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UK sort code and account number.

Are you using a UK bank account to send or receive domestic or international transfers? Always use the right sort code to avoid delayed transfers. And for your international transfers save on fees with Wise.

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What is a sort code?

A sort code in banking is used to identify a particular UK bank and branch.

Sort codes are particularly important when sending payments to UK bank accounts, as they help make sure the recipient’s money ends up in the right place without unnecessary delays. You’ll be asked to provide the sort code of the local UK account you’re sending a payment to, so your bank can process your transfer.

If you’re sending a payment to the UK from overseas, you may be asked for the account’s sort code - or you may be asked for an IBAN instead. The account’s IBAN includes the sort code information, so even where you’re only asked for an IBAN the bank will have all that’s needed to make sure your money gets to where it needs to be hassle free.
learn what a sort code is

Where can I find my sort code?

Here are some of the ways to find what your sort code is:

  1. On this website – We've listed sort codes for some of the biggest banks in the UK.
  2. Online banking – You’ll be able to get your account number and sort code by logging into online banking or your banks app.
  3. The front or back of your bank card together - many banks have the sort code and account number printed on the bank card.
  4. From a bank-issued bank statement or deposit slip
To make sure the bank can process your payment securely and quickly, you should always check the sort code – including numbers on this page – with your bank or your recipient.

Wise is the cheaper way to send money abroad.

Sending domestic payments with your bank can be easy enough. But international transfers are a different story. Thanks to high SWIFT and cross-border fees, they can be very expensive and time-consuming. To get the best deal, it pays to look for specialist services. Many of which take a new approach, and skip the usual costs of sending money around the world.

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Find the sort code for your bank.

Format of a sort code.

Sort codes are made up of 6 digits, split into 3 pairs of numbers. The first pair usually identifies the bank the sort code is associated with (like HSBC). The second two pairs refer to the specific branch of the bank where the account was opened.


sort code format

Where can I see my account number?

Account numbers for UK banks are 8 digits long, and you’ll usually need both an account number and a sort code to receive a payment. This is similar to other countries - like in the US where an account number and routing number are both needed for local payments.

You can find your account number printed onto any correspondence from your bank - like a bank statement - or by logging into your online banking. You’ll also usually find both the account number and your sort code printed onto your debit card, usually towards the bottom underneath the 16 digit card number and the card expiration information.
where to find account number

Sort codes, SWIFT codes, BIC and IBANs – what’s the difference?

You’ll need a few details to send or receive a wire transfer – either here in the UK or internationally.

Sort codes help identify banks when processing domestic electronic payments, payments through Faster Payments or Bacs. But only in the UK. You don't need one to make a payment to your friend in Denmark, for example.

SWIFT codes, like sort codes, also identify banks and financial institutions. This time for international payments. They're sometimes known as BIC codes (Bank Identification Codes).

IBANs international bank account numbers) identify individual bank accounts. They're issued by many banks in Europe, but banks elsewhere in the world are starting to adopt them as well.
Bank codes

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FAQ about sort codes.