Your sort code is a 6-digit number that identifies your bank and branch in the UK. You will need it whenever someone sends you a domestic payment or when you set up Direct Debits, standing orders, or new payees. The sort code is always formatted as three pairs of digits separated by hyphens — for example, 20-45-12. If you are unsure what a sort code is or how it works, read our guide on what a sort code is before continuing. Below, we cover every place you can find your sort code, with bank-specific instructions and tips for sharing it safely.
Before you go looking, it helps to know exactly what you are looking for. A sort code is always exactly 6 digits, no more and no fewer. When displayed to customers, it is written as three pairs separated by hyphens: XX-XX-XX. You may occasionally see it printed without hyphens (e.g., 204512), particularly on cheques or in banking systems. Both formats represent the same sort code. The sort code is distinct from your account number, which is typically 8 digits long in the UK. You need both together to make or receive a domestic payment.
Many UK debit cards print the sort code on the front or back, usually near the account number. Look for a 6-digit number formatted as three pairs separated by hyphens (e.g., 20-45-12). It is typically smaller than the main card number and may be labelled "Sort Code" or abbreviated as "S/C". Not all cards display it — some newer cards, particularly those from digital banks, omit the sort code from the physical or virtual card. If you cannot find it there, try the methods below.
The easiest and most reliable way to find your sort code is through your bank's online banking portal or mobile app. After logging in, navigate to your current account and look for "Account Details" or "Account Information". Your sort code and account number will be displayed together.
Bank-by-bank app navigation
Both paper and PDF bank statements include your sort code near the top of the document. It is usually displayed alongside your account number, name, and address. Check the header area of the first page. The sort code may be labelled explicitly, or it may simply appear as a 6-digit hyphenated number next to your account number. If you receive e-statements, you can download a PDF from your online banking portal — the sort code will appear in the same header location as a paper statement.
Your sort code often appears on letters, emails, and documents sent by your bank. Common examples include:
Check any recent letters from your bank before resorting to calling them. The sort code is almost always included when the bank references your account.
If you have a chequebook, the sort code is printed at the bottom of each cheque. Similar to US checks, the sort code appears alongside the account number and cheque number in machine-readable font (known as MICR — Magnetic Ink Character Recognition). The sort code is the 6-digit group, typically displayed first, followed by your account number. Note that fewer UK banks issue chequebooks now, so this method may not be available for newer accounts.
When you receive a payment via Faster Payments or Bacs, your bank may send a notification or confirmation that includes the sort code. This is especially common for business accounts, where payment receipts often include full sender and recipient details. If you have recently received a bank transfer, check the transaction details in your banking app — some banks display the sort code and account number used for the incoming payment.
Similarly, if you have set up a standing order or Direct Debit, the confirmation screen or email will typically show your sort code. This can be a quick way to verify your details without navigating to the account information section of your app.
If you know which bank and branch you use but cannot find the sort code through any of the methods above, you can use a sort code directory or lookup tool. The official sort code database is maintained by Pay.UK, the operator of the UK's retail payment systems. Many banks also publish their sort code directories on their websites, allowing you to search by branch location. Our sort code validator can verify any sort code and show you the bank and branch it belongs to.
If you have your UK IBAN but not your sort code, you can extract it. A UK IBAN is 22 characters long, and the sort code occupies positions 9 through 14. For example, in the IBAN GB29NWBK60161331926819, the sort code is 60-16-13 (characters "601613" formatted with hyphens). You can paste your IBAN into our IBAN validator to see a full breakdown including the embedded sort code. For more on how these identifiers relate, see our guide on sort code vs routing number vs IBAN.
If someone abroad needs to send you money, they will typically need your IBAN and your bank's BIC (Bank Identifier Code), not just your sort code. While the sort code is sufficient for domestic UK payments, international transfers processed through SWIFT or SEPA require the full IBAN. Most UK banking apps display your IBAN alongside your sort code in the account details section.
Conversely, if you are making an international payment from your UK account, you will not use a sort code at all. You will need the recipient's IBAN (for European transfers) or their account details plus a SWIFT/BIC code (for transfers outside Europe). The Financial Conduct Authority regulates UK payment services and provides consumer guidance on making safe international transfers.
Your sort code and account number are not considered secret information. You need to share them with anyone who wants to pay you, your employer for salary payments, and any organisation you set up a Direct Debit with. That said, it is sensible to follow some basic precautions:
If none of the above options work, you can always call your bank or visit a branch. Customer service can confirm your sort code after verifying your identity. Most major UK banks offer 24/7 telephone banking, and you can usually find the customer service number on the back of your debit card or on your bank's website. Many banks also provide live chat support through their apps, which can be a faster way to get your details confirmed.
If you hold more than one account with the same bank — for example, a current account and a savings account — they may or may not share the same sort code. In many cases, accounts opened at the same branch will have the same sort code but different account numbers. However, some savings accounts or specialist accounts may be assigned a different sort code that corresponds to a central processing centre rather than a branch. Always check the details for each account individually rather than assuming they share a sort code.
GB29NWBK60161331926819 contains the sort code 60-16-13. You can use our IBAN validator to extract it automatically.Before sharing your sort code, verify it with our sort code validator. The tool confirms the format is valid and shows which bank and branch it belongs to. You can also check the IBAN validator if you need your UK IBAN, which embeds your sort code and account number. To learn more about what sort codes are and how they work in the UK payment system, read our guide on what a sort code is.
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