How to get a sort code from IBAN
f you've ever sent or received an international money transfer, you've probably come across the terms sort code and IBAN. But what exactly do these terms mean? And how can you find yours? Having accurate sort codes and IBANs increases the success rate and security of your international bank transfers.
WorldRemit Content Team
• 4 mins read • Updated
What’s the difference between a sort code and IBAN?
A sort code is a six-digit number that identifies the bank and branch where an account is held. Sort codes are used in the UK and Ireland, and are typically formatted as XX-XX-XX. An international bank account number (IBAN), on the other hand, is an internationally standardised format for identifying bank accounts. IBANs are made up of a country code, followed by a two-digit checksum, are up to 34 characters long, and tend to be used in countries outside of the UK and Ireland.
In summary, sort codes are used to identify banks during a domestic transfer; IBANs are used to identify banks and accounts during international transfers.
What does a sort code look like?
A sort code is a six-digit number. It looks like this: 00-01-02
The first two digits typically identify which bank your account is with (for example, HSBC or Barclays) and the last four digits refer to the branch where you opened the account. They’re used to route money transfers to the right bank and account.
You can usually find your sort code on a physical card, printed on the bottom of cheques, on your bank statements, or on your digital accounts. It depends where your bank includes this information. Sort codes are also in the public domain because they identify a bank and branch – not a customer.
Online-only banks without branches may just provide one sort code to all their customers. For example, 60-83-71 is the sort code for every Starling Bank account and 04-00-04 is for all Monzo accounts.
Sort codes play an important role in helping all financial institutions confirm the validity of a transfer and correctly route money, but they’re only used in the UK and Ireland. That’s why IBANs are often also used.
What does an IBAN look like?
An IBAN will never be more than 34 characters long. It looks something like this: GB92BARC00010212345678
The first two letters identify the country. GB is used for the UK. Other examples include FR for France or PK for Pakistan.
The next two digits are ‘check digits’ which confirm the validity of the IBAN. Check digits act as an additional security layer specific to your bank. These are followed by your Basic Bank Account Numbers (BBAN) – numbers which provide domestic banking details. BBAN typically includes a bank code and branch reference, as well as the account number. It’s worth noting, however, that formats can differ across IBAN regions.
For the IBAN GB92BARC00010212345678, it works out:
GB identifies the country
92 are the check digits
BARC is the bank code for Barclays
000102 is the sort code
12345678 is the account number
IBANs are an almost globally compatible way of verifying the identification of financial institutions and transactions. If you’re sending money to a bank account in another country, it’s like you’ll need the recipient’s IBAN and it’s helpful to know what details make up that number.
How can you use an IBAN to find a sort code?
You can use an IBAN to discover details about the account involved in the international transaction – including the sort code.
In IBANs for the UK or Ireland, the sort code will be the 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th, 13th and 14th digits. So for GB92BARC00010212345678, 000102 is the sort code.
To work out the sort code within any IBAN, simply remember the structure. It will always follow:
Country code
Check digits
Basic Bank Account Numbers (BBAN)
The sort code will follow the bank code, always in letters, within the BBAN. Remember sort codes are only used in the UK and Ireland, so you’ll notice differences in the BBANs of other countries.
How can you find an IBAN?
If you want to receive money, you may need to provide someone with your IBAN. Or if you’re sending money to them, you’ll need to know their IBAN.
To find an IBAN, you can:
Look at your bank statements
Search on your online account
Contact your bank
You can also use calculators to produce an IBAN if you know some basic information, such as which country you’re sending money to and account details.
If you would like to send money quickly and easily, WorldRemit can help. With 95% of our transfers ready in minutes, you can send money abroad in a fast and secure way – easily work out how much it would cost you with our calculator. We won’t charge you any fees on your first three transfers.
FAQs
Why are IBANs important?
IBANs are an essential part of the process of sending money overseas. They support the smooth running of the international financial market by ensuring money transfers reach the right place. They help to reduce errors and improve the verification of cross-border payments.
Are sort codes only used in the UK and Ireland?
Yes. As part of efforts to make the banking industry more automated, six-digit sort codes were introduced in the UK and Ireland in the 1950s. You won't see them used anywhere else in the world. Other countries have different standardised ways of routing payments to the right place quickly and efficiently.
When do I need my sort code?
Sort codes are a secure method of identifying banks. You will need your sort code to set up a direct debit or standing order. You will need someone else’s sort code whenever you want to make a payment to them.
This communication is intended for marketing purposes only and does not constitute or provide legal, tax, investment or financial planning related advice.
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