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 a routing number that tells the banking system exactly where your money lives. When someone sends you money—whether through a bank transfer, standing order, or direct deposit—the sort code directs that payment to the right financial institution. Without it, the payment system would not know which of thousands of UK banks to send the money to.
The sort code appears on your cheques, your bank statements, and your online banking portal. It is always six digits, written in three pairs separated by hyphens: for example, 20-17-81. Each pair has its own meaning in the banking system, but you do not need to decode it yourself—you just need to know where to find it and when to use it.
Key Takeaways
- A sort code is a six-digit number that identifies your specific bank or building society branch within the UK banking system.
- You will find your sort code on your cheques, bank statements, online banking, or by calling your bank directly.
- Anyone sending you money needs your sort code and account number together; one without the other will not work.
- Sort codes are only used within the UK; international transfers use a different routing system called SWIFT or IBAN.
- If you give out the wrong sort code, the payment will go to the wrong bank and you will have to contact that bank to recover it.
Where to find your sort code
Your sort code is printed on the bottom left of every cheque you have. If you do not use cheques, log into your online banking and look for it in the account details or payment information section—most banks display it prominently. You can also find it on your bank statements, usually near your account number.
If you cannot locate it online or on paper, call your bank's customer service line. They will read it to you over the phone, and you can write it down immediately. This is faster than searching through old documents.
Sort code versus account number
A sort code and an account number are two different things, and you need both for a payment to reach you. The sort code identifies your bank; the account number identifies you within that bank. Think of it like a postal address: the sort code is the town, and the account number is your house number and street.
When you give someone your details for a transfer, always provide both. If you give only the sort code, the bank will not know which account to credit. If you give only the account number, the bank will not know which branch to send it to. Most payment forms ask for both, and they will reject the form if either one is missing or wrong.
What happens if you give the wrong sort code
If you provide an incorrect sort code, the payment will be sent to the wrong bank. The receiving bank will see that the account number does not match any of their customers and will either reject the payment or hold it in a suspense account while they try to work out where it should go.
The sender will eventually be told the payment failed, but this can take several days. If the payment was sent to a different bank by mistake, you will need to contact that bank to ask them to return it. This process can take one to two weeks. To avoid this, double-check the sort code before you confirm any payment, and ask the person sending you money to read it back to you.
Sort codes for different types of accounts
Most current accounts, savings accounts, and business accounts all have sort codes. The sort code does not change based on the type of account you hold—it only changes if you switch banks or move to a different branch. If you have multiple accounts at the same bank, they will all share the same sort code but have different account numbers.
Some specialist accounts, such as investment bonds or certain savings products, may not have a sort code if they are not set up for regular transfers. If you are unsure whether your account has one, check your statements or ask your bank.
Sort codes and international payments
Sort codes only work for payments within the UK. If someone outside the UK is sending you money, they will need your IBAN (International Bank Account Number) or your bank's SWIFT code instead. Your IBAN includes your sort code as part of it, but it is a longer number that also contains your country code and account number in a format that international banks recognise.
If you are receiving money from abroad, ask your bank for your IBAN or SWIFT code. Do not give out your sort code alone to someone making an international transfer, as it will not work.
Keeping your sort code safe
Your sort code is not secret information in the way your PIN or password is. It is safe to share it with anyone who needs to send you money. However, you should never give your sort code to someone unless you are certain they have a legitimate reason to ask for it—for example, an employer setting up your salary, or a company you are paying a bill to.
If a stranger or an unsolicited caller asks for your sort code, do not provide it. Scammers sometimes use sort codes as part of a social engineering attack, though the sort code alone cannot be used to steal money from your account. Always verify that you are dealing with a genuine organisation before sharing any banking details.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use someone else's sort code to send them money?
No. You need the recipient's sort code and their account number. Using someone else's sort code will send the money to the wrong person or the wrong bank. Always ask the person you are paying for their correct sort code and account number, and read them back to confirm.
Do I need a sort code to set up a standing order or direct debit?
Yes. Both standing orders and direct debits require the recipient's sort code and account number. Your bank will ask for both when you set up the instruction. If either detail is wrong, the payment will fail or go to the wrong account.
What if my bank has multiple branches—do they all have different sort codes?
Some banks assign different sort codes to different branches, while others use the same sort code across all branches. Your sort code is specific to your account, not to the physical branch you visit. If you move branches within the same bank, your sort code may stay the same or change depending on the bank's system.
Can I change my sort code?
No. Your sort code is assigned by your bank and is tied to your account. You cannot change it yourself. If you switch to a different bank, you will be given a new sort code. If you want to keep the same sort code, you cannot switch banks.
Is my sort code the same as my bank's routing number?
Sort codes are used only in the UK. If you are dealing with a US bank, they use routing numbers instead. If you are dealing with a bank outside the UK or US, they may use a different system entirely. Always ask your bank which number to provide based on where the payment is going.