Australian BSB Number Validator Tool
🔒 No data is stored or logged. Validation happens in your browser.
What to Do Next
- ✓ Verify the account number matches this BSB
- ✓ Confirm the bank name and branch match your recipient
- ✓ Check if this BSB accepts the transfer type you need (BPAY, Direct Entry, NPP)
- ✓ Keep a record of this validation for your transaction
How It Works
Australian BSB (Bank State Branch) numbers are 6-digit codes that identify a specific bank branch. They’re structured in three pairs (XXX-XXX), where the first two digits identify the financial institution, the third digit indicates the state where the branch is located, and the remaining three digits pinpoint the exact branch.
BSB Number Format:
BSB = Bank Code (2 digits) + State Code (1 digit) + Branch Code (3 digits)
Example: 062-000 (Commonwealth Bank, NSW, Main Branch)
When you enter a BSB number, this tool validates the format, checks if it’s a legitimate bank code registered with the Australian Payments Network, and identifies which financial institution and branch it belongs to. BSB numbers don’t have a mathematical checksum like routing numbers, so validation relies on format checking and database lookup.
The BSB system was introduced in the 1960s to automate cheque processing across Australia. Today, it’s essential for all domestic transfers, including Direct Entry (salary deposits, bill payments), BPAY, and the New Payments Platform (NPP) for instant transfers. Every bank account in Australia has a unique combination of BSB and account number.
What Each Part of Your BSB Means
| Position | Purpose | Example (062-000) |
|---|---|---|
| Digits 1-2 | Bank/Institution Code | 06 (Commonwealth Bank) |
| Digit 3 | State Location | 2 (New South Wales) |
| Digits 4-6 | Specific Branch | 000 (Main/Head Office) |
Who Needs This Tool?
Anyone moving money in Australia. If you’re setting up a Direct Debit for rent, paying a tradie via bank transfer, receiving your salary into a new account, or sending money to a mate, you need the correct BSB. One wrong digit and your payment bounces, gets delayed, or ends up somewhere you didn’t intend.
Small business owners use this before paying suppliers or contractors. Landlords verify it before accepting rent via direct deposit. Freelancers check it when clients provide bank details for invoices. Parents validate it before setting up pocket money transfers to their kids’ first accounts. Employers double-check it when employees update their payroll details.
💡 Quick Tip
Some banks have multiple BSB numbers for different branches or services. Digital banks like Up, 86 400, and Macquarie often use a single BSB for all customers. Always use the exact BSB your recipient provides.
What Happens If the BSB Is Invalid?
If the format is wrong (not 6 digits or contains letters), you’ve definitely got a typo. Go back to your source (bank statement, payment slip, or email from your recipient) and compare digit by digit. Common mistakes include reading a handwritten 5 as an S, missing a digit, or swapping two numbers.
Even if the format is correct, the BSB might not exist in the banking system. Banks close branches, merge operations, or retire old BSB codes during consolidations. A properly formatted number doesn’t guarantee the branch is active or that it accepts the type of transfer you’re trying to make.
When Should You Validate a BSB?
Before every new payment setup. That includes adding a payee to internet banking, entering Direct Debit details for utilities, setting up BPAY for bills, or initiating an NPP instant transfer. Even if you’ve paid someone before, verify their BSB if they’ve changed banks or moved accounts.
Also validate if the numbers look unusual. If someone gives you a BSB that starts with 00 or 99, be suspicious. Most major Australian banks use codes starting with specific ranges (01-12 for major banks, higher numbers for credit unions and building societies). Codes outside normal ranges are worth double-checking.
Why Australian BSB Numbers Exist
Before automation, banks manually sorted cheques by reading handwritten branch names and account numbers, which was slow and error-prone. In 1966, Australian banks adopted the BSB system to automate cheque clearing. The codes let machines read and route cheques to the correct branch automatically.
The Australian Payments Network (formerly APCA) manages the BSB system and assigns codes to banks, credit unions, and building societies. Each institution then assigns specific BSB numbers to its branches. The system now powers all domestic electronic payments, including salary deposits, Direct Debits, BPAY, and instant NPP transfers.
Where to Find Your BSB Number
The easiest place is your internet banking or mobile app. Log in, select your account, and look for account details. Your BSB appears at the top, usually formatted as XXX-XXX with a hyphen between the third and fourth digits.
You can also find it on bank statements (paper or electronic), on your debit card (some banks print it), at the bottom of cheques (if you still use them), or by calling your bank’s customer service line. If you’re receiving money, never guess your BSB. Look it up to be certain.
💡 Finding It on a Cheque
On an Australian cheque, the BSB appears at the bottom in two places: once on its own (6 digits) and again as part of the longer number sequence. It’s also usually printed at the top right corner for easy reference.
How to Avoid Common BSB Mistakes
First, never assume your BSB matches another branch of the same bank. Every branch has its own unique BSB. Even if you bank with CommBank and your friend banks with CommBank down the street, your BSBs will be different (unless you both use the same branch).
Second, watch for transposition errors. The most common mistake is swapping two adjacent digits (typing 062-000 as 062-001). These look almost identical but send money to completely different places. Always double-check your entry against the source.
Third, don’t confuse old and new BSBs. When banks merge (like Westpac absorbing St.George, Bank of Melbourne, and BankSA), they often maintain legacy BSB codes for years. If you’re working with old paperwork, verify the BSB is still active before using it.
Major Australian Bank BSB Ranges
| Bank | Common BSB Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Commonwealth Bank (CBA) | 06X-XXX | Largest bank in Australia |
| Westpac | 03X-XXX | Also includes St.George, BankSA, Bank of Melbourne |
| ANZ | 01X-XXX | Australia and New Zealand Banking Group |
| NAB (National Australia Bank) | 08X-XXX | Includes UBank |
| Bendigo Bank | 633-XXX | Regional bank with wide network |
| Macquarie Bank | 182-512 | Single BSB for most customers |
| ING Australia | 923-100 | Digital-only bank |
| Up Bank | 633-000 | Powered by Bendigo Bank |
State Codes in BSB Numbers
| Third Digit | State/Territory | Example BSB |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | New South Wales | 062-XXX |
| 3 | Victoria | 063-XXX |
| 4 | Queensland | 064-XXX |
| 5 | South Australia | 065-XXX |
| 6 | Western Australia | 066-XXX |
| 7 | Tasmania | 067-XXX |
| 8 | ACT/NT | 068-XXX |
Quick Sanity Check: Sample BSB Numbers
| BSB Number | Bank Example | Valid Format? |
|---|---|---|
| 062-000 | Commonwealth Bank, NSW | ✓ Valid |
| 033-044 | Westpac, VIC | ✓ Valid |
| 014-209 | ANZ, QLD | ✓ Valid |
| 12345 | Too short | ✗ Invalid |
| AB-1234 | Contains letters | ✗ Invalid |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my BSB change after I open an account?
Yes. If your branch closes, merges, or your bank migrates to a new system, your BSB might change. Your bank should notify you in advance and help you update any Direct Debits, salary deposits, or saved payees. However, it’s smart to check your current BSB periodically, especially before setting up new payments.
Is it safe to share my BSB and account number?
Generally yes, for receiving payments. People need both your BSB and account number to deposit money into your account. However, be cautious about sharing them publicly or with untrusted sources. While someone can’t withdraw money with just these details, they could potentially set up a Direct Debit. Only share with people or businesses you trust.
What’s the difference between a BSB and a SWIFT code?
BSB numbers are used for domestic Australian transfers (within Australia only). SWIFT codes (also called BIC codes) are used for international transfers. If you’re sending money from Australia to another country or receiving money from overseas, you’ll need your bank’s SWIFT code, not your BSB.
Do online-only banks have BSB numbers?
Yes. Digital banks like Up, 86 400, Xinja, and ING all have BSB numbers assigned by the Australian Payments Network. Many digital banks use a single BSB for all customer accounts, while traditional banks have unique BSBs for each physical branch.
Can two different banks have the same BSB?
No. Each BSB is unique and belongs to only one financial institution and branch. However, one bank can have thousands of different BSBs for different branches, regions, or services (like one BSB for transaction accounts and another for savings accounts).
Why do some banks have so many BSB numbers?
Large banks with hundreds of branches across Australia have unique BSBs for each location. Additionally, when banks merge (like Westpac acquiring St.George), they often maintain the old BSBs for existing accounts rather than forcing everyone to switch. This is why some banks have massive ranges of BSB codes.
What happens if I use the wrong BSB?
If the BSB doesn’t exist, the payment system usually rejects the transaction immediately and returns your money. If the BSB exists but belongs to the wrong branch or bank, the payment might fail during processing, get bounced back within 1-3 business days, or in rare cases, end up in an unintended account. This is why validation is critical.
Do all BSB numbers support NPP instant transfers?
Not all. While most major banks support NPP (New Payments Platform) for instant transfers via PayID or account details, some older BSB codes or smaller institutions might not be NPP-enabled yet. If an instant transfer fails, try a standard Direct Entry transfer instead, which usually takes 1-2 business days.
How long does it take for a new BSB to become active?
When a new bank branch opens or a financial institution gets a new BSB assigned, it typically becomes active within a few business days. However, it can take several weeks for all payment systems, payroll providers, and other institutions to recognize and process payments to new BSBs in their systems.