What is an IFSC code? How Indian bank payments find the branch
By SendPay Business · · 2 min read
An IFSC (Indian Financial System Code) is an 11-character code, issued through the Reserve Bank of India, that identifies a specific bank branch in India. Indian payment systems use it to route money to the right branch.
How the code is built
- First four letters: the bank, such as SBIN for State Bank of India.
- Fifth character: always 0, kept for future use.
- Last six characters: the branch.
Where it is used
IFSC codes are needed for India's domestic bank payment systems: NEFT, RTGS and IMPS. The code is printed on cheque books and passbooks and shown in online banking.
Paying from abroad
International payments into India usually travel over SWIFT, so the sender's bank asks for the receiving bank's SWIFT code. Many senders are also asked for the IFSC so the money reaches the right branch once it arrives.
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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. PayPal, Patreon and Substack are named as reference points only and are not affiliated with SendPay Business.