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 money to someone in the UK or Ireland, the sorting code tells the payment system exactly which branch to send it to. Without it, the payment cannot reach the right account.
The sorting code appears on your cheques, your bank statements, and your online banking portal. It is always formatted as three pairs of numbers — for example, 20-45-67. Each digit matters: a single number wrong will send your payment to the wrong bank or branch, and it will either bounce back or take days to sort out.
If you are sending money within the UK or Ireland, you will need the recipient's sorting code along with their account number. If you are sending money from abroad to a UK or Irish account, you will use the sorting code as part of the SWIFT or IBAN routing information.
Key Takeaways
- A sorting code is a six-digit number that identifies your bank branch in the UK or Ireland and is required for all domestic transfers.
- You can find your sorting code on your cheques, bank statements, online banking, or by calling your bank.
- The sorting code works alongside your account number to route money to the correct account; one wrong digit will send the payment to the wrong place.
- International transfers to UK or Irish accounts use the sorting code as part of the IBAN or SWIFT code, not on its own.
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 nine digits in total. The first six digits are your sorting code; the remaining three are part of your account number.
If you do not have cheques, log into your online banking and look for account details or payment information. Most banks display the sorting code alongside your account number. You can also find it on your bank statements, usually near the top or in the account summary section.
If you cannot locate it online, call your bank's customer service line. They will give you the sorting code over the phone in seconds. Have your account number or card ready when you call.
How sorting codes work in a payment
When you send money to someone in the UK or Ireland, you provide their name, account number, and sorting code. The payment system uses the sorting code to identify the receiving bank and branch, then uses the account number to find the specific account within that branch.
The sorting code is read by automated systems at your bank and at the receiving bank. If the code is wrong, the payment will either be rejected immediately or will be sent to the wrong branch and returned to you. This process usually takes one to two business days if the code is incorrect.
Faster payments (payments that arrive within two hours) and standard bank transfers (which take one to three business days) both use the sorting code. The code itself does not determine the speed — the payment method you choose does.
Sorting codes versus account numbers
Your sorting code identifies the bank branch. Your account number identifies your specific account within that branch. You need both to send or receive money. The sorting code alone will not get money to you; the account number alone will not either.
A sorting code is six digits. An account number is eight digits. Together, they form the complete routing information for a UK or Irish bank account. Some banks also ask for a name check — they will verify that the name on the account matches the name you provide before releasing the money.
Sorting codes for international transfers
If you are sending money from outside the UK or Ireland to a UK or Irish account, you will not use the sorting code on its own. Instead, you will use the IBAN (International Bank Account Number), which incorporates the sorting code along with other information.
A UK IBAN starts with GB and is 22 characters long. It contains the sorting code within it, but you do not need to enter the sorting code separately. An Irish IBAN starts with IE and is 23 characters long. Your bank can provide your IBAN if you ask.
Some international transfers also use a SWIFT code (also called a BIC code), which identifies your bank globally. The SWIFT code is different from the sorting code and is used alongside the IBAN for transfers from outside the UK and Ireland.
What happens if you use the wrong sorting code
If you enter a sorting code that does not exist or belongs to a different bank, your payment will be rejected. Your bank will send it back to you, usually within one to two business days, and the money will return to your account.
If you enter a sorting code that exists but belongs to a different branch of the same bank, or to a different bank entirely, the payment may be sent to the wrong account. The receiving bank will see that the account number does not match the branch, and they will return the payment to you. This can take three to five business days.
If the payment reaches the wrong account by mistake, contact your bank immediately. Provide them with the date, amount, and recipient details. Your bank can attempt to recover the money, but this is not always possible if the recipient has already withdrawn it. Prevention is easier than recovery — always double-check the sorting code before you send.
Sorting codes and fraud protection
Scammers sometimes ask you to send money to an account with a sorting code they provide. Always verify the sorting code independently — call the organisation directly using a phone number you find yourself, do not use a number they give you. Fraudsters can provide a real sorting code that belongs to their own account or an account they control.
Your bank may also use Confirmation of Payee (CoP), a name-checking service that verifies the account holder's name matches the name you provide. If the name does not match, your bank will warn you before the payment goes through. This is an extra layer of protection, but it is not foolproof — always verify the recipient independently.
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 cannot look up a sorting code by name alone.
Is my sorting code the same as my bank's SWIFT code?
No. A sorting code is a six-digit UK or Irish identifier. A SWIFT code is an eight-character international identifier for your bank. They are different codes used in different contexts. Your bank can provide both if you ask.
Do I need a sorting code to receive money from abroad?
No. International transfers to your UK or Irish account use your IBAN, which includes the sorting code within it. You do not provide the sorting code separately for international transfers — you provide the IBAN instead.
What if I give someone my sorting code but not my account number?
They cannot send you money. The sorting code alone identifies only the branch, not your account. They need both the sorting code and your account number to transfer money to you.
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. You should update any standing orders or payment instructions with your new sorting code.