Everyday financial tools

United Kingdom bank code guide

When to use Six-digit sort code, what to request from the bank, and how to interpret directory results.

Domestic payments

Use the sort code and recipient account details requested by your bank.

International payments

For an international payment, use the recipient bank’s IBAN and any BIC or other routing instructions requested by the sending bank.

Important distinctions

Write sort codes as six digits, commonly grouped as 12-34-56.
Our UK directory currently covers HSBC UK branches only. It does not cover Halifax or every UK sort code.
Finding a branch record does not confirm Faster Payments, Bacs or CHAPS eligibility. Use a current authorised source for scheme eligibility.

How to find and confirm the identifier

Ask the recipient to obtain payment instructions from their bank’s official app, statement or website.
Match the country, identifier type and institution. Keep leading zeros and do not substitute a different code type.
For a changed bank or branch, verify the replacement instructions directly with the bank. A similar name is not enough.

Directory coverage

Partial UK directory: HSBC UK branch records only. Source last updated 2026-10-30T15:06:56.612Z. It does not cover Halifax or other banks, closed branches, all centrally assigned sort codes, or current payment-scheme eligibility. Missing records do not mean a code is invalid. No EISCD or competitor data has been copied.

Saved source date: 2026-10-30. Authority / source reference ↗

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