What is a sort code? UK bank codes explained in plain English
By SendPay Business · · 2 min read
- 1Name it and pick your colours
- 2Choose what it does
- 3Launch when you are ready
A sort code is the six-digit number, written like 12-34-56, that identifies a UK bank and branch. Together with an eight-digit account number, it tells a payment exactly which account to go to.
What the digits mean
The first digits usually identify the bank, and the rest the branch or the part of the bank that holds the account. Many app-only banks and money apps have their own sort codes, even without branches.
Sort code, account number and IBAN
For payments within the UK, a sort code and account number are all you need. For payments from abroad, the payer usually needs your IBAN, which contains your sort code and account number inside it, plus a country code and check digits.
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What it does
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Confirmation of Payee
When you set up a new payee, most UK banks check that the name you enter matches the name on the account. If it doesn't match, you'll see a warning before you send, which helps stop mistakes and scams.
If you run a money app
Customers expect UK account details they can share to get paid. SendPay platforms include GBP, EUR and USD accounts, powered by licensed partners.
How it works
Money on its way- 1Pick who to pay and type the amount
- 2Tap send and it is on its way
- 3It lands in their account
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SendPay Business is a technology company, not a bank. Accounts, cards and payments are powered by licensed partners.
Questions people ask
Can I check a sort code before paying?
Check its format with the account number, free.
Sort code checker →Read next
Spotted a mistake or something out of date? and we'll fix it. How our guides are made
This guide is general information, not legal or financial advice. SendPay Business is a technology company, not a bank, and does not take deposits; regulated services on the platforms are provided by licensed partners. Other companies named in this guide are reference points only and are not affiliated with SendPay Business.