What is a bank sort code?

A bank sort code is a unique six-digit number that is used in the United Kingdom payments industry to identify bank branches. It is similar to the American Bankers Association number used in the United States.

A sort code is necessary when making payments to banks in the United Kingdom. All sort codes belonging to banks and building societies that are part of U.K. clearing systems are listed in the Extended Industry Sort Code Directory. According to Bacs Payment Schemes, the EISCD also contains other payments-related information, such as the bank office identifier, payment schemes that the bank participates in, and the branch title, postal address and telephone number.