HSBC UK — Sort code

A sort code is a six-digit number that identifies the bank and branch that holds an account. Together with the eight-digit account number it is all you need to route a domestic payment in the UK — whether by Faster Payments (near-instant), Bacs (Direct Debit and Direct Credit, ~3 working days) or CHAPS (same-day high-value).

The sort code tells the payment system which institution and branch to deliver the money to.

• Debit card — printed as three pairs of digits, e.g. 20-00-00.
• Bank statement — shown next to your account number at the top.
• Banking app / online banking — under account details.
• Chequebook — along the bottom (MICR line), before the account number.

A sort code is 6 digits, usually written as three pairs: NN-NN-NN. The first digits identify the bank (NatWest 60, Barclays 20, Lloyds 30…) and the rest identify the branch.

Validity is confirmed with the modulus check from the Extended Industry Sort Code Directory (EISCD), maintained by Pay.UK and operated by Vocalink. It tests the sort code together with the account number to catch typos and transpositions.

Within the UK you only need the sort code and account number. For money from abroad you also need the bank's BIC/SWIFT code and your IBAN — and a UK IBAN actually contains your sort code (positions 9–14) and the bank's four-letter SWIFT prefix.

Yes. A sort code — like an account number — is public information you can safely give out to receive a payment. Knowing it does not let anyone take money from your account. Never share your online-banking login, passcodes, one-time security codes, or full card details with the CVV.