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

In the UK, a sort code is the routing number for your bank. It tells the banking system which branch or processing centre handles your account. Every bank, building society, and credit union has one or more sort codes. When you send or receive money, the sort code directs that payment to the right institution.

Sort codes appear on your cheques, bank statements, and online banking portal. You will need it whenever someone outside your bank sends you money — whether that is a wage, a refund, or a personal transfer. Without the correct sort code, the payment either arrives late or bounces back to the sender.

Key Takeaways

  • A sort code is a six-digit number written in the format XX-XX-XX that identifies your bank or building society.
  • You can find your sort code on a cheque, your bank statement, or by logging into your online banking account.
  • The sort code works alongside your account number to route money to the correct account at the correct bank.
  • If you give the wrong sort code, the payment will go to the wrong bank and may take several days to be returned.

Where to find your sort code

Your sort code appears in three places. On a cheque, it is printed in the bottom left corner in the format XX-XX-XX — for example, 20-17-80. On your bank statement (paper or digital), it is listed near your account number, usually at the top or in the account details section. In your online banking app or website, it is in the account information or settings area, sometimes labelled "branch sort code" or just "sort code".

If you cannot find it in any of those places, call your bank's customer service number on the back of your debit card. They will confirm your sort code in under a minute. Do not guess or use a sort code you find online without confirming it with your bank first — sort codes can change if your account is transferred between branches, and using the wrong one delays payment.

How sort codes work with account numbers

A sort code alone is not enough to send you money. The sender needs both your sort code and your account number — usually an eight-digit number. Together, these two pieces of information form your bank details. The sort code says "this is Barclays, Manchester branch" and the account number says "this is account 12345678 at that branch".

When you give someone your bank details for a wage, a refund, or a standing order, always provide both the sort code and the account number. Some forms ask for them separately; others ask for them together. If you are unsure whether you have given the right details, ask the person sending the money to read them back to you before they process the transfer.

Sort codes for different types of accounts

Most personal current accounts, savings accounts, and junior accounts have a sort code. Business accounts also have sort codes, though they may differ from the personal sort code at the same bank. If you hold accounts at multiple banks, each account has its own sort code.

Some online banks and newer fintech providers use sort codes that are different from traditional high-street banks, but the system works the same way. When you open an account, your bank will tell you the sort code during the account setup process or in your welcome pack. If you switch banks, your new bank will give you a new sort code — your old one will not work for incoming payments once the switch is complete.

What happens if you use the wrong sort code

If you give someone an incorrect sort code, the payment goes to the wrong bank. The receiving bank will see that the account number does not match any account at their institution and will reject the payment. The money then returns to the sender's bank, which sends it back to the sender. This process usually takes three to five working days.

Once the payment bounces back, the sender has to correct the sort code and send it again. This means the money arrives late and the sender may incur a fee from their own bank for the failed transfer. To avoid this, double-check your sort code before you give it out, and if you are receiving a large or time-sensitive payment, confirm the details with the sender in writing.

Sort codes versus other banking identifiers

The UK uses sort codes; other countries use different systems. If you are sending money to someone outside the UK, you will need an IBAN (International Bank Account Number) or a SWIFT code instead. An IBAN includes the sort code as part of a longer number, but it is not the same thing. A SWIFT code identifies the bank itself for international transfers, not the specific branch.

Within the UK, sort codes are the standard. You do not need an IBAN or SWIFT code for domestic payments — only the sort code and account number. If you are unsure which identifier to use for a payment, ask the person receiving the money or check the payment form instructions.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. An account number alone does not tell you which bank holds the account. You need the sort code from the account holder themselves — either from their cheque book, their bank statement, or by asking them directly. Do not use sort codes you find online without confirming them with the account holder first.

Does my sort code change if I move house?

Not usually. Your sort code is tied to your bank or building society, not your address. If you stay with the same bank, your sort code stays the same even if you move. However, if your bank closes your local branch and transfers your account to another branch, your sort code may change — your bank will notify you in advance if this happens.

What if I have given out the wrong sort code and someone has already sent me money?

The payment will be rejected and returned to the sender within a few working days. Once it is back with them, ask them to send it again using the correct sort code. If the payment has not returned after five working days, contact your bank and the sender's bank to trace it.

Is it safe to share my sort code and account number?

Yes, it is safe to share both your sort code and account number with people who need to send you money. These details alone cannot be used to withdraw money from your account — a fraudster also needs your PIN, password, or card details. However, only share these details with people you trust, and never share them in response to an unsolicited email or phone call claiming to be from your bank.