UK Bank Sort Code Validator Tool
🔒 No data is stored or logged. Validation happens in your browser.
What to Do Next
- ✓ Verify the account number matches this sort code
- ✓ Confirm the bank name and branch match your recipient
- ✓ Check this sort code supports the transfer type you need (Faster Payments, BACS, CHAPS)
- ✓ Keep a record of this validation for your transaction
How It Works
UK sort codes are 6-digit numbers that identify a specific bank branch. They’re structured in three pairs (XX-XX-XX), where each pair has a purpose. The first two digits identify the bank, the middle pair narrows it down to a region or banking group, and the last pair pinpoints the exact branch.
UK Sort Code Format:
Sort Code = Bank Identifier (2 digits) + Group Code (2 digits) + Branch Code (2 digits)
Example: 20-00-00 (Barclays Bank, Main Office)
When you enter a sort code, this tool validates the format, checks if it’s a legitimate bank code in the UK banking system, and identifies which financial institution and branch it belongs to. Unlike some other banking codes, sort codes don’t have a mathematical checksum. Validation relies on format checking and matching against known bank codes.
The sort code system has been around since the 1960s when banks automated cheque clearing. Today, it’s essential for all UK bank transfers, including Faster Payments, BACS, CHAPS, and Direct Debits. Every bank account in the UK has a unique combination of sort code and account number.
What Each Part of Your Sort Code Means
| Position | Purpose | Example (20-00-00) |
|---|---|---|
| Digits 1-2 | Bank Identifier | 20 (Barclays) |
| Digits 3-4 | Group or Region Code | 00 (Head Office group) |
| Digits 5-6 | Specific Branch | 00 (Main branch) |
Who Needs This Tool?
Anyone sending money in the UK. If you’re paying a contractor, setting up a Direct Debit for utilities, transferring your salary to a new account, or sending money to a friend, you need the correct sort code. One wrong digit and your payment fails, gets delayed, or worse, lands in the wrong account.
Small business owners use this before paying suppliers. Landlords verify it before accepting rent via standing order. Freelancers check it when clients provide bank details for payment. Parents validate it before setting up pocket money transfers to their children’s first accounts. Employees double-check it when updating payroll information with a new employer.
💡 Quick Tip
Some banks have multiple sort codes for different branches or legacy banking systems (especially after mergers). Always use the exact sort code your recipient provides, not just any code for that bank.
What Happens If the Sort Code 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, cheque, or email from your recipient) and compare digit by digit. Common mistakes include reading a handwritten 5 as an S, missing a digit, or adding an extra zero.
Even if the format is correct, the sort code might not exist in the banking system. Banks close branches, merge operations, or retire old sort codes during reorganizations. A properly formatted number doesn’t guarantee the branch is still active or that it accepts the type of transfer you’re trying to make.
When Should You Validate a Sort Code?
Before every new payment setup. That includes adding a new payee to online banking, entering Direct Debit details for a subscription, setting up standing orders for rent, or initiating a bank transfer for a deposit. Even if you’ve sent money to someone before, verify their sort code if they’ve changed banks or moved accounts.
Also validate if the numbers look unusual. If someone gives you a sort code that starts with 00 or 99, be cautious. Most major UK banks use codes starting with digits between 01 and 83. Codes outside this range might be valid for certain institutions, but they’re worth double-checking.
Why UK Sort Codes Exist
Before automation, banks manually sorted cheques by reading handwritten account details, which was slow and error-prone. In the 1960s, UK banks adopted the sort code system to automate cheque clearing. The codes let machines read and route cheques to the correct branch automatically.
The system proved so effective that it became the foundation for all UK payment types. Today, Faster Payments (instant transfers), BACS (batch payments for salaries and Direct Debits), and CHAPS (same-day high-value transfers) all rely on sort codes to route money correctly.
Where to Find Your Sort Code
The easiest place is on your debit card. Most UK banks print the sort code on the front, usually above or below your name. It’s formatted as XX-XX-XX with hyphens between each pair of digits.
If you don’t have your card handy, check a bank statement (paper or online). The sort code appears at the top, usually next to your account number. You can also find it in your mobile banking app under account details, or by calling your bank’s customer service line.
💡 Finding It on a Cheque
On a UK cheque, the sort code appears twice: at the top right corner (printed clearly) and at the bottom in the numbers printed in magnetic ink. Both should match exactly.
How to Avoid Common Sort Code Mistakes
First, never assume. Even if you’ve used the same sort code for years, banks sometimes migrate accounts to new codes during system upgrades or mergers. Always check the current code before setting up a new payment, especially if you’re switching to a different payment method.
Second, type carefully. The most common error is transposing two digits (typing 20-00-00 as 20-00-10). These mistakes look subtle but send your money to completely different branches. Always enter the sort code twice and compare, or copy-paste to avoid typing errors.
Third, watch out for similar-looking numbers. In handwritten bank details, 1 can look like 7, 5 can look like 6, and 8 can look like 3. If you’re working from handwritten information, verify the numbers with your recipient before sending money.
Major UK Bank Sort Code Ranges
| Bank | Common Sort Code Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Barclays | 20-XX-XX | One of the largest ranges |
| NatWest | 50-XX-XX to 60-XX-XX | Also includes RBS ranges |
| HSBC | 40-XX-XX | Includes First Direct |
| Lloyds Bank | 30-XX-XX | Also Halifax and Bank of Scotland |
| Santander | 09-XX-XX | Multiple ranges from mergers |
| Nationwide | 07-XX-XX | Building society, not a bank |
| TSB | 77-XX-XX | Split from Lloyds in 2013 |
| Metro Bank | 23-XX-XX | Newer digital-first bank |
Quick Sanity Check: Sample Sort Codes
| Sort Code | Bank Example | Valid Format? |
|---|---|---|
| 20-00-00 | Barclays, Main Office | ✓ Valid |
| 60-16-13 | NatWest, London Branch | ✓ Valid |
| 40-47-09 | HSBC, Birmingham | ✓ Valid |
| 12345 | Too short | ✗ Invalid |
| AB-12-34 | Contains letters | ✗ Invalid |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my sort code change after I open an account?
Yes. If your branch closes, merges with another, or your bank undergoes a system migration, your sort code might change. Your bank should notify you well in advance and help you update any standing orders, Direct Debits, or saved payees. However, it’s smart to verify your current sort code periodically.
Is it safe to share my sort code and account number?
Generally yes, for receiving payments. People need both your sort code and account number to send you money. However, be cautious about who you share them with. While someone can’t withdraw money with just these details, they could potentially set up a Direct Debit. Only share with trusted sources.
What’s the difference between a sort code and an IBAN?
A sort code is used for UK domestic transfers. An IBAN (International Bank Account Number) is used for international transfers and includes your sort code, account number, and country code all in one long number. For transfers within the UK, you only need the sort code and account number.
Do online banks and challengers use sort codes?
Yes. Digital banks like Monzo, Starling, Revolut, and Wise all have UK sort codes. They’re assigned by the Payment Systems Regulator just like traditional banks. The sort code system works identically whether you bank with a century-old institution or a smartphone-only service.
Can two different banks have the same sort code?
No. Each sort code is unique and belongs to only one financial institution and branch. However, one bank can have thousands of different sort codes for different branches, regions, or legacy systems from acquired banks.
Why do some banks have so many sort codes?
Large banks with hundreds of branches have unique sort codes for each location. Additionally, when banks merge or acquire other institutions, they often maintain the old sort codes for existing accounts rather than forcing everyone to switch. This is why banks like Lloyds (which absorbed TSB, Halifax, and Bank of Scotland) have massive ranges of sort codes.
What happens if I use the wrong sort code?
If the sort code doesn’t exist, the payment system usually rejects the transaction immediately. If it exists but belongs to the wrong branch or bank, the payment might fail during processing, get bounced back, or in rare cases, end up in the wrong account. This is why validation before sending is critical.
Do all sort codes support all payment types?
Not always. While most sort codes support Faster Payments and BACS, some older or specialized codes might not. Additionally, certain sort codes (like those for savings accounts) might not accept Direct Debits. If you’re setting up a specific payment type and it fails, contact your bank to verify your sort code supports that service.
How long does it take for a new sort code to become active?
When a new bank branch opens or a bank gets a new sort code assigned, it typically becomes active within a few business days. However, it can take several weeks for all payment systems, employers, and other institutions to recognize and process payments to new sort codes in their systems.