What is a Building Society Roll Number?

What is a building society roll number?

A building society roll number is an alphanumeric reference code used to identify individual building society accounts. They’re usually up to 18 characters long - you give roll numbers as the reference when paying into a building society account.

Where do I find my building society roll number?

To find your building society roll number you can check your statements or any original documentation provided by the institution when you signed up. You can also contact your building society directly - but only the account holder can do this.

What is a building society?

A building society is an institution that offers banking and other financial services to its clients. They specialise in mortgage lending and demand-deposit accounts, but you can also access traditional retail services such as current and savings accounts, credit cards and personal loans.

How are building societies different from banks?

Building societies are different to standard UK bank accounts built on the principle of mutuality. This means instead of being known as clients or customers, individuals who open building society accounts are known as members and granted democratic control of the business and a share in its profits.

Do I need my building society roll number to make an international money transfer?

Yes, you will need the building society roll number to make an international money transfer if you are sending money to a building society. If you are sending the money online, it is important to reference the roll number when initiating the payment.

How to use roll numbers to send money to a building society account

How to use roll numbers to receive money in a building society account

Alternative methods that do not require a roll number

If you need to send money to someone with a building society account rather than a bank account and you don’t want to use this method, you do have alternative options:

• Balance transfer: Wise is an example of a provider that offers balance transfers - so you can send from your Wise balance to another person’s Wise account using just their email address. You’ll both need to have an account, but the benefit here is that there is no fee involved.

• Cash pickups: The easiest and fastest way to send money to someone abroad is to arrange a cash pickup. Providers like RIA, XE and more offer cash pickups in countries that have building societies, and through this method money is often ready for collection in minutes.

• Digital wallets: Most people in Commonwealth countries, the only countries that have building societies, will also have access to mobile phones and some kind of digital wallet, such as PayPal. You may therefore be able to send money directly to their email address or phone number.

• Card deposits: A number of different providers, including Moneygram and Paysend, allow transfers to another person’s credit or debit card. This means the money will land in their account but you’ll only need their card number, rather than their building society roll number.

• Airtime top up: You may be able to send money as airtime directly to someone’s mobile phone account in the form of talk time or data for internet usage. For example, WorldRemit offer this option to a number of destination countries.