What is a BSB code? How to get one and where to find it.

What is the BSB code exactly? In a nutshell, it stands for Bank State Branch number, and it’s used to identify a particular branch of a bank in Australia.

We’ll cover everything else you need to know about BSB banking codes below.

Plus, we’ll show you an alternative way to make international transfers from the US to Australia and New Zealand with Wise, which offers low, transparent fees¹.

What does BSB mean in banking?

BSB means Bank State Branch, a term used by Australian banks to designate a particular state and branch.

What is a BSB code or number? And how long is it?

A banking 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.

The format of the BSB code is XXY-ZZZ. Here’s a breakdown of what the numbers mean²:

• The first two digits (XX) specify the bank or financial institution where the money is being sent.
• The third digit (Y) represents the 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. In this case:

• 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.

How do I find out my BSB?

BSB numbers can be found in a variety of ways.

If you need to transfer money to a bank in Australia, the quickest way to find a BSB number is to look on the bank’s website. All of its BSB codes should be included along 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 banks²:

What is my bank’s BSB number?

If you bank in Australia and someone from the US wants to send you money, it’s super simple to find your BSB code. You should be able to just sign in to your online banking portal to find the BSB code of your branch.

Save money with Wise when sending money to Australia or New Zealand

If you’re sending money from the US to Australia or New Zealand, it could be worth checking out alternatives before using your banks. Banks can be expensive, charging high fees and even adding a mark-up to the exchange rate. This means less of your money makes it Down Under.

Send money with Wise instead, and you could save a bundle. Wise charges low, transparent fees¹ and there are never any hidden costs to worry about. Even better, you’ll get the mid-market exchange rate. This is the same one you’ll see on Google, with no mark-up added on top.

With Wise you can set up and manage payments online. Get started by opening your Wise account.

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.

If you’re sending money to New Zealand, though, you should be aware that 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.

Here’s a breakdown of what it means:

• 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.)

Bottom line

If you’re sending money to Australia from the US, it’s very important to double-check that you’ve got the correct BSB code. Otherwise, your money could potentially go astray. If in doubt, always check with the bank.

And remember that banks aren’t the only option out there for making international transfers. It can pay to compare alternatives such as Wise, which could save you money.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is BSB the same as IBAN?

No, an International Bank Account Number (IBAN) is used to identify a specific bank account - although they aren’t used in Australia. A BSB code identifies a specific branch of the bank.

Is BSB the same as an IFSC code?

No, but they are similar. Indian Financial System Codes (IFSCs) are used to identify bank branches in India, whereas BSB codes do the same job for banks in Australia.

Is a BSB number the same as a SWIFT code?

BSB numbers are commonly used for domestic transactions (within Australia). For international transfers, such as from the US to Australia, you’ll need a SWIFT code. This is used to identify a particular bank within the international SWIFT network.

In some cases, you’ll need both the BSB and the SWIFT code to make an international transfer.

Is bank code the same as BSB?

Bank codes are used to identify a particular bank, while BSB codes narrow it down to a specific branch of that bank.