What is Sort Code? All You Need to Know
Sort codes are unique codes used by banks in the UK (United Kingdom) and Ireland to identify the banks and branches accurately. If you’re planning to open a UK bank account or use online banking facilities, learning about sort codes is essential. Electronic fund transfer systems in the UK like CHAPS, BACS, and Faster Payments also use sort codes.
This guide covers all the information you must know about sort codes including their definition, structure, and how to use them effectively.
What is a Sort Code?
A sort code is a 6-digit number code of a particular bank and its specific branch in the UK and Ireland. For example, 606004 is the sort code for the National Westminster Bank and London Bridge branch. 606008 is the sort code for the same bank but for the Maidstone branch.
So when you share your bank details with someone for any transactions in the UK and Ireland, you must share your sort code and account number with them. Similarly, when making online money transfers, you must ask for the beneficiary's sort code and account number. Be careful about using sort codes while making payments as incorrect sort codes could result in loss of funds.
Using a sort code is a necessary protocol when making an online payment or receiving money online in the UK or Ireland. The banking system in these countries relies on the sort code to process the payments efficiently and accurately.
Anatomy of a Sort Code
Each bank sort code is made of three pairs of numbers. Each pair signifies a different component.
The components are:
- First Two Digits: These digits identify the bank
- Next Two Digits: These specify the branch of the bank where the account is held
- Last Two Digits: The last two digits specify the operation details of the bank branch or the exact location of the branch
Let's take the example of the following Sort code and break it down:
20-45-78
- 20: Bank Identifier – Represents the bank (e.g., Barclays).
- 45: Branch Identifier – Specifies the particular branch (e.g., Central London).
- 78: Unique Location – Denotes the exact location of the branch or operational unit.
Let's take another example:
04-00-04
- 04: Bank Identifier – Indicates the bank (e.g., Lloyds Bank).
- 00: Branch Identifier – Represents the branch (e.g., Headquarters).
- 04: Internal Reference – Used for specific branch or department coding.
Why Sort Code Matters in Banking?
A sort code is like your account’s address. With the help of sort codes, financial organizations in the UK and Ireland route the payments to the right destination accurately. If you use a wrong sort code, transactions could be delayed, misdirected or credited to the wrong account.
In addition to domestic transactions, the sort code works in conjunction with the International Bank Account Number (IBAN). IBAN is used for cross-border payments and used as a standardised numbering system to identify international accounts.
An IBAN could contain up to 34 characters depending on the number of fields. The most common fields are country code, check digits, bank code, sort code, and bank account number.
GB 92 BARC 000102 12345678
Country code Check digits Bank code Sort code Account number
How to Find Your Bank Sort Code?
Here's how you can find your Sort code:
- Bank Statement: Review your bank statement in paper or electronic format. The sort code typically appears near your account number.
- Banking Card (Debit/Credit): Examine your debit or credit card. You can check the sort code on the card, often near the account number.
- Contact Bank Customer Service: Contact your bank's customer service through phone, email, or by visiting a branch. They can provide your sort code upon request.
- Bank's Official Website: Access your bank's official website, where information about locating your sort code through online banking services or account details may be available.
Is Sort Code the Same as SWIFT code?
Sort code and SWIFT code are not the same. Here are the key differences:
Sort code
Sort code is a six-digit number used to identify bank accounts in the UK and Ireland. With the help of sort codes, banks could process the transactions accurately. Sort codes are used for domestic transactions in the UK and Ireland like sending money online or setting up standing orders for direct debit.
SWIFT code
SWIFT code is an abbreviation for the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication. SWIFT is an alphanumeric code used globally to identify international banks and other financial institutions.
SWIFT code is useful for receiving money from overseas or making international payments. If you’re buying goods from a foreign vendor, you must ask for their SWIFT code to make the payment.
| Particulars | Sort Code | SWIFT code |
| Definition | Used to identify banks and their branches in the UK and Ireland | Used by banks to identify other banks and financial institutions internationally |
| Purpose | For domestic wire transfers in the UK and Ireland | For international transactions where the sender and receiver are based in different countries |
| Code format | Six-digit numerical code | Alphanumeric code usually 8-11 character long |
| Code Components | Bank code, branch code, and specific operation details of the bank branch | Bank code, country code, location code, and branch code (optional) |
| Example | 161028 is the unique sort code for the Royal Bank of Scotland, St Helier, Jersey branch | RBOSJESXXXX is the SWIFT code for the same bank and branch |
What is Sort Code in India?
Sort code is not used in India. IFSC (Indian Financial System Code) is used to make domestic financial transactions in India via various internet payment mediums like RTGS, NEFT, and IMPS.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) assigns IFSC to banks and monitors the banking operations closely. This oversight by RBI ensures a smooth and secure banking environment. Your bank’s IFSC will be printed on the passbook and chequebook. Alternatively, you can also check the bank’s website.
An IFSC is made of 11 alphanumeric characters identifying the bank and its branch accurately. For example, SBIN0070001 is the IFSC for the SBI Bank, Mumbai (main branch).
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How do I find a bank’s sort code in India?
Indian banks and other financial institutions use the IFSC for domestic transactions. Sort code is used in the UK and Ireland only
Can sort codes be used for international transfers?
Is the sort code the same as the SWIFT code?
What is the difference between a sort code and an IFSC code?
