What is a sort code and bank account number?

Key takeaways

• UK sort codes (six digits) identify the bank and branch, while account numbers (eight digits) identify your specific account. Both are required for domestic transfers and Direct Debits.

• Sharing your sort code and account number is secure for receiving payments. Only vetted companies can use these details for Direct Debits, protecting your funds.

• Airwallex Global Accounts provide local UK bank details (sort code and account number) for accepting payments without currency conversions, plus multi-currency cards and financial tools.

When you open a UK account, you'll receive a sort code and bank account number. The sort code identifies the bank or financial institution and branch where you opened your account, while the bank account number identifies your unique account number. You may be able to find these printed on your debit card, but not always.

Financial institutions in the UK use sort codes and bank account numbers to facilitate money transfers. To receive payment via bank transfer as an individual or business, you'll need to share these details with the sender. You can also set up direct debits with your sort code and bank account number.

Here, we'll look at what sort codes and bank account numbers are and what they are used for.

What is a UK sort code?

A UK sort code is a six-digit number that identifies the specific bank and branch where you opened an account. The first two digits identify the bank, while the remaining digits identify the branch. Every UK account has both a sort code and a unique account number for routing payments accurately.

Sort codes ensure financial transactions are accurate and efficient. Financial institutions use sort codes to validate bank and branch details to route payments accurately to the recipient's account. This helps to prevent delays, errors, and misdirected funds.

What is a UK bank account number?

A bank account number identifies your bank account and is always unique. If you have several accounts – for example, a savings account and a current account – they will have different account numbers, even if you hold them with the same bank.

UK bank account numbers are eight digits long. Some are seven digits, but a zero is added to the front of the number to standardise the length.

Where can I find my UK sort code and bank account number?

You can usually find your sort code and bank account number on a debit card. The sort code is a six-digit number, often grouped in pairs, while the bank account number is an eight-digit number, on either the front or back of the card.

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

Not all cards display sort codes and bank account numbers. For example, Airwallex Borderless Cards don't include bank details because these multi-currency cards enable customers to spend in different currencies via a single card.

If your card doesn't show your sort code and bank account number, you'll also be able to find them via your mobile banking app, bank statements, and cheque book.

How to validate a sort code

Before sending a payment, it's a good practice to verify that the sort code is valid. This simple step helps prevent payment failures and delays. Here are a few ways to do it:

• Use an online sort code checker: Many free online tools can validate a sort code and identify the corresponding financial institution and branch.

• Check the format: A valid UK sort code always consists of six digits, often displayed as three pairs (e.g., 12-34-56).

• Use Confirmation of Payee (CoP): Many UK financial service providers use this name-checking service. When you set up a new payee, it checks that the name on the account matches the sort code and account number provided, giving you added assurance that your money is going to the right place.

When is a UK sort code and bank account number required?

Banks and financial institutions use sort codes and bank account numbers to route funds accurately during various financial transactions, including:

• Domestic transfers in the UK: The sender must provide the recipient's sort code and bank account number during

  wire transfers. These details identify the exact bank and branch that holds the recipient's account.

• International transfers to UK accounts: When an individual or business outside the UK makes a transfer to a UK bank account, they usually have to provide the recipient's sort code and bank account number, along with the SWIFT/BIC code. But, banks and financial institutions may sometimes ask for the recipient's IBAN (International Bank Account Number) instead. If you're looking for a faster way to accept and send payments around the world, try Airwallex.

• Direct debits in the UK: Direct debit is an automated payment method which 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 payee will need to provide their sort code and bank account number. Financial institutions use these details to debit funds accurately from the payee's account to the recipient's account.

How do UK sort codes, SWIFT/BIC codes, and IBANs differ?

During money transfers, it's easy to be confused by the different codes you may be required to provide. Here's a breakdown:

Is it safe to share your UK 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.

You can set up direct debits for automatic payments, like bills or subscription fees. Only companies vetted by the Direct Debit Scheme can use your sort code and bank account number to take money from your account, so your funds are always protected.

For businesses, include your sort code and bank account number on your invoices so customers can pay you via bank transfer. Alternatively, Airwallex customers can include a Payment Link in their invoices to get paid instantly.

Are sort codes and bank account numbers the same in the Republic of Ireland?

Sort codes are no longer used in the Republic of Ireland. Instead, transactions in Ireland are processed using an IBAN (International Bank Account Number).

An IBAN has 34 characters: both numbers and letters. It identifies the bank, the specific account, and the branch's geolocation.

What happens if I use an invalid or incorrect sort code?

If you used an invalid sort code during a wire transfer, the payment will likely be rejected, delayed, or not processed at all.

If you think you may have used an incorrect sort code, contact your bank or financial institution immediately.

Sort codes are used with bank account numbers to identify the recipient's bank account, so it's unlikely that an incorrect sort code alone will send money to the wrong account. But, problems can arise if both sort code and bank account numbers are wrong.

Manage money globally with Airwallex

With Airwallex Global Accounts , you can open a British Pound account with local bank details, including a 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 offering 20+ currencies, so you can receive and send money internationally at zero transaction fees.

Besides helping businesses manage transfers, our suite of modern financial solutions can simplify and reduce the costs of your financial operations. These solutions include payment acceptance in multiple currencies, AI-powered expense management tools, and time-saving API integration solutions.

FAQs

Is a UK sort code the same as a SWIFT code?

No, they serve different purposes. A UK sort code routes domestic payments within the UK, while a SWIFT code identifies banks for international transfers.

Is a UK sort code the same as a routing number?

They're similar but used in different countries. UK sort codes route domestic UK payments, while US routing numbers route domestic US transfers.

How can I get a UK sort code without a UK business entity?

Airwallex lets you open a GBP Global Account with local UK bank details, including a sort code and account number, without needing a UK entity.

What's the difference between Bacs, Faster Payments, and CHAPS?

Bacs handles bulk payments in three days, Faster Payments processes instant transfers 24/7, and CHAPS manages high-value same-day transfers.

How do I recover money sent to the wrong account?

Contact your financial provider immediately to initiate a recovery process. Success isn't guaranteed, especially if the recipient doesn't consent to return funds.