A sort code is a six-digit number that identifies a specific bank and branch within the United Kingdom (and Ireland). It works together with an account number to route a domestic GBP payment to the right destination — the sort code says which bank and branch, and the account number says which account. If you pay or get paid in pounds within the UK, the sort code plus account number is the standard pair of details exchanged. For international payments into the UK, an IBAN or SWIFT/BIC may be used instead or as well. Knowing the difference helps when you're setting up UK supplier payments or receiving GBP. Financiar supports GBP balances and same-currency GBP payouts, so pound payments to UK counterparties stay in pounds rather than being converted.
Sort code vs account number
The sort code identifies the bank and branch; the account number identifies the specific account at that branch. Both are needed to route a UK domestic GBP transfer. Get either wrong and the payment can't be delivered correctly.
When you need other details
For payments crossing borders into the UK, an IBAN or SWIFT/BIC code often comes into play. Within the UK, sort code and account number suffice. Same-currency GBP settlement keeps these pound payments simple and conversion-free.
FAQ
Is a sort code the same as a routing number?
They serve a similar purpose — identifying the bank/branch for domestic transfers — but a sort code is UK/Ireland (six digits) and a routing number is the US equivalent (nine digits). They aren't interchangeable.
Do I need a sort code to receive GBP?
For domestic UK GBP payments, the sort code and account number are the standard details. Financiar supports same-currency GBP, so pounds in and out stay as pounds.
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