A bank sort code is a six-digit number that identifies the specific branch of your bank in the UK and Ireland
The sort code tells the banking system exactly which branch holds your account. When you send or receive money, the sort code routes it to the right place. It works alongside your account number — together, they make sure money reaches the correct account at the correct branch.
Sort codes are used only in the UK and Ireland. If you're sending money internationally or dealing with banks outside these countries, you'll use a different routing system, usually a SWIFT code or IBAN instead.
Key Takeaways
- A sort code is six digits, written as three pairs separated by hyphens (for example, 20-17-80), and identifies your bank branch.
- You need your sort code whenever you set up a standing order, direct debit, or bank transfer, or when someone else needs to send you money.
- Your sort code appears on your debit card, cheque book, bank statements, and online banking — you don't need to remember it.
- The first four digits of a sort code identify the bank; the last two identify the specific branch.
- Giving out your sort code and account number is safe — they are not secret like a PIN or password.
Where to find your sort code
Your sort code is printed on every cheque in your cheque book, in the bottom left corner. It appears as six digits in three pairs: the first pair, a hyphen, the second pair, a hyphen, the third pair.
You can also find it on your debit card statement, on your bank statements (usually near the top), and in your online banking portal. Most banks show it under account details or account information. If you can't find it on any of these, call your bank's customer service line — they can tell you in seconds.
When you need to provide your sort code
You'll need your sort code whenever money needs to reach your specific branch. This includes setting up a standing order (a regular payment you arrange), a direct debit (a payment someone else takes from your account), or a bank transfer from another person or organisation.
Your employer needs it to set up your salary payment. Your landlord or letting agent may ask for it if they're setting up a direct debit for rent. Utility companies, insurance providers, and other organisations that take regular payments from your account will ask for it. Online marketplaces and payment services sometimes ask for it when you link your bank account.
How sort codes are structured
All UK sort codes follow the same six-digit format. The first four digits identify which bank you use — for example, all Barclays branches start with 20, all HSBC branches start with 40, and all Lloyds branches start with 30. These prefixes are standardised across the country.
The last two digits identify which specific branch of that bank holds your account. This means two people with accounts at the same bank can have different sort codes if their accounts are held at different branches. Modern banking means your branch location matters less than it once did, but the sort code system still routes payments correctly.
Sort codes versus account numbers
Your sort code and account number work together but do different jobs. The sort code identifies your branch; your account number identifies your specific account within that branch. You need both to send or receive money. A sort code alone tells the system which branch, but not which account. An account number alone tells the system which account, but not which branch.
Think of it like a postal address: the sort code is the postcode (which area), and the account number is the house number (which specific house). You need both pieces of information for the letter to arrive at the right place.
Is it safe to share your sort code?
Yes. Your sort code and account number are not secret information — they are meant to be shared. You give them out whenever you want someone to send you money. They appear on cheques, which you hand to people. They're printed on statements. There is no security risk in sharing them.
What you must never share are your PIN, your online banking password, your card's security code (the three digits on the back), or your full card number. These are secret. Your sort code and account number are not. If someone asks for your PIN or password in exchange for money, that is a scam — your bank will never ask for these details.
What to do if you don't know your sort code
The fastest way is to check your cheque book or debit card statement. If you don't have either, log into your online banking and look for account details or account information — most banks display it clearly there.
If you can't find it online, call your bank's customer service number (on the back of your debit card or on your statement). Have your account number and date of birth ready. They will confirm your sort code in less than a minute. You can also visit your bank branch in person and ask — staff will write it down for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my sort code change?
In rare cases, yes — if your bank merges with another bank or closes your branch and transfers your account elsewhere. Your bank will notify you in advance and provide your new sort code. For most people, the sort code stays the same for as long as they hold the account.
What if I give someone the wrong sort code?
The payment will usually be rejected by the banking system because the sort code and account number won't match. The money will bounce back to the sender. Double-check before you give out your sort code, especially for important payments like salary or rent.
Do I need a sort code for online payments or card payments?
No. Sort codes are only needed for bank transfers, standing orders, and direct debits. When you pay by debit card or credit card online, you use your card number and security code instead. When you pay through a payment app like PayPal or Apple Pay, you don't need your sort code.
Is a sort code the same as a routing number?
No. Sort codes are used in the UK and Ireland. Routing numbers are used in the United States. If you're sending money to or from a US bank account, you'll need a routing number, not a sort code. International transfers usually require a SWIFT code or IBAN instead.