What is a sort code? Everything Australian businesses need to know

Key takeaways

• A sort code is a six-digit number that identifies your bank and branch, while a bank account number is an eight-digit number that identifies your specific account. Together, they route UK payments.

• You can find your sort code and account number on a UK debit card, in your banking app, on bank statements, or in your cheque book.

• With Airwallex Global Accounts, you can get a GBP account with a UK sort code and account number, so your UK clients can pay you without forced currency conversions.

When you open a UK bank account, you'll get two key pieces of information: a sort code and a bank account number. The sort code tells you which bank and branch the account is held with, while the account number points to your specific account. UK banks and other financial institutions use both to route money transfers accurately.

Below, we'll go through what each one means, where to find yours, when you'll need them, whether it's safe to share them, and how they compare to codes like SWIFT, IBAN, and BSB.

What is a sort code?

A sort code is a six-digit number that identifies the bank and branch where an account is held. Think of it like a postcode for your bank branch. It tells the payment system exactly which bank and which location to send money to, so payments can be routed to the right place without you needing to give your bank's full address.

Sort codes are usually written in three pairs (e.g., 20-30-40). The first one or two digits identify the bank, and the remaining digits identify the specific branch. Every UK bank account has both a sort code and a unique account number.

Some banks and financial institutions are online-only and don't have brick-and-mortar branches. In those cases, every customer will have the same sort code. Codes have been around since the early 20th century for processing cheques, but six-digit sort codes date back to 1957, when the industry began automating its processes.²

Sort codes help route payments to the right place by telling the system which bank and branch holds the recipient's account. That cuts the risk of delays or misdirected payments. A sort code identifies the bank and branch, but you also need an account number to pinpoint the specific account.

What is a bank account number?

A bank account number identifies your specific bank account and is always unique. If you have several accounts, for example a savings account and a current account, they'll each have different account numbers even if they're with the same bank.

Don't mix up your account number with the 16-digit number on your debit card. That card number, along with the expiry date and CVV, is used for online payments. Your account number is used for bank transfers and direct debits.

How long is a UK bank account number?

UK bank account numbers are eight digits long. Some are seven digits, but a zero is added to the front to standardise the length. Now that you know what these numbers look like, here's where to find yours.

Where to find your sort code and bank account number

There are a few places you can check for your sort code and account number.

On your debit card

You can usually find your sort code and bank account number on your UK debit card, either on the front or back. The sort code is a six-digit number, often grouped in pairs (e.g., 20-30-40), while the bank account number is an eight-digit number.

But don't confuse your sort code and bank account number with the 16-digit number on your card. That longer number, along with the card's expiry date and CVV, is used for online payments. Fraudsters usually target this information, so you should only share it with trusted vendors during secure transactions.

In your banking app or online banking

Most banking apps show your sort code and account number on the account details screen or home page. Log in to your mobile banking app or online banking portal and look for your account information. It's usually easy to find.

On bank statements and cheque books

Your sort code and account number appear on bank statements, usually at the top of the page near your account details. If you have a cheque book, you'll find them printed at the bottom of each cheque.

What if your card doesn't show your sort code and bank account number?

Not all cards show sort codes and bank account numbers. For example, Airwallex Corporate Cards don't include bank details because these multi-currency cards let customers spend in different currencies with a single card. If your card doesn't show these details, check your banking app, online banking portal, or a recent statement instead.

Once you've found your details, here's when you'll need them.

When you'll need a sort code and bank account number

Banks and financial institutions use sort codes and bank account numbers to route funds accurately during different financial transactions.

Domestic transfers

For UK bank transfers, usually processed through BACS or CHAPS, the sender needs the recipient's sort code and bank account number. These details identify the exact bank and branch that holds the recipient's account, so the payment reaches the right place.

International transfers to UK accounts

When someone outside the UK sends money to a UK bank account, they usually need the recipient's sort code and bank account number, along with the SWIFT/BIC code. Some banks may ask for the recipient's IBAN (International Bank Account Number) instead.

Direct debits

Direct debit is an automated payment method that lets businesses, such as utility providers and subscription services, collect recurring payments from their customers. To set up a direct debit in the UK, the customer needs to give their sort code and bank account number. Financial institutions use these details to debit funds accurately from the customer's account.

So sharing your details is standard practice, but is it safe?

Is it safe to share your sort code and bank account number?

Yes, it's safe to share your sort code and bank account number. You'll need to share these details whenever you want someone to transfer money into your UK account or set up a direct debit.

Someone can't withdraw money from your account using just your sort code and account number. They could potentially set up a fraudulent direct debit, but the Direct Debit Guarantee protects you. If an error is made by the organisation or your bank, you're entitled to a full and immediate refund from your bank or building society.¹

Only organisations inspected and vetted by their bank can collect Direct Debit payments from your account, so there are protections in place against unauthorised debits.

If you're a business, include your sort code and bank account number on your invoices so customers can pay you by bank transfer. Alternatively, Airwallex customers can include a Payment Link in their invoices to get paid instantly.

Sharing your details is safe, but what happens if you enter the wrong ones?

What happens if you enter the wrong sort code?

If you enter an invalid sort code, the payment will usually be rejected or delayed. In some cases, it may not be processed at all.

If you think you've made an error, contact your bank or financial institution straight away. Sort codes are used with bank account numbers to identify the recipient's account, so an incorrect sort code on its own is unlikely to send money to the wrong account. But problems can come up if both the sort code and account number are wrong.

Sort codes are just one of several codes used in banking. Here's how they compare to others you might come across.

Difference between SWIFT/BIC codes, IBANs, and BSB numbers

You'll come across several different codes when making transfers. Here's how they compare:

Sort code vs BSB number

Australia's equivalent of a sort code is the BSB (Bank State Branch) number. Both are six digits long, and both identify the bank and branch where an account is held. They do the same job, just in different countries.

If you're in Australia and someone in the UK asks for your sort code, they're asking for the equivalent of your BSB. And if you're sending money to Australia, you'll need the recipient's BSB instead of a sort code.

Sort codes in the Republic of Ireland

Sort codes are no longer used in the Republic of Ireland. Instead, transactions in Ireland are processed through the SEPA network using an IBAN (International Bank Account Number). An IBAN can be up to 34 characters long, combining letters and numbers, though Irish IBANs are 22 characters.³

Manage global payments with Airwallex

If you're a business receiving payments from UK clients, you can open a GBP Global Account with a UK sort code and account number. Your UK clients can pay into your account using these details without forced currency conversions.

Our Global Accounts are multi-currency accounts that offer 20+ currencies, so you can receive and send money internationally at competitive rates. Beyond transfers, we also offer payment acceptance in multiple currencies, AI-powered expense management, and time-saving FX & transfers. 

Frequently asked questions

Is it safe to give out my sort code and account number?

Yes. Sharing your sort code and account number is standard practice for receiving bank transfers and setting up direct debits. Someone can't withdraw money from your account using these details alone, and the Direct Debit Guarantee protects you against unauthorised debits.

Is a sort code the same as a BSB number?

They serve the same purpose. A UK sort code and an Australian BSB number both identify the bank and branch. Both are six digits long. If someone in the UK asks for your sort code and you're in Australia, they're asking for the equivalent of your BSB.

Is a sort code the same as an account number?

No. A sort code identifies the bank and branch, while an account number identifies your specific account. You need both to complete a UK bank transfer.

Where can I find my sort code and account number?

Check your debit card (front or back), your banking app or online banking portal, a recent bank statement, or your cheque book. Not all cards show these details, so your app or statement is the most reliable option.

What happens if I enter the wrong sort code?

The payment will usually be rejected or delayed. An incorrect sort code on its own is unlikely to send money to the wrong account, but contact your bank straight away if you think you've made an error.

Sources 

1. https://www.directdebit.co.uk/direct-debit-explained/direct-debit-guarantee/ 

2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sort_code 

3. https://www.iban.com/structure

This information doesn’t take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. If you are a customer of Airwallex Pty Ltd (AFSL No. 487221) read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) for the Direct Services available here.