Sort Code

UK bank branch identifier for BACS, CHAPS and Faster Payments.

Definition

The sort code is 6 digits shown as three pairs (e.g. 12-34-56); it identifies the bank and branch and combines with the 8-digit account number to route BACS, CHAPS and Faster Payments. Within a UK IBAN it forms the NSC component of the BBAN.

Origin

Administered through the Industry Sorting Code Directory (ISCD), maintained by Vocalink/Pay.UK on behalf of the UK banking industry.

Example in context

IBAN GB29 NWBK 6016 1331 9268 19: NWBK = bank, 601613 = sort code, 31926819 = account number.

Related terms

• BBAN — the national part of the IBAN that holds the sort code.