In the UK, it is common for banks to place your sort code on card, cheque, and bank correspondence. So, it should not be difficult for you to find yours.
However, you might be wondering what a sort code on a card is. In this article, we’ll share exactly what you need to know about a sort code, whether on your payment card or bank account statement.
This article is part of our free series on banking in Europe, specifically opening a UK bank account without proof of address, which you can access by clicking here.
Feel free to use the table of contents to jump ahead to the sections most relevant to you.
Table of Contents
- What Is a Sort Code on a Card?
- How Do I Find My Bank Account Number?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Do You Want Help Opening Bank Accounts?
What Is a Sort Code on a Card?
The sort code on a bank card in the UK identifies the bank and branch of a particular bank account. Most commonly, the sort code is used in electronic transfers and direct debits for routing funds.
While only a handful of countries use sort codes, they are essential banking information for account identification in the UK banking system.
Another important UK identifier is the UTR Number in the UK, which stands for a Unique Taxpayer Reference Number that is used for self-assessment tax returns.
In the following sections of the article, we will discuss where to find your sort code and your bank account number. We will also answer several questions we receive on the topic of sort codes below.
How Do I Find My Bank Account Number?
You can find your bank account number in a number of different places. In most cases, the easiest way to confirm your bank account number is by reviewing past bank statements. However, if you do not have a bank account statement easily accessible, you can also log into your online or mobile banking.
Of course, there are several other ways to find your bank account number as well, which we’ll detail below:
Bank Account Statement
Bank account statements will have your bank account number listed, usually at the top of the statement. Banks print the bank account number on statements to ensure that clients are able to differentiate between different accounts held at the bank.
Additionally, by reviewing your bank account statement you will also be able to find your sort code and other relevant account information.
Online Bank Account
Online banking is an immediate way to confirm your bank account number. Of course, in order to confirm your account number, you do need to be able to log into your online bank account. If you’re able to do so, you will also be able to access all of your other account details, including the sort code for your account, which may also be found on your payment card.
Mobile Banking Application
Depending on your bank, you may also have access to a mobile banking application. By logging into the mobile application, you should be able to access all of your account and personal details. In this section of the account, you will usually find your bank account number, sort code, and even payment card details.
Physical Cheques
If you have a chequing account with a bank in the United Kingdom, it is likely that you will have physical cheques available. If so, you will be able to find both your bank account number and sort code at the bottom of the cheque.
Calling the Bank
Of course, contacting your bank directly by telephone is also a way to confirm your bank account number. However, in order to do so you will need to pass security questions and provide personal and account information. You can also use this option if you need to confirm your sort code or report a card lost or stolen.
Visiting a Branch
If none of the above options are available to you, you can also visit a branch in person. If your bank is local, this is an immediate option that will allow you to confirm all of your account details, including account number, sort code, and even payment card details.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Below are three of the most common questions we receive from people looking into a sort code on a card. If you have further questions you would like to ask our team, don’t hesitate to get in touch.
What Is the Sort Code on a Card?
Whether found on your bank card or on your bank statement, sort code refers to the same thing, which is your bank and branch. In the United Kingdom and several other countries, sort codes are issued to facilitate domestic bank transfers. Depending on the bank issuing the card, the sort code may be located on the front or back. On the other hand, not all banks include the sort code on payment cards. So, it is possible that you will not have a sort code printed on your card at all.
What Is My Sort Code?
Your sort code is a unique identifier that banks (and branches) have in the United Kingdom and several other countries. In the UK, the sort code is a six-digit number, the first two digits indicate the bank and the following four digits indicate the branch of that bank. This code is then used along with your account number anytime someone sends transfers to you, ensuring that the correct account is always funded during transfers.
What Is a “Sort Code” on a UK Card?
On a bank card in the UK, “sort code” refers to the six-digit number that identifies the bank and branch where an account is held. In most cases, it is used when sending transfers to your bank account, as it indicates to the sending bank where the transfer needs to go. But, it may also be printed on the front of your UK bank card.
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