What is a sort code and bank account number?

Key takeaways

• Sort codes (six digits, identifying bank/branch) and bank account numbers (eight digits, unique to the account) are the core identifiers for UK banking. They are required for seamless domestic transfers, as well as when setting up automated Direct Debits.

• You can share these details confidently. Unlike your sensitive 16-digit card number, sharing your sort code and account number to receive payments is secure. Direct Debits can only be set up and processed by companies vetted under the scheme, protecting your funds.

• Airwallex provides a modern path to global financial efficiency. The platform offers Global Accounts with local UK bank details (sort code and account number) to accept payments with zero forced currency conversions. This is complemented by a single Borderless Card and a suite of tools designed to simplify and reduce the costs of your worldwide financial operations.

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. When choosing between different business bank accounts, understanding these identifiers helps ensure smooth payment operations. 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 sort code?

A sort code is a six-digit number that identifies the specific bank and branch where a UK account is held. The first digits identify the bank, while the latter digits identify the branch, with every UK account having both a unique sort code and account number.

Some online-only financial institutions don't have physical branches, so all their customers share the same sort code. Six-digit sort codes in the UK date back to 1957, when the industry became more automated.

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 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.

How many digits is a bank account number?

The number of digits in an account number varies by country, which can be a point of confusion for businesses operating globally. Here's a simple breakdown of what to expect in key regions:

• United Kingdom: UK account numbers are standardised at eight digits. You may occasionally see a seven-digit number, in which case a zero is added to the front to meet the eight-digit requirement for payment processing. These are always used with a six-digit sort code.

• United States: US account numbers are not standardised and can range from nine to twelve digits, depending on the financial institution. They are used with a nine-digit routing number.

• Europe & Other Regions: Most European countries, along with many others globally, use an International Bank Account Number (IBAN). An IBAN can be up to 34 alphanumeric characters long and consolidates the country code, bank code, and individual account number into a single, standardised string for international transfers, particularly for SEPA payments across Europe. Businesses increasingly use virtual IBANs to manage multiple international accounts efficiently.

Understanding these regional differences is key to ensuring your payments are routed correctly and without delay. Always confirm the required format for the specific country you are sending money to or receiving from.

Where can I find my 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.

Don't confuse your sort code and bank account number with other card details:

• 16-digit card number: Used for online payments along with expiry date and CVV

• Sort code and account number: Used for bank transfers and direct debits

• Security note: Only share your 16-digit card number, expiry date, and CVV with trusted vendors during secure transactions, as fraudsters typically target this information

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.

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.

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.

When is a 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 UK transfers: The sender provides the recipient's sort code and bank account number during wire transfers to identify the exact bank and branch holding the account.

• International transfers to UK accounts: Senders typically need the recipient's sort code, bank account number, and SWIFT/BIC code. Some financial institutions may request the IBAN (International Bank Account Number) instead. Transfer times can vary, so understanding how long international bank transfers take helps with planning. For faster global payments, Airwallex offers an efficient alternative.

• Direct debits in the UK: This automated payment method allows businesses like utility providers to collect recurring payments. Customers provide their sort code and bank account number to authorise regular debits from their account. This differs from direct deposits, where funds are pushed into an account rather than pulled out.

How do 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:

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 GBP account with local UK bank details—including your own sort code and account number—allowing UK clients to pay you directly without forced currency conversions.

Our platform provides:

• Multi-currency accounts: Access 20+ currencies with zero transaction fees

• Payment acceptance: Collect payments in multiple currencies

• Expense management: AI-powered tools to simplify financial operations

• API integrations: Streamline your workflows with time-saving solutions

FAQs

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

Bacs handles routine, low-cost payments (payroll, supplier batches) settling in three working days, while Faster Payments processes urgent transfers near-instantly 24/7. CHAPS is reserved for high-value, time-critical transfers with guaranteed same-day settlement.

Are there limits on how much I can send?

Yes, limits vary by payment rail and provider. Faster Payments typically allows up to £1 million (though banks may set lower limits), CHAPS has no scheme cap, and Bacs limits are bank-defined—always check with your provider for specific limits.

How can I recover money sent to the wrong account?

Contact your bank or provider immediately with the payment reference to initiate Credit Payment Recovery, though success isn't guaranteed if the funds reached a valid account. Prevent errors by using Confirmation of Payee (CoP) name-checks and sending a small test payment first for high-value transfers.

How do I get a UK sort code and account number with Airwallex?

It's simple and instant. Just open a GBP Airwallex Global Account from your dashboard. This immediately generates a local UK sort code and account number for you. You can then use these details on your invoices to accept domestic transfers from customers. This lets them pay you locally without forced currency conversion. You'll see the balances in your Wallet, and the whole setup takes just minutes; no branch visits or separate UK bank account required.

Why aren't my sort code and account number on my Airwallex card, and where can I find them?

Your Airwallex card is a multi-currency spending tool that's separate from your local receiving account. Your unique UK sort code and account number are housed within your GBP Global Account—simply log in, navigate to Global Accounts, and click GBP to access them.

Can I use my Airwallex UK account details to set up Direct Debits?

Yes, you can use your GBP Global Account details for outbound Direct Debits to pay regular UK expenses like subscriptions and utilities. To collect Direct Debits from your own customers, you'll need to complete the Bacs approval process or partner with an approved bureau.