What is a Sort Code?
A Sort Code is a 6-digit code used to identify a bank, or a specific branch of a bank, in the United Kingdom.
It is used as part of the bank account details for UK GBP payments.
Sort Codes are often shown with hyphens, for example 12-34-56. In Send, you should enter the digits only, without spaces or hyphens.
When you may need a Sort Code on Send
You may be asked for a Sort Code when you are sending GBP to a UK bank account.
For GBP to a UK bank account, Send can usually accept either:
- A Sort Code with the recipient's account number.
- A SWIFT/BIC code with the recipient's IBAN.
Use the details provided by your recipient and follow the on-screen prompts in Send.
If you are sending a different currency to a UK bank account (for example, AUD, USD, or EUR), Send will generally ask for a SWIFT/BIC code together with an IBAN. For more information, see Information on SWIFT BIC numbers and IBAN.
Where to get the Sort Code
Your recipient is the best person to provide this code.
If they’re not sure where to find it, they can check:
- Their online banking, usually in the account details section.
- A recent bank statement, the Sort code is usually printed near the account number.
- Their bank directly
How to add a recipient's Sort code
Step 1: Open the Add recipient screen
- Log in to your Send account.
- Go to the Recipients page.
- Select Add recipient.
- Select United Kingdom as the recipient's country and GBP as the recipient's currency.
Step 2: Enter the Sort code
Type the 6-digit code into the Sort Code field.
- Enter the Sort Code exactly as your recipient has provided it.
- Take care to copy every character without adding spaces at the start or end.
- Don't add spaces or dashes (hyphens).
Step 3: Check the codes match
Before continuing, check that the Sort code matches the Sort code given to you by the recipient.
You should also check the recipient’s account number and name before saving.
What happens next
If the Sort Code is entered in the correct format, you can continue adding the recipient.
Incorrect or incomplete bank details may delay the payment or cause it to be rejected or returned.
Common questions
I entered the Sort Code but the payment was rejected or returned
A rejected or returned payment can happen for different reasons, including incorrect recipient bank details.
- Check the Sort Code and the recipient's account details with the recipient or their bank.
- If the payment has been returned, contact our support team for help with next steps.
My recipient gave me an IBAN, not a Sort Code - which do I use?
For GBP to a UK bank account, Send may accept either:
- A Sort Code with the recipient's account details, or
- A SWIFT/BIC code with the recipient's IBAN.
Use the details your recipient has provided and follow the on-screen prompts in Send.
The Sort Code I entered isn't being accepted
- Make sure you have entered all 6 digits with no hyphens and no spaces.
- Confirm the Sort Code with the recipient or their bank, in case the code is incorrect or out of date.
- If you continue to have trouble, contact our support team.
Related articles
For details on other bank codes, see:
- IBAN (Multiple countries)
- Clearing Codes (Multiple countries)
- Account number (New Zealand)
- ABA codes (United States)
- Account type (India)
- Agency codes (Brazil)
- Bank code (South Africa)
- Information on SWIFT BIC numbers
- CBU codes (Argentina)
- CLABE (Mexico)
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