How to Find Sort Code From IBAN
The sort code is the 9th to 14th digit in your IBAN. If you're just looking to find sort code from IBAN, that is it. However, there's more information you can find in your IBAN. In this guide, we will outline what sort codes and IBANs are, look at when they are required, how to decode them, and other details you can find in your IBAN.
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Author: Artiom Pucinskij
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Table of contents
Sort code vs IBAN: Key differences
Feature | IBAN (International Bank Account Number) | Sort Code |
|---|---|---|
Purpose | Used for international transactions to identify bank accounts | Used for domestic transactions to identify banks in the UK |
Format | Alphanumeric code, up to 34 characters | Numeric code, 6 digits long |
Components | Country code, two check digits, and a Basic Bank Account Number (BBAN) | Bank code and branch code |
Scope | International | Domestic (primarily used in the United Kingdom) |
Countries Used | Over 70 countries, mainly in Europe, Middle East, and the Caribbean | United Kingdom |
Standardization | ISO 13616-1:2007 | Domestic UK standard |
Examples | GB82 WEST 1234 5698 7654 32 | 12-34-56 |
Usage | Ensures accurate processing of cross-border transactions | Facilitates domestic money transfers and check processing |
Introduction Year | 1997 | Early 20th century |
Validation | Includes check digits for error detection and validation | Basic validation |
Sort Code
A sort code is the domestic bank code used to identify bank branches in the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland. To make a domestic transfer, you need both the recipient’s sort code and account number.
IBAN
An IBAN, or International Bank Account Number, is a unique identifier for bank accounts around the world, making it easier to correctly route money using only one cataloging system.
It’s used for international transfers by financial institutions in over 82 countries and territories worldwide and includes unique details allowing you to identify banks in each country, including a sort code for the UK and Ireland.
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I made a transfer to a Canadian company 1.5 months ago, and the funds have not yet been received. After multiple emails, Wise insists that the money was paid out. However, I have received an official statement from the recipient’s bank confirming that the money has not been received. Wise's complaints department sent me a final letter stating that, according to their records, the funds were paid out. Additionally, Wise states the following in their Customer Agreement regarding their responsibility for losses: Quote from Wise's Terms: "Our Customer Agreement also explains our responsibility for losses in Section 29: 29.1 Unforeseeable loss or damage. We are not responsible for any loss or damage that is not foreseeable. Loss or damage is foreseeable if either it is obvious that it will happen or if, at the time the contract was made, both we and you knew it might happen, for example, if you discussed it with us during your sign-up process. 29.9 We are not liable for things which are outside of our control. We (and our affiliates) cannot be liable for our inability to deliver or delay because of things which are outside our control." Despite these terms, Wise has not been able to resolve this issue, and the money has still not been delivered as promised. I find it irresponsible that Wise does not conduct any investigations into the matter. The Canadian bank associated with Wise is unable to provide any information, as everything goes through Wise. Wise must be capable of tracking the funds and providing precise details about where exactly the money is, who received it, and to which bank account it was deposited. I would advise everyone to be cautious when transferring large sums of money with Wise. They are not capable of executing a secure money transfer!
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Sort code format explained
A sort code is made up of six digits, split into three, often hyphenated pairs. The first pair is typically used to identify banks, and the remaining four digits identify which branch of the bank it is. A sort code may appear in the following formats: 202015 or 20-20-15. You can find sort code from IBAN by looking at the 9th to 14th digit of the code.
IBAN format explained
IBANs are composed of up to 34 alphanumeric characters, which include a country code, a check number, a bank code, a branch code, and an account number. Because countries use different systems for numbering their accounts, the IBAN length will vary from country to country.
Using IBAN to find the sort code in the UK
The IBAN for UK accounts starts with "GB" followed by two check digits, the four-character bank identifier (which includes the bank code), the six-digit sort code, and the eight-digit account number.
- Country Code:
- GB
- Check Number:
- 33
- Bank Identifier:
- BUKB
- Sort Code:
- 202015
- Account Number:
- 55555555
Format of an IBAN
As per the example, each part of an IBAN should follow this format.
Country
A-ZThe country that the bank account is held in - this is generally the universal country code.
Check Digits
0-9This enables the sending bank to perform a security check of the routing destination.
Bank Identifier
A-Z 0-9This code identifies the recipient account holder’s bank.
Sort/Bank Code
0-9The sort/bank code for the bank transfer.
Account Number
0-9The account number for the bank transfer.
When would you need to find a sort code using an IBAN?
You might need to provide a sort code when conducting certain banking transactions, such as:
Setting Up Direct Debits
Some organizations might request your sort code and account number specifically when setting up direct debits, even if you provide an IBAN initially.
International money transfers
If someone from abroad is transferring money to your UK account, their bank might provide the transfer details in the form of an IBAN. For tracking or verification purposes, you might need to know the sort code.
Local Transactions in the UK
Suppose you have an IBAN but need to make a domestic transaction within the UK. In that case, you may need to extract the sort code and account number from the IBAN to process the payment through UK-specific systems like BACS or Faster Payments, which use sort codes and account numbers rather than IBANs.
Verification and Validation
When verifying or validating a bank account, you might need to extract the sort code from the IBAN to ensure that the details match the expected format for UK accounts.
Payment Instructions
When giving payment instructions to someone who needs to send money from within the UK, they might prefer or require the sort code and account number format rather than the IBAN.
Bank Reconciliation and Statements
For reconciliation purposes, especially if you're dealing with financial statements or accounting systems that are set up to use sort codes and account numbers.
Here's where you can find your IBAN
If you need to find the sort code from IBAN, you’ll need your IBAN. You can find it by doing one of the following:
Use our IBAN calculator
The quickest way to find IBAN is to use our calculator. Simply select the country and enter your details below. However, always cross-verify the generated IBAN with your bank, especially if you are going to use it for international transfers. Incorrect IBANs can lead to delays or lost funds.
Calculate an IBAN
Other ways to find IBAN
Bank statements
Your IBAN is often listed on your bank statements. Whether you receive your statements in the mail or access them online, look for the account summary section where your account details are listed.
Online banking
Log in to your bank's online banking portal or mobile app. Navigate to the account details section for the specific account you are interested in. The IBAN is usually displayed alongside your account number and sort code.
Bank branch
You can visit your local bank branch and ask a representative for your IBAN. They will be able to provide it to you.
Bank's customer service
Contact your bank’s customer service via phone or email. They can provide your IBAN after verifying your identity.
Other details you can find from IBAN
Sort code is not the only detail you can find using your IBAN. Here are a few more details:
Country Code: The first two letters of the IBAN represent the country where the bank account is held. For example, "GB" stands for the United Kingdom, "DE" for Germany, and "FR" for France.
Check Digits: The next two digits serve as a checksum that helps verify the integrity of the IBAN. They are used to detect errors in the IBAN during data entry or transmission.
Bank Code: Following the check digits, there is typically a bank code, which identifies the specific bank where the account is held. This code varies in length and format depending on the country.
Branch Code: In some countries, the IBAN includes a branch code that specifies the particular branch of the bank where the account is located.
Sort Code: In countries like the United Kingdom and Ireland, the IBAN may include the sort code, which identifies the bank branch.
Account Number: The remaining digits of the IBAN represent the account number associated with the bank account. The length and format of the account number can vary depending on the country and bank.
Because your IBAN displays your country codes, your sort code, and your account number, you can use it to pinpoint the address of your bank branch. The country code identifies the country of the banking institution, and each individual branch has its own sort code. Using this, you can pinpoint the address of a branch using an IBAN.
A virtual IBAN lets you make and receive international payments as a local. Virtual IBANs are like "add-ons" to your main account, but for a specific location.
We recommend using Wise Business if you need a virtual IBAN. It offers:
10 Local accounts
Low transfer fees (sending fees from 0.33%)
Very simple & intuitive app
Wise Business has a one-time setup fee, which is cheaper than many other alternatives.
More about sort codes
Are sort codes only used in the UK and Ireland?
Yes, sort codes are only used in the UK and Ireland, but other countries use different branch identifiers. Some of the different branch identifier formats are listed below:
Australia | 736226 | |
|---|---|---|
Canada | 000101001 | |
The Philippines | Bank Routing Symbol Transit Number (BRSTN) | 010320013 |
Mexico | ABM Bank/Locality Number | 030 225 |
When would I need my sort code?
You’ll need a sort code when you’re transferring money to the UK or Ireland from abroad, or when transferring money domestically between UK and Ireland bank accounts. Sort codes are important for transfers as they identify the bank and branch you’re transferring money to. Sort codes are also used to arrange direct debit payments made from a UK or Ireland bank account.
Is the UK sort code in the IBAN?
The UK sort code is included within the IBANs for UK bank accounts. In the UK and Ireland, the sort code is the 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th, 13th, and 14th digits of the IBAN.
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Sources & further reading
How to Find Your IBAN Through Your Account Number
If you know your IBAN, finding your account number will be very straightforward. The account number is the last 8-digits of your IBAN, and will be the same as the account number associated with whatever account is receiving funds, like so:
IBAN vs Routing number
Here's a quick summary of the main differences between IBAN and the routing number:
IBAN vs Account Number
Made up of alphanumeric characters, an IBAN can be no more than 34 characters long. Here's how it looks:
SWIFT vs IBAN: What's The Difference?
Here's a list of places where you can find:
What is an IBAN generator?
IBAN generators are widely available on the internet, but how do they work? In terms of functionality, an IBAN generator is similar to an IBAN calculator in so much as they can both be used to convert alternate bank details into International Bank Account Numbers (IBAN). Thanks to special software which has been developed to calculate the details needed for an international money transfer, to remove the chance of errors or delays.
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