Sort code
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A sort code is a number which is assigned to a branch of a bank for internal purposes. Banks use sort codes as it is easier than writing the full address of the branch out and it tells customers which branch they are at. Also, the sort code(s) (along with the account number(s)) must usually be given to make a direct deposit, in order to designate the involved bank branches and allow automatic processing of the deposit.
Some branches contain sub/child branches which will be identified by the parent sort code rather than a unique one.
Most banks print the sort code of a customer's initial branch on debit cards or cheque books. 18-digit debit card numbers may include the sort code between the initial four-digit card type and final eight-digit account number.
A customers sort code will change if moving to another branch
Usage in different countries
United Kingdom and Ireland
The numbers are six digits long, usually formatted into 3 pairs which are separated by hyphens (e.g. 12-34-56).
United States
See Routing number.
Germany
These numbers (called "BLZ", for "Bankleitzahl", meaning "bank routing numbers") are eight digits long, normally formatted 3-3-2 (e.g. 100 200 30).
Canada
The bank transit number is 8 digits long. This is divided into a 5 digit branch number and 3 digit institution code. For example, Bank of Montreal is institution 001, TD Canada Trust is institution 004. Branch 004-00012 is TD Canada Trust branch number 0001 (the digit 2 because it's located in Ontario).
Australia
The BSB (Bank State Branch) number is 6 digits long; two groups of three numbers (eg. 100-200).
Sweden
The number is four digits long(e.g. 1234), or, in the case of some accounts at the bank Swedbank, they are five digits in length (e.g. 1234-5) and precede the bank account number for interbanking purposes, with a hyphen added after the fourth digit.
South Korea
The Giro Code (KFTC Code) is 6 digits long. First 2 digit Bank Code, Next 3 digit Branch code, Last 1 digit Checksum. for example 040015 or 04001(No Checksum Code) and, Many Banks Account No. started 3 digit Branch Code.