What is an account number and sort code?
Understanding what they are and where to find them can help you manage your finances safely and securely.
While the numbers may look random, they actually contain information that identifies you.
What is an account number?
An account number is the unique number for your bank account in the UK. HSBC account numbers are usually 8 digits long.
Your account number helps banks identify the account that should send or receive a payment. If you have more than one bank account, each one will have its own account number.
How do you find your account number?
Your account number can be found:
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On your bank statements
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Through your online and mobile banking accounts by following this path: Log on > Select account > View account details, your account number is typically displayed at the top
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Printed at the bottom of your cheques in some cases
If you have a current account, you can also find your account number on your debit card. It may be printed on either the front or back of the card, and will typically be labelled as ‘Account Number’ or ‘Account No.’
What is a sort code?
A sort code is a 6 digit number that identifies your bank and branch.
Sort codes help banks send payments to the right place. If someone wants to pay money into your account, they’ll usually need your sort code and account number.
HSBC UK sort codes start with 40, but the full sort code will depend on your account.
Where is the sort code on a card?
Your 6 digit sort code is typically printed on the back of your debit card, although some cards display it on the front.
It’s typically labelled as ‘sort code’, and formatted in 3 pairs of numbers.
Sort codes in the UK are associated with UK current accounts, and there is no sort code with a credit card.
Where else can I find my sort code?
If you don’t have your debit card, you can also find your sort code:
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On your bank statements
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On cheques
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In online or mobile banking
If you’re using online or mobile banking: Log on > Select account > View account details. Your sort code is typically displayed at the top.
Alternatively, you can contact your bank.
Is it safe to give your sort code and account number?
Your sort code and account number work together to identify your UK bank account. You’ll usually need to share them when someone wants to pay money into your account by bank transfer.
To help keep your account safe:
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Only share your bank details with people and organisations you trust
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Check your transactions regularly in online banking or the mobile banking app, and report anything suspicious to your bank as soon as possible
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Never share confidential information such as your online banking passwords, your PIN, or other security codes
How do you make international payments?
UK account numbers and sort codes are usually used for payments within the UK. If you’re sending or receiving money internationally, you’ll usually need additional details. The exact details needed depend on the country, currency and bank involved.
Some countries, such as those within the European Union, use IBAN, BIC and SWIFT codes. These help banks identify the right account when sending or receiving international payments.
If you’re receiving money from outside the UK, you’ll usually need to share your IBAN and your BIC or SWIFT code.
Like your sort code and account number, it’s generally safe to share these details to receive a payment. Even so, only share them with people and organisations you trust.
Be aware of potential scams designed to obtain your bank details fraudulently.
This article was last updated:19/10/2026, 04:12
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