A sort code is a six-digit number that identifies which bank branch holds your account
In the UK and Ireland, a sort code is a six-digit number written as three pairs separated by hyphens — for example, 20-17-80. It tells the banking system which specific branch of which bank your account belongs to. When someone sends you money by bank transfer, they use your sort code plus your account number to route the payment to the right place. Without it, the transfer cannot reach you.
Sort codes are used only in the UK and Ireland. Other countries use different systems: the US uses routing numbers, Europe uses IBAN codes, and Australia uses BSB numbers. If you are sending money internationally or receiving it from abroad, you will need a different identifier than a sort code.
Every bank branch has its own sort code. If you move branches or switch banks, your sort code changes. Your current sort code is printed on your cheque book, on your bank statements, and in your online banking portal.
Key Takeaways
- A sort code is a six-digit number that identifies your bank branch and is required for any bank transfer into your account.
- Sort codes are specific to each branch, so changing banks or moving branches means you get a new sort code.
- You can find your sort code on your cheques, bank statements, or by logging into your online banking.
- Giving out your sort code and account number is safe — they are not secret like a PIN or password.
- Sort codes work only within the UK and Ireland; international transfers use IBAN, routing numbers, or other codes depending on the country.
Where to find your sort code
Your sort code appears in several places. The easiest is your cheque book: it is printed at the bottom left of every cheque, alongside 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 sort code there. You can also call your bank's customer service line and ask; they will confirm it over the phone.
Bank statements, whether paper or digital, also show your sort code. If you have a debit card, the sort code is not printed on the card itself, but your bank can tell you in seconds. Some banks print it on the back of the card or in the card holder materials.
How sort codes are structured
A sort code has six digits arranged as XX-XX-XX. The first two digits identify the bank itself. The next two identify the region or area. The final two identify the specific branch. This structure means that if you know a sort code, you can tell which bank and which branch issued it — though you cannot identify the account holder from the code alone.
For example, Barclays branches have sort codes starting with 20. HSBC branches start with 40. Lloyds branches start with 30. Within each bank, different regions and branches get different numbers. This system has been in place since the 1960s and is maintained by VOCA (Vocalink), the organisation that runs the UK's payment clearing system.
Why you need a sort code for bank transfers
When you receive a bank transfer — whether from an employer, a friend, or a business — the sender needs two pieces of information: your sort code and your account number. Together, these identify your exact account at your exact branch. The sort code routes the payment to the right bank and branch; the account number identifies you within that branch.
Without a sort code, the payment cannot be processed. The banking system will reject it or return it to the sender. This is why employers ask for both pieces of information when setting up direct deposit, and why invoices and payment requests often ask you to provide your sort code.
The same applies to standing orders (regular automatic payments) and direct debits (payments authorised by you to a business). All three require your sort code and account number to work.
Is it safe to give out your sort code
Yes. Your sort code and account number are not secret information — they are designed to be shared. You can give them to anyone who needs to send you money. They cannot be used to withdraw funds, change your account details, or access your money without your permission.
What you should never share are your PIN, your online banking password, your card security code (the three digits on the back), or your full card number. These are the secrets that protect your account. A sort code and account number alone cannot harm you.
If someone asks for your sort code over the phone or email and you are unsure whether they are legitimate, hang up and call your bank directly using the number on your bank card or statement. Scammers sometimes pose as banks, but they usually ask for passwords or PINs — not just sort codes.
What happens if you give the wrong sort code
If you provide an incorrect sort code, the payment will either be rejected before it leaves the sender's bank, or it will be sent to the wrong branch and returned to the sender within a few days. The money does not disappear. Your bank and the sender's bank will work to return it, though this can take up to ten working days.
If the wrong sort code belongs to a real bank branch, the payment might briefly sit in that branch's suspense account before being returned. If the sort code is completely invalid (for example, 99-99-99), the sender's bank will reject it immediately and tell the sender the code is wrong.
To avoid this, double-check the sort code before you give it out. Copy it directly from your bank statement or online banking rather than typing it from memory. If someone is sending you money and you are not certain of your sort code, log in and verify it first.
Sort codes versus account numbers and IBANs
Your sort code and account number work together for UK and Irish transfers. Your account number is usually eight digits and identifies you within your branch. The sort code identifies the branch. Together they form a complete address for your account.
An IBAN (International Bank Account Number) is a longer code used for transfers within Europe and some other countries. It includes your sort code and account number plus country and check digits, all in one string. If you are receiving money from abroad, you may need to provide your IBAN instead of your sort code.
A routing number is the US equivalent of a sort code. It identifies the bank and branch in the American system. If you have a US bank account, you use a routing number for domestic transfers, not a sort code.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can someone steal money using just my sort code and account number?
No. A sort code and account number allow money to be sent to you, not taken from you. To withdraw funds or change your account, someone would need your PIN, password, or card details. If you are concerned about fraud, contact your bank immediately.
What if my bank has multiple branches — do I have a different sort code for each?
Yes. Each branch has its own sort code. If you move branches or switch to a different bank, you get a new sort code. Your account number may also change depending on the branch or bank. Always check your new details with your bank after a move.
Do I need a sort code to receive money from abroad?
Not always. For transfers from Europe, you will usually need your IBAN instead. For transfers from the US, you may need your IBAN or a different code. Ask the sender's bank what information they need, or contact your own bank to ask what code to provide for international transfers.
Can I change my sort code?
You cannot change your sort code yourself — it is tied to your branch and bank. If you want a different sort code, you would need to switch to a different bank or branch. Your current bank can tell you if they have other branches with different sort codes, though this is rare for personal accounts.
What if I forget my sort code?
Log into your online banking, check your bank statements or cheque book, or call your bank. They will confirm it in seconds. You can also use your bank's sort code finder tool on their website — most banks have one where you enter your branch name or postcode and it returns the sort code.