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 branch. When you send or receive a payment, the sorting code tells the payment system exactly which branch to send the money to. Without it, a transfer can be delayed or sent to the wrong place.
The format is always three pairs of numbers, written as XX-XX-XX. For example, a Barclays branch in London might have the sorting code 20-65-18. The first two digits identify the bank itself, and the remaining four digits pinpoint the specific branch.
You will see your sorting code on paper cheques, in your online banking portal, and on statements. If you are sending money to someone in the UK or Ireland, you will need their sorting code along with their account number to complete the transfer.
Key Takeaways
- A sorting code is a six-digit number that identifies your bank and the specific branch where your account is held.
- You need a sorting code whenever you send or receive a domestic bank transfer in the UK or Ireland.
- Your sorting code appears on cheques, in your online banking app, and on your bank statements.
- The sorting code works alongside your account number—you need both to complete a transfer.
- International transfers to the UK use a different system called IBAN and SWIFT codes, not sorting codes.
Where to find your sorting code
Your sorting code is printed on every cheque you receive from your bank. Look at the bottom left of the cheque—you will see three pairs of numbers separated by hyphens. That is your sorting code.
If you do not have a cheque book, log into your online banking portal or mobile app. Most banks display your sorting code on the account details page, often labelled "Sort Code" or "Branch Code". You can also call your bank's customer service line and ask them to read it to you.
Some banks print the sorting code on your debit card or bank statements, though this varies by provider. If you cannot find it anywhere, your bank can confirm it in seconds—they have it on file.
How sorting codes work in a payment
When you initiate a bank transfer, you enter the recipient's sorting code and account number. The payment system uses the sorting code to route the money to the correct bank branch, then the account number directs it to the right person within that branch.
The sorting code is read by automated systems at your bank and at the receiving bank. It acts as an address for the payment—without it, the system does not know where to send the money. If you enter a sorting code that does not match the account number, the payment may be rejected or delayed while the banks investigate.
Domestic transfers within the UK and Ireland typically clear within one to two working days. The sorting code is one of the reasons the system works so quickly—it eliminates guesswork about which branch to contact.
Sorting codes versus account numbers
A sorting code identifies the bank branch. An account number identifies your specific account at that branch. You need both pieces of information to send or receive money.
Think of it this way: the sorting code is like the address of a post office, and the account number is like your mailbox number inside that post office. The post office (sorting code) has to exist first, and then your mailbox (account number) has to be in the right place.
Account numbers in the UK are typically eight digits long. When you give someone your banking details, you will provide both the sorting code and the account number together.
Sorting codes and international transfers
If you are sending money to someone outside the UK or Ireland, you will not use a sorting code. Instead, international transfers use an IBAN (International Bank Account Number) and a SWIFT code (also called a BIC code).
An IBAN is a longer number that includes the sorting code as part of it, but adds country information and a check digit. A SWIFT code identifies the bank internationally. If someone is sending you money from abroad, they will ask for your IBAN and SWIFT code, not your sorting code.
If you are receiving money from abroad into a UK account, your bank can provide your IBAN and SWIFT code. These are different from your sorting code, even though the IBAN contains some of the same information.
What happens if you use the wrong sorting code
If you enter an incorrect sorting code, one of three things usually happens. The payment may be rejected outright if the sorting code does not exist or does not match the account number. The payment may be delayed while the banks try to figure out where it should go. Or, in rare cases, the money may be sent to the wrong account at a different branch.
If money is sent to the wrong account, contact your bank immediately. They can trace the payment and ask the receiving bank to return it. This process can take several days to several weeks, depending on how quickly the receiving bank responds.
To avoid this, always double-check the sorting code before you send money. Ask the recipient to confirm it, or look it up on your bank's website if you are sending to a well-known bank.
How to verify a sorting code
If you are unsure whether a sorting code is correct, you can verify it through your bank's website or by calling customer service. Many UK banks now offer a Confirmation of Payee (CoP) service, which checks that the sorting code and account number match the name of the account holder before the payment goes through.
When you use Confirmation of Payee, you enter the recipient's name along with their sorting code and account number. The system checks whether the name matches the account, and tells you if there is a mismatch. This protects you from sending money to a fraudster who has given you incorrect details.
Not all banks offer Confirmation of Payee yet, but it is becoming standard. If your bank supports it, use it every time you send money to a new recipient.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I find someone's sorting code if I only have their name?
No. A sorting code identifies a bank branch, not a person. You need to ask the person directly for their sorting code and account number. You can look up which sorting codes belong to which banks, but you cannot reverse-search a name to find a sorting code.
Do I need a sorting code to receive money?
Yes. The person sending you money will need your sorting code and account number to complete the transfer. Make sure you give them both pieces of information, and double-check that you have read them correctly before they send the payment.
Is a sorting code the same as a bank code?
Not exactly. A bank code identifies the bank itself, while a sorting code identifies a specific branch of that bank. The first two digits of a sorting code are the bank code, and the last four digits identify the branch. So a sorting code is more specific than a bank code.
What if my bank does not have a sorting code?
All banks in the UK and Ireland have sorting codes. If you cannot find yours, contact your bank directly. They will provide it to you. Online-only banks and building societies also have sorting codes, even though they do not have physical branches.
Can a sorting code change?
Sorting codes can change if your bank merges with another bank or if your branch closes and your account is transferred. Your bank will notify you if this happens. Always check your most recent statement or online banking portal to confirm your current sorting code.