Sort Code vs Routing Number (2024)

FAQs

Sort Code vs Routing Number? ›

When to use sort code vs routing number. You'll only need to use a sort code or routing number if you are transferring money to a UK or US-based account, respectively. For domestic bank transfers within the US, you will need to use the routing number. For UK domestic bank transfers, the sort code applies.

Are sort codes and routing numbers the same thing? Sort codes and routing numbers serve similar purposes but are used in different countries. Sort codes are used in the United Kingdom to identify banks and branches, whereas routing numbers are used in the United States.

A sort code is a 6 digit number that identifies your bank. It's usually split up into pairs; the first two digits identify which bank it is and the last four digits refer to the specific branch of the bank, where you opened the account.

IBAN, or International Bank Account Number, is a code you can use to make or receive international payments. Your IBAN code is different from your account and sort number–it's solely used to help overseas banks identify your bank account so you can receive or send international payments.

They are used for transactions across borders, making them essential for any international financial dealings. Sort codes are specific to the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland and are not used by other countries.

- Find the three pairs of numbers, separated by dashes, immediately to the left of your bank account number. This is your bank sorting code.

BIC codes are the international equivalent of a sort code.

Is a SWIFT/ BIC code the same as a sort code? Nope, sort codes aren't the same as SWIFT codes. Sort codes are 6-digit codes that help British and Irish banks to identify bank branches for domestic payments (payments within a country).

Bank Of America, Na sort code — 165050.

Only customers in the UK and Ireland are issued sort codes. In other countries, sort codes have been replaced by the IBAN, or International Bank Account Number.

Do I need a routing number for international transfer? ›

ABA numbers and international transfers

Nine-digit routing numbers are only used within the US, while most other countries use an IBAN instead. If you're abroad and wish to transfer funds into a US bank account, you'll need to provide the ABA number.

IBANs act as routing numbers, directing payments to the exact account that you are trying to pay. The International Bank Account Number system is most common in Europe but can be found in other countries as well and is slowly gaining in popularity.

Is a SWIFT code same as a routing number? SWIFT codes are different to routing numbers, but they do a similar job. Routing numbers help to identify banks by state in the US, making it easier to process domestic payments. SWIFT codes identify bank branches for international payments.

A bank sort code is a type of routing number used in the United Kingdom and in Ireland. It's composed of six digits divided into three pairs. It routes money transfers by identifying the banks involved, as well as the location of the specific branches where the accounts are held.

Payment to the wrong account

If you give the wrong sort code or account number when making a payment, your bank must make a reasonable effort to get your money back. But it won't be liable if you lose any money. Contact your bank immediately if you've made an incorrect payment.

IBAN stands for International Bank Account Number, which you can use when making or receiving international payments. Your IBAN doesn't replace your sort code & account number ─ it's an additional number with extra information to help overseas banks identify your account for payments.

In the UK, the equivalent of a bank routing number is a sort code – a six-digit code that identifies both the bank and branch of an account. Sort codes are used by British banks to route money transfers to the correct bank and branch when processing domestic transfers of funds.

Nope, sort codes aren't the same as SWIFT codes. Sort codes are 6-digit codes that help British and Irish banks to identify bank branches for domestic payments (payments within a country). Do all banks use BIC/ SWIFT codes?

Bank Of America, Na sort code — 165050.