What is a bank account sort code?

A bank account sort code is a six-digit number that is used in the United Kingdom and Ireland to identify the specific bank and branch where an account is held. The number is most commonly displayed as three pairs of numbers, each two digits in length.

Consumers can find their bank account sort codes in a few different places, although the exact location and method can vary based on the issuing bank. For example, Barclays and National Westminster banks have bank account sort codes printed on debit cards, on bank statements and on checks and displayed on online banking pages.