailed Guide: Using BANC OF CALIFORNIA (FORMERLY SQUARE 1 BANK A DIVISION OF PACIFIC WESTERN BANK) SWIFT Code for Global Transfers
When dealing with international finance, precision is paramount. The SQARUS33 Business Identifier Code (BIC) is the exclusive digital signature for BANC OF CALIFORNIA (FORMERLY SQUARE 1 BANK A DIVISION OF PACIFIC WESTERN BANK) located in DURHAM, NC. Without this precise string of characters, your international wire transfer could be delayed, routed to the wrong intermediary, or returned with significant banking fees.
1. Understanding the 11-Character Logic
The code SQARUS33 is not a random sequence. It follows a strict ISO-9362
hierarchy that tells the global financial system exactly where your money needs to land:
- SQAR: The Bank Code representing BANC OF CALIFORNIA (FORMERLY SQUARE 1 BANK A DIVISION OF PACIFIC WESTERN BANK) globally.
- US: The Country Code, identifying that the bank is regulated under United States laws.
- 33: The Location Code, usually pointing to the DURHAM, NC hub.
- XXX: The Branch Code, specifying this exact physical office.
2. How to Receive Money in DURHAM, NC
If you are a resident or business owner in DURHAM, NC, you must provide the following information to your international sender. For transactions involving BANC OF CALIFORNIA (FORMERLY SQUARE 1 BANK A DIVISION OF PACIFIC WESTERN BANK), ensure these fields are filled accurately in the MT103 (SWIFT Message Type):
| Field Name | Required Value |
|---|---|
| Beneficiary Name | Your Full Legal Name |
| Account Number | IBAN or Regional Account Format |
| BIC/SWIFT | SQARUS33 |
| Destination Bank | BANC OF CALIFORNIA (FORMERLY SQUARE 1 BANK A DIVISION OF PACIFIC WESTERN BANK) |
| Branch Location | DURHAM, NC, United States |
3. Potential Fees & Intermediary Banking
It is important to note that a transfer to BANC OF CALIFORNIA (FORMERLY SQUARE 1 BANK A DIVISION OF PACIFIC WESTERN BANK) might not be direct. Depending on the relationship between your sender's bank and the US banking system, an "Intermediary Bank" might be involved. These banks may deduct a "Handling Fee" ranging from $15 to $50. Always ask your sender to choose the OUR instruction if they wish to cover all costs, or SHA to share the fees with you.
4. Frequently Asked Questions (Verified Answers)
What happens if I use the Head Office SWIFT instead of the DURHAM, NC branch code?
In most cases, BANC OF CALIFORNIA (FORMERLY SQUARE 1 BANK A DIVISION OF PACIFIC WESTERN BANK) will
automatically route the funds to your account based on your Account Number/IBAN. However,
using the local SQARUS33 is recommended for faster processing
and lower risk of manual intervention.
Is SQARUS33 the same as a Routing Number?
No. Routing numbers are primarily used for domestic transfers within the USA. For international transfers to United States, the SWIFT code is the standard identifier used by the global banking network.
How can I verify if this code is still active?
The code SQARUS33 for
BANC OF CALIFORNIA (FORMERLY SQUARE 1 BANK A DIVISION OF PACIFIC WESTERN BANK) is part of the latest directory update. We
periodically refresh our database to ensure all codes for DURHAM, NC are compliant
with current financial standards.
Note: Financial data changes. While SQARUS33 is
verified for BANC OF CALIFORNIA (FORMERLY SQUARE 1 BANK A DIVISION OF PACIFIC WESTERN BANK), always perform a small test transfer for high-value
transactions. This resource is for educational purposes regarding the banking infrastructure in
DURHAM, NC, United States.