SWIFT code, IBAN number, BIC code — banking systems are confusing with all these numbers to remember. This article will guide you through the UK bank sort code. Learn what is a sort code, where to find it and when you’ll need it.
What is a sort code?
A sort code format
A UK bank sort code checker
Are the sort code and account number the same?
Where can I find the sort code and account number?
Is it safe to share my UK bank sort code?
What can go wrong
How to send money from the UK
FAQ — the UK banking sort codes
What is a sort code?
The UK bank sort code is a 6-digit number assigned to your bank. When someone wants to send you payment within the country, they’ll ask for your account number and sort code. The code helps route the domestic transfer. Think of it as a bank address. A postcode tells the postal service where a letter should go, and a sort code does the same. Without it, your transfer can be delayed, misdirected, or returned to the sender.
Keep in mind that for a successful transaction in the UK, you need both the sort code and account number. It’s probably different in your home country, but you’ll get used to the British approach.
For international transfers from the UK, you’ll need a reliable service. Use Profee to send money safely in minutes and from anywhere.
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A sort code format
A sort code format is simple — it’s six digits in a row. A Starling bank sort code example is 60-83-71. It’s unified for all clients. Your bank may generate unique codes for each card holder, we’ll tell you how to find it later.
The sort code format has its own logic: the first two digits are linked to the bank itself, while the next four are related to a specific branch.
A UK bank sort code checker
When not sure whether your UK bank sort code is correct, go to this website. Enter six digits into the UK bank sort code checker, and see the branches it refers to. If the bank name and branch are right, you’re good to go. Share the code with someone who wants to pay you without a worry.
More articles about banking in the UK:
Are the sort code and account number the same?
No, account number and sort code are different entities. ‘Sort code UK bank’ identifies the bank itself, while ‘account number’ refers to a specific account in the bank’s system.
Take Starling as an example. Their customers have the same UK bank sort code but unique account numbers. If you open several accounts (savings, current, student), they all will be assigned a special number.
Where can I find the sort code and account number?
The UK banking sort codes can be found in several places:
The sort code and account number on cards
Not all, but some banks put the sort code and account number on cards — on the front or back.
Finding it is easy, since the account number and sort code on cards are often signed. In case you don’t see their names, know that XX-XX-XX formatted digits are the code you’re looking for.
Online banking
The account number and sort code are hidden in the account details section. If you have explored every corner of a portal or an app and still can’t find the ‘sort code UK bank’, contact the support; they should help.
Bank statements
Request a bank statement; the sort code and account number should be printed there near each other.
Is it safe to share my UK bank sort code?
In most cases, yes. You’ll have to share the ‘sort code UK bank’ with anyone who is about to send you a domestic transfer. Otherwise, the money may not reach you. Do we tell you to forget about common sense, though? Of course not. If you don’t expect payments from anyone or someone who is asking acts shady, don’t reveal any personal information to them (even your voice and photos!)
What can go wrong
Not everything goes according to plan. Be careful and avoid these mistakes:
Typing errors
Your finger slipped, and you typed 9 instead of 0. The result? Money sent to the wrong branch/account, or the transfer failure. If the sort code and account number combination doesn't exist, your transfer will usually be rejected, and the money will be returned. But if the details match an existing account, the funds may end up in the wrong hands.
Outdated information
The code may change over time due to various reasons (branch closure, merging). Check the current one before each transfer.
Fraud
The sort code itself doesn’t provide access to your account — even if the person knows it, they can’t pay with your card or withdraw money. But scammers never sleep. They may send you a fake sort code and trick you into sending money to the wrong account. Always verify details directly with the person or business you’re paying. Our advice is to never rely on information sent in an unexpected email or message.
How to send money from the UK
You’re now an expert on the UK banking sort codes, so here are more useful tips. While the sort codes are used for domestic transfers, international ones are a little bit more complicated… or not? One service — Profee — makes sending money abroad simple and pleasant. With 800,000 customers already trusting it, Profee stands out with:
Exchange rates that work for you
Every second counts — and so does every pound. Profee's intelligent system tracks real-time currency rates, so you're never stuck with yesterday's numbers. You get unmatched rates available whenever you hit ‘Send.’
Speed
It’s faster than you can say ‘Transfer complete.’ Why wait days when you can send in minutes? With Profee, moving money from the UK takes only a few taps, and the funds arrive fast. Quick for you. Instant relief for them.
Security that doesn’t sleep
We guard your money and personal data like it’s our own. Profee is licensed, PCI DSS certified, GDPR compliant, and backed by 24/7 fraud monitoring. This isn’t just ‘safe’ — it’s fortress-level protection.
Simplicity
No tech headaches, clutter or guessing. The Profee app and website are designed for real people — clear steps, a clean interface, and an experience so smooth, you’ll wonder why you didn’t switch sooner.
Step-by-step guide
Now or later — save this instruction for when you send money from the UK with Profee.
Join the service
On the website or in our app, both work perfectly. You’ll need to provide some personal information, like your phone number and name. We collect it to prevent fraud and ensure that our customers are real people.
Decide how much to send
Map the transfer with countries and insert the transfer amount. Take a moment to admire the exchange rate and little to no fees.
Select how to pay
Visa, Mastercard, Google Pay or Apple Pay — choose your fighter, as game lovers would say.
Add the recipient details
Let us know who you are sending money to, so we can deliver it properly.
Confirm
Press ‘Confirm’ or ‘Send’, and your transfer will be on its way. It’ll be as fast as Formula 1 cars.
FAQ — the UK banking sort codes
A quick recap of the article and additional questions.
What is a sort code?
It's a 6-digit code used as a bank identifier for domestic transfers. Only the UK and Ireland have it.
What is a bank sort code example?
A bank sort code example is 60-83-71, a unified Starling code.
Where do I find my sort code?
There are several options:
- Account number and sort code on cards.
- Online banking.
- Bank statements.
Or contact your bank directly.
Is IBAN the same as a sort code?
No, IBAN doesn’t replace your sort code. IBAN is your international number, while the sort code is for domestic usage. For local payments, the IBAN is not required — the sort code and account number are enough.
What happens if you put the wrong sort code?
If it doesn’t match a real account, the payment will fail automatically, and the funds should return to your account. If it does match, and the money was sent to the wrong account, contact your bank immediately. They’ll try to help, but if the person refuses to return the money, there’s only a small chance of getting it back.
Can two accounts have the same sort code?
Yes, if the accounts belong to the same bank, especially the same branch. In such cases, the sort code identifies the bank and branch, while the account number distinguishes individual accounts.
