CHAPS, BACS, SWIFT and Faster Payments explained
Read our guide to CHAPS, BACS, SWIFT and Faster Payments, with all the specifics, differences, and other details you need to know.
What is a BSB code? How to get one and where to find it.
If you’re making a bank transfer in Australia, you need more than just the usual information, like names, addresses and bank account numbers. You’ll also need a BSB code if you want the money you’re transferring to end up in the right place.
But what’s a BSB code? Where do you find it? How do you know you’ve got the right one? Before you transfer any money, read on to learn everything you need to know about BSB numbers.
What does BSB stand for?
Australian banks use BSB codes and it’s short for: bank state branch.
What’s a BSB number? And how long is it?
A BSB code is a six-digit number used to identify the individual branch of an Australian financial institution. The BSB code is used in addition to the bank account number to identify the recipient of a transfer. It’s much like a SWIFT code, but used for local, rather than international transfers.
The format of the BSB code is XXY-ZZZ. The first two digits (XX) specify the bank or financial institution where the money is being sent. The third digit (Y) tells which state the branch is located in. The last three digits (ZZZ) specify the address of the branch.
Here is an example of a BSB code from NAB bank: 082902. 08 is the two-digit code for NAB bank. The third digit (2) means the branch is located in Australian Capital Territory. The last three digits (902) mean this is the NAB branch in Canberra City.
Where do I find my BSB number?
BSB numbers can be found in a variety of ways. If you bank in Australia, simply sign into your online banking portal to find the BSB code of your branch.
If you need to transfer money to a bank in Australia, BSB numbers can generally be found on the bank’s website, often included with a branch locator.
If you’re ever unsure of a bank’s BSB, call the branch before you make a transfer, to ensure you’ve got the correct number.
Here’s how you can find BSB numbers for some of Australia’s top banks:
NAB: BSB numbers for NAB can be found here. They begin with 08 or 8.
Commonwealth Bank: BSB numbers for Commonwealth bank can be found here. They generally begin with 06.
ANZ: BSB numbers for ANZ can be found here. They generally begin with 01.
Westpac: BSB numbers for Westpac can be found here. They generally begin with 03.
Bank of Queensland: BOQ has a universal BSB: 124-001. Use this to send money into any BOQ account.
Macquarie Bank: Macquarie Bank has a universal BSB: 182-512.
Bendigo Bank: BSB numbers for Bendigo Bank can be found here. They generally begin with 63.
AMP Bank Ltd: AMP has a universal BSB: 939-200.
Suncorp Bank: Suncorp has a universal BSB: 484-799.
Bankwest: BSB numbers for Bankwest can be found here. They generally begin with 30.
What’s the bank account number format in Australia and New Zealand?
In Australia, you’ll need both the BSB number and a bank account number to identify an individual bank account and send money to it.
In New Zealand, BSB numbers aren’t used. Instead, New Zealand has a set format for its 16-digit account numbers that looks like this: XXXXXX YYYYYYY ZZZ.
The first six numbers (XXXXXX) represent the bank code, which identifies the bank and the branch, much like a BSB in Australia.
The next seven digits (YYYYYYY) identify the individual account.
The last three numbers (ZZZ) tell what kind of account it is (business, checking, savings, etc.)
Sending money to Australia or New Zealand from overseas? Wise may help you save money.
Sending money through your bank or even through some money transferring service, could leave you out of pocket due to the markup they add on the exchange rate.
Wise moves money with the real mid-market rate, the same one you’d see on Google, ensuring you get the most bang for your buck. All you pay is a small, fair transfer fee that’s spelled out up front.
Wise also offers a multi-currency account which allows users to send, receive and manage money in dozens of global currencies. It’s totally free to sign up! Try Wise today and see why it’s fast, safe and cheaper than a bank transfer.
With all this information at hand, sending money to Australia or New Zealand should go off without a hitch.
*Please see terms of use and product availability for your region or visit Wise fees and pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.
This publication is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Wise Payments Limited or its subsidiaries and its affiliates, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice from a financial advisor or any other professional.
We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether expressed or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date.
Money without borders
Find out more
What is a SWIFT payment? And what does that mean for you?
Wondering what the SWIFT network is and what it has to do with you? You've come to the right place. Read on.
A complete guide to RUT and RUN in Chile.
Anyone spending a considerable amount of time in Chile is going to encounter a couple of important acronyms: RUT and RUN. If you have plans to live or travel...
FIRC: A guide to its meaning and procedure
Sending money to India and looking for a guide to FIRCs? You've come to the right place. Consider this a one-stop-shop to help you on your way.
What is a CPF or a CNPJ? How to get one and what you should know.
Do you want to learn more about CPF and CNPJ in Brazil? Read this article to find out what they are, and what the difference between them is.
A complete guide to ACH, ABA, Wire, EFT, and checks in the US
If you're trying to work out what an ABA number or an ACH number is, or what the difference is between and EFT or a Wire, read this article to find out
