A bank sort code is a six-digit number that identifies which bank or building society holds your account

In the UK and Ireland, every bank branch has its own sort code. When you make a payment to someone else's account, you give the sort code along with their account number so the money reaches the right place. The sort code tells the banking system which institution to send the money to; the account number tells that institution which person within it should receive it.

Sort codes look like this: 20-45-60 (written with hyphens) or 204560 (written without). The first two digits identify the bank or building society. The next two identify the branch. The last two are usually a check digit or additional branch identifier. You'll find your sort code on your debit card, cheque book, bank statements, or by logging into your online banking.

Key Takeaways

  • Your sort code is a six-digit number unique to your bank branch, and you need it whenever someone sends you money.
  • The sort code goes alongside your account number — both are required for a payment to reach your account.
  • You can find your sort code on your debit card, cheque book, statements, or by logging into online banking.
  • Different branches of the same bank have different sort codes, so make sure you give the code for the branch where your account is held.
  • Sort codes are used only in the UK and Ireland; other countries use different systems like routing numbers (US) or BIC codes (international transfers).

Where to find your sort code

Your sort code appears in several places. The easiest is usually your debit card — it's printed on the front or back. If you have a cheque book, the sort code is printed at the bottom left of each cheque, before your account number. Your bank statements (paper or online) also show it, usually near the top or in the account details section.

If you can't find it on any of those, log into your online banking or mobile app. Most banks display your sort code in the account information or account details section. You can also call your bank's customer service number on the back of your debit card and ask them to confirm it. They will ask you security questions to verify your identity before they tell you.

Sort codes versus account numbers

A sort code and an account number are two different things, and you need both for a payment to work. The sort code identifies the bank branch; the account number identifies you within that branch. Think of it like an address: the sort code is the postcode and street name, and the account number is your house number.

Your account number is usually eight digits long (though this varies slightly between banks). When someone sends you money, they need both your sort code and your account number. If they have one but not the other, the payment will fail or be sent to the wrong place. Some banks now also ask for a name check — they'll ask you to confirm the name on the account matches the person sending the money, as an extra fraud prevention step.

What happens if you give the wrong sort code

If you give someone the wrong sort code, the payment may be sent to a different bank or branch. The money might reach someone else's account by mistake, or it might be rejected and returned to the sender. Modern banking systems have some safeguards: if the sort code and account number don't match, the payment may be held for review or sent back.

If money is sent to the wrong account by mistake, the receiving bank can try to recover it, but this takes time and isn't always successful. That's why it's important to double-check the sort code before you give it out. If you're receiving a payment, make sure the person sending it has the correct sort code for the branch where your account is held — not just any branch of your bank.

Sort codes for different types of accounts

Most current accounts, savings accounts, and business accounts all have sort codes. The sort code depends on which branch holds your account, not the type of account. If you have multiple accounts at the same branch, they may share the same sort code (though each account will have its own account number). If your accounts are held at different branches, they will have different sort codes.

Some specialist accounts — like investment accounts or certain savings products held by third-party providers — may not have a traditional sort code. If you're unsure whether your account has one, check your statements or ask your bank directly. They can tell you whether the account can receive payments via sort code and account number, or whether you need to use a different method.

Sort codes and international payments

Sort codes are used only within the UK and Ireland. If you're sending money to or receiving money from outside these countries, you'll need different information. For international transfers, you'll typically need an IBAN (International Bank Account Number) and a BIC code (Bank Identifier Code), or a SWIFT code. These serve a similar purpose to a sort code but work across borders.

If someone abroad is sending you money, ask your bank for your IBAN and BIC code rather than your sort code. Conversely, if you're sending money abroad, don't ask for a sort code — ask for an IBAN and BIC code instead. Your bank can provide both of these, and they're usually shown in your online banking alongside your sort code.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use any branch's sort code for my bank account?

No. You must use the sort code for the specific branch where your account is held. If you use a different branch's sort code, the payment may go to the wrong place or be rejected. Check your statements or debit card to confirm which branch holds your account.

Is my sort code the same as my bank's main sort code?

Not necessarily. Large banks have many branches, and each one has its own sort code. Your sort code is specific to the branch where you opened your account or where it's currently held. Don't assume all branches of your bank use the same sort code.

Do I need to give my sort code to everyone who asks?

Your sort code is not sensitive information — it's safe to share it with anyone who needs to send you money. However, always make sure you're giving it to someone you trust and for a legitimate payment. Never give your sort code along with your account number to someone who contacts you unexpectedly or asks for it via email or text.

What if my bank branch closes?

If your branch closes, your account may be moved to another branch with a new sort code. Your bank will tell you about this in advance and provide your new sort code. You'll need to update anyone who regularly sends you money (like your employer) with the new sort code.

Can I find someone else's sort code if I have their account number?

No. An account number alone doesn't tell you the sort code. You need to ask the person directly, or they can provide it from their debit card, statements, or online banking. This is why both pieces of information are needed for a payment — it prevents money being sent to the wrong account by guessing.