A sorting code is a six-digit number that identifies which bank branch holds your account
When you make a payment to someone in the UK, their bank needs to know which branch to send the money to. The sorting code does that job. It is a six-digit number, usually written in three pairs separated by hyphens (like 20-17-18), and it appears on your cheque book, bank statements, and online banking portal. Every UK bank branch has its own sorting code, and no two branches share the same one.
The sorting code works alongside your account number to form a complete address for your money. Think of it like a postal code for your bank account: the sorting code tells the payment system which branch, and your account number tells it which specific account at that branch. Without the sorting code, a payment cannot reach you, even if the account number is correct.
Key Takeaways
- A sorting code is a six-digit number that identifies your specific bank branch in the UK.
- You need to provide your sorting code whenever someone sends you a bank transfer, standing order, or direct debit.
- Your sorting code appears on your cheque book, bank statements, and in your online banking app.
- The sorting code and account number together form the complete routing information for your account.
- If you give the wrong sorting code, the payment will go to the wrong branch and may be delayed or returned.
Where to find your sorting code
Your sorting code is printed on every cheque in your cheque book, in the bottom left corner. It appears as six digits in three pairs. If you do not have a cheque book, you can find it on your bank statements (usually near the top or on the account details page) or by logging into your online banking app or website.
Most banks also display your sorting code when you request your account details through their app or website. Some banks call this section "Account Details", "Payment Details", or "Sort Code and Account Number". If you cannot find it, you can call your bank's customer service line and ask them to confirm your sorting code over the phone.
When you need to provide your sorting code
You must give your sorting code to anyone sending you money by bank transfer. This includes employers setting up your salary, friends or family sending you money, or organisations collecting regular payments from your account. If someone is paying you by standing order or direct debit, they will ask for both your sorting code and account number.
You also need your sorting code if you are setting up a new account at a different bank and want to transfer money from your old account. The new bank will use your sorting code to locate your old account and pull the funds across. Some online services, such as payment apps or subscription services, may also ask for your sorting code as part of their verification process.
What happens if you give the wrong sorting code
If you provide an incorrect sorting code, the payment will be sent to the wrong bank branch. Depending on whether that branch has an account matching the account number you gave, one of three things happens: the payment is rejected and returned to the sender, it sits in a suspense account at the wrong branch, or it goes into an account that does not belong to you.
If money goes to the wrong account, the receiving bank will usually contact the account holder to ask what to do with it. The funds may be returned to the sender, but this can take several weeks. To avoid this, always double-check the sorting code before confirming a payment. If you realise you have made a mistake after sending money, contact your bank immediately and provide them with the incorrect sorting code and the correct one.
Sorting codes and international payments
Sorting codes only work within the UK banking system. If you are sending money to or receiving money from outside the UK, you will need different routing information. For payments to other countries, you typically need the recipient's IBAN (International Bank Account Number) or SWIFT code (also called a BIC code), depending on the country.
If someone outside the UK is sending you money, ask them for the SWIFT code or IBAN of your UK bank, not your sorting code. Your bank can provide you with this information if you ask. Conversely, if you are sending money abroad, your bank will tell you which code to use based on the destination country.
Sorting codes and security
Your sorting code is not secret information and does not need to be kept private in the way your PIN or password does. It is printed on your cheques, which are often visible to others, and you must share it with anyone who needs to send you money. Knowing your sorting code alone does not allow someone to take money from your account.
However, you should never share your full account details (sorting code plus account number) with someone you do not trust, and you should never give your PIN, password, or online banking credentials to anyone. Scammers sometimes use sorting codes as part of a larger fraud, but the sorting code itself is not the vulnerability—the risk comes from sharing additional information like your account number with the wrong person.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my sorting code?
No, you cannot change your sorting code. It is fixed to your bank branch and only changes if you close your account and open a new one at a different branch. If you move house, your sorting code stays the same unless you actively switch to a branch in your new location.
Do all UK banks use sorting codes?
Yes, all UK banks and building societies use sorting codes for domestic payments. Every branch of every bank has its own unique sorting code. Online-only banks also have sorting codes, even though they do not have physical branches.
What if I do not know my sorting code and need it urgently?
Call your bank's customer service number (on the back of your debit card or on their website) and ask them to confirm your sorting code. They can tell you over the phone in seconds. You can also log into your online banking app, which usually displays it on your account details page.
Is my sorting code the same as my account number?
No, they are different. Your sorting code identifies your branch (six digits), and your account number identifies your specific account at that branch (usually eight digits). Together, they form the complete routing information for your account.
What if someone asks for my sorting code but seems suspicious?
Legitimate organisations (your employer, your bank, payment services) will ask for your sorting code openly. If someone is being secretive about why they need it, or if they are also asking for your PIN or password, do not share it. Your bank will never ask for your PIN or password by phone, email, or text.