A sorting code is a six-digit number that identifies which bank branch holds your account
A sorting code is a six-digit number used in the United Kingdom and Ireland to route money to the correct bank and the correct branch within that bank. When you send money to someone else's account, the sorting code tells the banking system exactly where that account lives. Without it, the payment would not know which of thousands of branches to go to.
Think of it like a postal code for your bank account. Your address tells the post office which house to deliver a letter to. A sorting code tells the banking system which branch to send money to. The code itself is always written as three pairs of numbers — for example, 20-00-00 or 30-67-68.
You will see sorting codes on cheques, in your online banking, and on official bank statements. You need to provide one whenever someone outside your bank sends you money, and you need to ask for one whenever you send money to someone else's account.
Key Takeaways
- A sorting code is a six-digit number that identifies your bank branch and is required for all transfers between different banks in the UK and Ireland.
- You can find your sorting code on a cheque, in your online banking under account details, or by calling your bank.
- The first two digits identify the bank itself, while the last four digits identify the specific branch.
- You must provide your sorting code and account number together when receiving money from outside your bank.
- Sorting codes are different from account numbers — you need both pieces of information for a payment to reach the right place.
Where to find your sorting code
Your sorting code appears in several places. The easiest is a cheque book — it is printed at the bottom left of every cheque, before your account number. If you do not have cheques, log into your online banking and look for "account details" or "account information." Most banks display the sorting code there alongside your account number.
You can also call your bank's customer service line and ask them to read it to you. Have your account number or card details ready so they can confirm who you are. Some banks print it on statements as well, though not all do.
If you have recently opened an account and have not received cheques yet, your welcome letter or email from the bank usually includes both your sorting code and account number. Keep this information safe — you will need it repeatedly.
How sorting codes are structured
All UK and Irish sorting codes follow the same pattern: six digits in three pairs. The first two digits identify the bank itself — for example, all Barclays codes start with 20, and all HSBC codes start with 40. The last four digits identify the specific branch where your account is held.
This structure means that if you know a sorting code, you can tell which bank it belongs to just by looking at the first two digits. However, you cannot tell which branch from the last four digits alone — you need the full code. That is why both pieces are essential.
Different branches of the same bank have different sorting codes. If you move house and your bank has a branch near your new address, your sorting code might change if you move your account to that branch. However, most people keep the same sorting code for years, even if they move or change jobs.
Sorting codes versus account numbers
A sorting code and an account number are two different things, and you need both for a payment to work. The sorting code identifies the branch. The account number identifies your specific account within that branch. Together, they form what is called your bank details.
Think of it this way: the sorting code is like the street address of a bank branch, and the account number is like the apartment number within that building. The postal worker needs both to deliver a letter to the right place. A bank needs both to send money to the right account.
Account numbers are usually eight digits long, though this varies slightly between banks. When you give someone your bank details, always provide both the sorting code and the account number, and double-check that you have written them correctly. A mistake in either one will send the money to the wrong place.
When you need to provide your sorting code
You need to give your sorting code to anyone who is sending you money from a different bank. This includes employers setting up payroll, benefits offices, refund departments, and friends or family members paying you back. You should also provide it when setting up standing orders or direct debits, because these are payments that leave your account on a regular schedule.
You do not need to provide your sorting code when withdrawing money from an ATM, paying by debit card, or making a payment from your own account using online banking. You only need it when someone outside your bank is sending money in.
If you are unsure whether you need to provide it, ask the person or organisation requesting the information. They will tell you if they need your sorting code, account number, or both.
What happens if you give the wrong sorting code
If you provide an incorrect sorting code, the payment will go to the wrong bank branch. The money might sit in a suspense account for a few days while the banking system tries to work out where it should go. Eventually, it will usually be returned to the person who sent it, and they will have to send it again with the correct details.
This process can take several days to a week, which is why it is important to check your sorting code carefully before giving it to someone. Always verify it against a cheque, your online banking, or a recent statement. If you are not certain, call your bank and ask them to confirm it.
If money has been sent to you with the wrong sorting code and you have not received it after a week, contact your bank and the person who sent it. They can work together to trace the payment and redirect it to the correct account.
Sorting codes in international payments
If someone outside the UK or Ireland is sending you money, they may not be able to use a sorting code because it is specific to those two countries. Instead, they will use an IBAN (International Bank Account Number), which is a longer code that works across Europe and many other countries. An IBAN includes your sorting code within it, but adds extra digits for the country and bank.
If you are receiving money from abroad, your bank can provide your IBAN. You can usually find it in your online banking under account details, or you can call and ask for it. When sending money out of the UK or Ireland, you will need the recipient's IBAN rather than their sorting code.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can someone access my account if they know my sorting code?
No. A sorting code alone cannot be used to access or withdraw from your account. Someone would need your account number as well, and even then they would need additional security information like your PIN or online banking password. Your sorting code is safe to share — it is meant to be given out so people can send you money.
Do I need a different sorting code for each type of account?
If you have multiple accounts at the same branch, each account has its own account number but they may share the same sorting code. If your accounts are at different branches, they will have different sorting codes. Check each account's details separately to be sure.
What if my bank branch closes?
If your branch closes, your account will be moved to another branch and you will be given a new sorting code. Your bank will notify you of this change and provide your new sorting code. You should update anyone who regularly sends you money, such as your employer.
Is a sorting code the same as a bank code?
No. A bank code identifies the bank itself, while a sorting code identifies a specific branch of that bank. The first two digits of your sorting code are the bank code, but the full six-digit sorting code is what you need for payments.
Can I find someone else's sorting code online?
Yes. There are free online sorting code checkers where you can search by bank name and branch location. However, always verify the code with the person directly or with their bank before sending them money, because outdated information online could lead to a payment going to the wrong place.