A sort code is a six-digit numerical code that identifies the specific bank and branch where a bank account was initially opened. It is used in the UK banking system to indicate where payment is going or coming from. Every bank account in the UK is assigned a sort code. Sort codes are used to route money transfers between financial institutions in the UK and in the Republic of Ireland. They are encoded into IBANs but are not encoded into BICs. Sort codes are important for making domestic or international wire transfers.

When you open a bank account in the UK, your bank will give you an account number and sort code. You can find your sort code on your debit card, online banking account or mobile app, bank statements, or chequebook. The sort code on the bank card is either on the front or back of the card, presented in three pairs of two digits each. It is typically under your name and next to the account number. If you want to check the sort code of the account to which you’re sending money, you can use online tools called sort code checkers.