Ever tried to send or receive money in the United Kingdom and been asked for a sort code? If you have and you weren’t sure what that meant, and couldn’t find a clear answer, we’ve got you covered. It’s a vital part of banking in the UK, but many people aren’t sure what it actually is or does.
Financial terms like sort codes can sound too technical and confusing, especially for immigrants who may not be used to the way things work in their new country. That’s why we’ve created this guide at Remitly to explain what a sort code is, where to find it, and how it’s used for bank transfers. In this guide, you’ll find out why a sort code is essential for your everyday banking.
What is a sort code?
A sort code is a six-digit number used by banks in the United Kingdom and Ireland to identify the specific bank and branch where an account is held. Each bank branch has a unique sort code, which helps the banking system process payments efficiently.
The main purpose of a sort code is to ensure money transfers are routed to the correct destination without delay. A sort code is written in three pairs of numbers, such as 12-34-56.
- The first two digits identify the bank
- The next two digits point to the area or region
- The last two digits specify the exact branch
Think of a sort code as a postcode for your bank account, ensuring your money reaches the right financial address every time.
Where can I find my sort code?
If you’re wondering how to find your sort code, here are the most common places to look:
- On your bank statement
Whether you receive paper or digital statements, your sort code is usually listed near your account number, often in the top, right-hand corner of the first page. This helps you confirm your branch details for payments or reference. - In your mobile or online banking app
Log into your account through your bank’s app or website, select the account you want to view, and look under account details or information. Your sort code will appear alongside your account number and other key details. - On your debit card
Many UK banks’ debit cards display the sort code on the front or back, typically above or below the account number. This makes it easier to make quick payments, transfers, or verify your details without needing to open your banking app. - On your chequebook
They’re quite rare these days, but if you still have a chequebook, your sort code is usually printed at the bottom of each cheque, just before the account number.
If you’re banking in the UK, you’re going to have at least one of these options to choose from to identify your sort code.
What is a sort code used for?
They’re not something you might have thought about before, but sort codes are actually essential for many of the day-to-day financial transactions that most of us are doing.
Receiving your salary
When you start a new job, your employer will ask for your sort code and account number to set up direct payments for your wages. These codes ensure you receive your salary on time and without delays.
Setting up direct debits
Utilities providers, landlords, and subscription services use your sort code to process regular payments. This ensures your bills are taken from your account correctly and reaches the organisation every time.
Making bank transfers
Whether you’re sending a friend some money as a gift, paying someone back for your share of a restaurant bill, paying for something you’ve bought online, or moving money between your own accounts, you’ll often need the recipient’s sort code and account number. These details ensure your money travels through the banking system safely and reaches the right destination.
International transfers
For most international money transfers, banks use IBANs and SWIFT codes. However, your UK sort code still plays a key role, linking your account to your local branch so that incoming international funds are correctly routed once they reach the UK.
Setting up standing orders
Standing orders are regular, fixed payments you control, such as rent, loan repayments, or monthly savings transfers. Your sort code is essential here too, for the same reasons we’ve outlined above.
Receiving refunds or government payments
Organisations like His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC), the National Health Service (NHS), or energy providers use your sort code to send refunds, benefits, or rebates directly to your account. It ensures payments from public or private bodies reach your bank’s branch accurately.
Opening new accounts or verifying your identity
When opening a new bank account or linking it to a digital payment platform or budgeting app, your sort code and account number are used to identify you and verify your account. This confirms your details are valid and belong to you specifically, helping prevent fraud and ensuring secure, seamless transactions.
Sort code vs. account number: What’s the difference?
A sort code is shared by many customers who use the same bank branch. For example, everyone who banks with the Royal Bank of Scotland (RBC) branch that uses sort code 16-63-00 for its office at Liverpool CSC, Stephenson Way, Wavertree, Liverpool L13 1HE shares that same code.
Similarly, customers of Standard Chartered Bank at 1 Basinghall Avenue, London EC2V 5DD, share the sort code 60-91-04. As you can see, they’re all the same format, but every branch at each bank is different.
They’re also different to your account number format; that’s an eight-digit code that’s unique to you or your business. For example, if your Starling Bank account has the sort code 60-83-71, your personal account number might be 12345678, while another customer at the same branch could have 87654321.
These numbers distinguish your account from everyone else within that branch, ensuring payments sent to you are deposited into the correct account. If you hold multiple bank accounts based at the same branch, each one will have its own unique account number but share the same sort code.
If your sort code is the postcode for your bank, your account number is the house number. You need both for your mail or money to arrive exactly where it’s meant to go.
Are sort codes safe to share?
You can reasonably safely share your sort code and account number when someone needs to send you money. The details are used to process payments, so they’re not considered highly confidential.
However, it’s crucial to know what not to share, and when not to share. While you can safely give out your sort code and account number, never share your online banking password, PIN, one-time access codes, or any other security details. These are what fraudsters try to steal, not your basic payment information.
Most UK banks also use advanced security systems to detect and block suspicious activity. If anything unusual happens, such as an unexpected transaction or login attempt, your bank’s fraud team will usually flag or freeze the activity right away. But it’s just good practice to keep a regular eye on your accounts anyway.
Other security tips
Even though sharing your sort code and account number is generally safe, somebody asking for it might still be part of an effort to gather all your information and you still need to handle your banking details with care.
Use secure networks when banking online
Avoid logging into your online banking account on public Wi-Fi in cafes, airports, or other shared places. These networks can be much less secure, making it easier for criminals to intercept your data. Always use your home Wi-Fi or a trusted mobile connection when you’re managing your finances online.
Keep your banking app updated
Banks often release app updates that include security improvements. Keeping your banking app and phone’s operating system up to date reduces the risk of fraud and data breaches, so while it’s a few minutes’ inconvenience if you wanted to get into your accounts, it’s well worth the trouble.
Be cautious of emails and messages
Be aware of phishing emails or texts pretending to be from your bank. Legitimate banks will never ask for your full PIN or password via email or SMS, and they’ll often refer to you by your first name and your surname in any messages to you. If you receive anything suspicious, contact your bank directly through official channels.
Use strong passwords and two-factor authentication (2FA)
Choose passwords that you don’t use on anything else, and that are difficult to guess—use a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols. Whenever possible, switch on two-factor authentication for extra security so you have to use a password, numeric code or your fingerprint to log in. This means that even if someone gets hold of your password, they still can’t access your account without a verification code.
Report any concerns immediately
If you suspect your banking details have been compromised or notice any unusual activity, contact your bank immediately. Most UK banks have dedicated fraud teams that can investigate the issue and help recover your funds. You make it less likely you’ll get your money back, though, if you handed over your details willingly. So keep all our advice in mind when anybody asks you for your banking details.
Making sense of your banking details
A sort code plays an essential role in making sure your payments, whether it’s your salary, transfers, or direct debits, reach the right account quickly and securely. The good news is that it’s easy to find on your debit card, bank statement, or mobile banking app, so you can check it anytime you need to.
Understanding common banking terms like “sort code” helps you stay in control of your finances and avoid confusion when you’re managing your money. Sort codes are a standard and secure part of UK banking, backed by strong systems designed to keep your transaction safe. Once you understand how they work, managing your everyday banking becomes simpler and more secure.
FAQs
Can someone take money from my account with just my sort code and account number?
No. Your sort code and account number only allow people to send or receive payments, not withdraw money. But stay alert because scammers use these details as part of phishing scams. However, never share your passwords, security codes, or personal information with anyone who contacts you unexpectedly.
What if I enter the wrong sort code when sending money?
If you enter the wrong sort code or account number, the money could end up in the wrong account. Transfers move quickly, so banks can’t always retrieve them. Be sure to double-check your details before you hit send, especially for large payments or new payees.
Do all UK banks have different sort codes?
Yes. Each branch has its own sort code so payments know exactly where to go. Some online banks use a single sort code for all customers, but traditional banks usually assign one per branch.
Can my sort code change if my bank merges or rebrands?
It can. Banks sometimes update sort codes when they merge, move branches, or upgrade systems. Your bank will notify you in advance and redirect payments for a while, but it’s still advisable to update your details anywhere you need to, like your employer or benefit payers.
Is a sort code the same as an IBAN?
No. Sort codes are used for payments within the UK, while an IBAN (International Bank Account Number) is used for sending or receiving money overseas. It includes your sort code, account number, and a country code. You may also need a SWIFT or BIC code for international transfers—you won’t be able to make them with just the sort code.