What are the origins of bank sort codes?
Bank sort codes came about in the late twentieth century when check usage was at an all-time high. Consumers wrote checks throughout the day to make their purchases and gave them to merchants. Merchants would then be responsible for cashing the checks in for their business. They did this by bringing checks to the bank so they could be properly processed—but they had to figure out ways to authenticate where the checks came from.
Sort codes identified the specific bank branch that the account holder was writing their checks from, allowing everyone involved in the wiring process to be aware of where the money came from, and where it was going.
How do bank sort codes work?
Each pair of numbers in a sort code points to a different piece of information needed for a successful money transfer. The first two digits refer to the banking group or bank that the check is coming from. The remaining digits help narrow it down to the very branch.
For example, let’s say that there’s a sort code that goes by 11-22-33. Numbers 11 would represent Berry Bank, while 22 and 33 would reveal the city and branch of Berry Bank which can be found in Camdentown, London.
It’s important to note that while sort codes are often used alongside account numbers, they each have a different function. Simply put, account numbers identify an individual’s savings or checking account. Sort codes make sure that with whatever transaction that occurs, a bank will correctly move money over from one account to another.
How are sort codes different from SWIFT codes?
When it comes to processing secure bank transactions, both sort codes and SWIFT codes function similarly. Like sort codes, SWIFT codes have their own routing number combinations and are used to determine what banks and branches are involved in the wiring process.
But while sort codes exist for banks within the UK, SWIFT codes are not limited by location. They monitor money on a much bigger scale, allowing for international transfers. SWIFT codes consist of 8-11 unique characters that serve to identify not only the banks and branches, but also the countries where the transactions are taking place.
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FAQs
Where is the sort code? You can typically find your sort code on bank statements and in your online or app banking. Many banks also print the sort code on the front or back of the bank card together with the account number.
Is a sort code the same as a routing number? ›
Sort codes (called routing numbers in some countries) and account numbers are specific to each country's banking system. For example, in the UK, sort codes are used to identify banks and branches, while account numbers uniquely identify individual accounts.
What is an example of a sort code? ›
What is a sort code? The definition of a sort code (aka Sorting Code ) in the context of United Kingdom and Ireland's bank industry and payments is a six-digit number, usually formatted as three pairs of numbers, for example 12-34-56.
What is the sort code for 40 51 62? ›
Handelsbanken PLC sort code — 405162.
Do US banks have a sort code? ›
You'll only need to use a sort code or routing number if you are transferring money to a UK or US-based account, respectively. For domestic bank transfers within the US, you will need to use the routing number.
Is the sort code the account number? ›
The account number identifies your unique bank account and the sort code identifies the branch and bank where you opened your account. Account numbers are eight digits long and sort codes are six digits long.
What is another name for a sort code? ›
BIC codes are the international equivalent of a sort code.
What is a sort code for international transfers? ›
Sort codes (or bank codes) are a unique identifier of the individual branch or bank office where a bank account is held. Sort codes are mandatory when sending a telegraphic transfer to countries such as the United Kingdom or South Africa.
What is a bank sort code for Bank of America? ›
Bank Of America, Na sort code — 165050.
What happens if you put the wrong sort code? ›
If you simply enter the wrong sort code, the money shouldn't leave your account as there isn't anywhere to process the payment. If the sort code's correct, the money will leave your account and head to the bank the sort code belongs to.
To summarize, a sort code is a six-digit code that identifies a specific bank and bank branch in the United Kingdom. It is required when making domestic or international wire transfers. If the sort code is incorrect or missing, the transfer may be delayed or rejected.
What is the sample of bank sort code? ›
The sort code is usually formatted as three pairs of numbers, for example 12-34-56. It identifies both the bank (in the first digit or the first two digits) and the branch where the account is held.
How do I find my bank sort code? ›
If you have a cheque book, identify the set of three numbers underneath its leaf. The first set of numbers is your cheque number, the second is your bank sort code, and the last is your account number.
What is the sort number for a wire? ›
Sort codes identified the specific bank branch that the account holder was writing their checks from, allowing everyone involved in the wiring process to be aware of where the money came from, and where it was going.
What bank has the sort code 40 47 84? ›
HSBC UK Bank PLC sort code — 404784.
Is sort code the same as BIC? ›
BIC codes are the international equivalent of a sort code. Therefore, they make it possible to execute bank transfers across the globe. Another difference between the two is the number of characters they are made up of: a BIC code contains 8-11 alphanumeric characters, while a sort code contains six numbers.
What is a sort code for Bank of America? ›
Bank Of America, Na sort code — 165050.
What is bank sort of code? ›
The sort code is a number which usually identifies both the bank and the branch where an account is held. The sort code is usually used when transferring funds from one account in one bank branch to another branch of the bank or another bank. Here are a list of all the sort codes and branches.
What is account number sorting code? ›
The sort code is usually formatted as three pairs of numbers, for example 12-34-56. It identifies both the bank (in the first digit or the first two digits) and the branch where the account is held.
