What is a sort code for a UK bank account?

Just opened your first bank account in the UK? Chances are you've already come across some unfamiliar terms. Sort code, SWIFT code, BIC code — it's enough to have your head spinning. But don't worry, we're here to break it down for you.

Let's start with the basics and focus on your sort code. Wondering what it is and what you'll need it for? Keep reading to find out.

What is a sort code?

A sort code is a 6-digit number that identifies your bank and local branch. It helps banks verify where a money transfer is coming from and where it's being sent to.

Sort codes are easy to spot because the 6 digits are generally split into pairs with dashes in between. They'll usually look something like this: 12-34-56. The first 2 digits of your sort code represent your bank, and the last 4 indicate the specific bank branch where your account lives.

Sort codes are only used in the UK for domestic transfers. The Irish banking system also uses them, although they've become less common over the past few years as the Republic of Ireland has transitioned to the Single European Payments Area (SEPA). Since Northern Ireland is part of the UK, sort codes are still going strong there, too.

Other countries use different types of codes as bank identifiers. For example, the US uses routing numbers and Australia uses bank state branch (BSB) numbers, but the purpose of these is similar.

What is an account number and how is it different from a sort code?

An account number is your account's unique identifier, whereas your sort code indicates the bank and branch where your account exists.

Think of sort codes as surnames and account numbers as nicknames — everybody with an account at your branch will have the same sort code, but your account number is yours and yours alone.

Both sort codes and account numbers are important when making money transfers. If you're sending money to another UK bank account, the recipient will need to give you theirs so you can complete the transfer. Likewise, if you'll be receiving money, you'll need to give yours to the sender.

Is a sort code the same as a SWIFT code?

While sort codes and SWIFT codes both act as bank identifiers, they're used for different types of transactions.

Since sort codes are only available in the UK, they're used for domestic money transfers. In other words, if you're sending money from your UK bank account to another account within the UK, you'll need the recipient's sort code to complete the transaction.

On the other hand, SWIFT codes (sometimes also known as BIC codes) are used globally for international money transfers. This is what you'll use to send money abroad or receive money from a bank account outside the UK.

You can tell your SWIFT code apart from your sort code by the number of characters it has. While your sort code is made up of 6 numbers, your SWIFT code consists of 8 to 11 alphanumeric characters.

What do I need my sort code for?

You'll need to have your sort code handy when you're providing your bank account details for a money transfer. If you'll be receiving a payment from someone in the UK, you'll need to give your sort code to the sender, along with your account number.

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

It's generally considered safe to share your sort code and account number. In fact, it's usually necessary to share these details to receive a money transfer. The sender will need them to send money from their bank account to yours.

People can only use your sort code and account number to deposit money in your account — they can't take money from you with these details alone. Of course, it's still safe to avoid sharing your account details with people you don't know or aren't expecting payments from.

The details you should never share include your PIN, password, and card number. These are a lot more sensitive than your account number and sort code, and you should always keep them private.

How to find a sort code

There are several ways you can find a sort code, whether you're looking for your own or confirming someone else's before you send a bank transfer. These include:

• checking your debit card
• looking for it on your bank statements
• looking it up with online or mobile banking
• using a sort code checker online

Where is the sort code on a debit card?

You can generally find your sort code, along with your account number, on the back of your debit card. Every bank has its own card design, so the placement may differ. Just remember — you're looking for a 6-digit number separated by dashes. It should be easy to see.

How do I find a sort code online?

If you use online or mobile banking, you can simply log into your account to look for your details. Every bank's platform is set up a little differently, but you'll usually find your sort code alongside your account number.

If you can't find it, you can also try downloading a digital bank statement and seeing if it's there.

What bank is this sort code?

In some cases, you may already have a sort code, but you might be wondering which bank it belongs to. Maybe you're sending money to a friend and you want to double-check that the sort code they gave you is correct.

This is where sort code checkers come in. These are online tools that allow you to look up a bank by entering a sort code. They sometimes give you additional details, such as the specific branch, address, BIC code, and supported payment schemes.

How do I find my sort code on Revolut?

It's not just traditional banks that use sort codes. As an e-money provider, Revolut offers multi-currency accounts that let you keep and manage 35+ currencies in one place. You get account details for each currency balance — and that includes a sort code for your GBP balance. This makes it easy for you to send and receive money within the UK.

If you're already a Revolut customer, you can quickly find your sort code in the app. Here's how:

1. Open your Revolut app and tap the profile icon on your home screen.
2. Tap Account and select Account details.
3. Select your GBP currency account. You'll find your sort code, account number, and bank address under Local.

If you opened your Revolut account in a country other than the UK and use another currency besides GBP as your main currency, you can still get a sort code by creating a GBP balance in the app.

Having a Revolut account is like having multiple offshore accounts, all in one place. It's worth checking out if you're managing your money across different countries and want something that's a little different from a typical bank account.

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