Wondering how to find your sort code? It takes less than a minute once you know where to look, and you will need it every time you set up a payment, a direct debit or a standing order, or ask someone to pay you. This guide shows where to find your sort code and account number, what the numbers mean and how to avoid the mistakes that send money to the wrong place.
What is a sort code?
A sort code is a six-digit number that identifies your bank and the branch or account group your account belongs to. It is written as three pairs of digits, for example 12-34-56, and together with your account number it points to one specific account in the UK banking system.
The sort code tells the payment system which bank should receive the money, and the account number tells that bank which account to credit. You need both to receive a payment, and nearly every UK bank account has one.
Where to find your sort code
Your bank will have given you the sort code when you opened the account. If you have lost track of it, these are the quickest places to check:
- Your banking app or online banking: open the account details screen. Most apps show the sort code and account number together at the top of the account page and let you copy them.
- Your debit card: some banks print the sort code and account number on the card or on the card carrier it arrives in.
- A bank statement: paper and PDF statements show both numbers, usually near your name and address.
- A cheque or paying-in book: the sort code is printed in the line of numbers along the bottom of each cheque.
- Letters and emails from your bank: welcome letters and account notices often include the details.
- Your bank’s helpline or a branch: they can confirm the numbers after checking your identity. Never give your details to someone who contacts you unprompted.
How to find your account number
The account number sits in the same places as the sort code. UK account numbers are normally eight digits long. If yours looks shorter, it is usually an older account number that has been written without its leading zeros, and the bank will tell you the full eight-digit version.
What your sort code is used for
The sort code and account number are what people use to move money to you and from you:
- Bank transfers: Faster Payments and CHAPS both use the sort code and account number to route the payment.
- Direct debits and standing orders: you give your sort code and account number to the company or when setting up the instruction.
- Getting paid: employers, clients and friends need your details to pay you.
- International payments: a UK IBAN contains your sort code and account number, so the same numbers sit inside it.
Sort code format and checks
A sort code always has six digits. Dashes are only there to make it readable, so 123456 and 12-34-56 are the same code. When you enter a payee, most banks run a Confirmation of Payee check that compares the name you typed with the name on the account, and it is worth reading the result before you send money. If the name does not match, stop and check the details with the person or company.
Is it safe to share your sort code?
Your sort code and account number are not enough on their own to take money out of your account, which is why you can safely give them to your employer or to someone who is paying you. They can, however, be used to set up a direct debit, so only share them with people and companies you trust, and check your statements regularly for anything you do not recognise.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Mixing up the digits. A transposed pair of numbers is the most frequent mistake. Copy and paste from your banking app instead of retyping.
- Using the wrong account’s details. If you have several accounts, check that the sort code and account number belong to the same one.
- Relying on old details. If you switch bank, give your new details to your employer and anyone who pays you.
- Sharing details after an unexpected call or message. Banks do not ask you to move money to a safe account.
Frequently asked questions
Can I find my sort code from my account number?
Not reliably. The account number alone does not identify the bank, so you need to check your banking app, statement or card, or contact your bank directly to confirm both numbers.
Is a sort code the same for every branch?
No. Traditionally each branch had its own sort code, but many banks now use a small number of codes for online accounts, so two customers at the same bank can have different or identical codes.
Do online banks and app-only accounts have sort codes?
Yes. Any account that can send and receive UK bank payments has a sort code and an account number, even if you never visit a branch.
How many digits are in a sort code and an account number?
A sort code has six digits, usually written as three pairs. A UK account number normally has eight digits.
What should I do if I sent money to the wrong sort code?
Contact your bank straight away, because the sooner you report it the better the chance of recovering the money. The bank can ask the receiving bank to contact the account holder, but a refund is not guaranteed.
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