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Sort code checker

A sort code checker checks that a UK sort code is six digits and shows which bank it belongs to. Type or paste 12-34-56, the same number with spaces, or 123456. The page splits those digits into bank, area, and branch. The bank name comes from a list stored in your browser, so nothing is sent to your bank. If the code is not on the list, you still get the format check, but no bank name. It cannot show a balance or tell you whether an account is open.

Client-side validation only · No network requests · Never sent to any bank

Try sample:

Accepts 12-34-56, 12 34 56, or 6 raw digits.

Optional 8-digit UK account number to check length.

Valid UK Sort Code Format
Formatted Sort Code

20-00-00

Raw 6 Digits

200000

Bank / Clearing Network

Barclays Bank UK

Sort Code Anatomy Breakdown

20Bank IdentifierClearing bank code (first 2 digits)
00Area / RegionRegional clearing district
00Branch OfficeSpecific branch identifier

Client-Side Format Validation Disclaimer

This tool checks the numerical 6-digit structure and standard UK clearing bank prefixes entirely in your browser. It does not perform a live Vocalink, EISCD, or Open Banking check and cannot verify whether a specific bank account is open, active, or accepting payments. Never transmit sensitive banking passwords or security tokens.

Sort code checker example

Checking a Barclays sort code

Type 20-00-00. The page confirms six digits, shows 200000 as the plain number, and matches 20 to Barclays Bank UK.

Sort code checker how-to

  1. Paste a 6-digit sort code, with or without hyphens.
  2. The page checks length and formatting and looks up the clearing prefix from a static table.
  3. It does not call a bank or Vocalink. A formatted code is not proof the account is open.

Why Sort code checker matters

UK payouts still quote sort code + account number. Catching a transposed digit before you submit a payment file is cheaper than a failed BACS.

Live account verification needs a licensed API. This checker is format and prefix only.

Sort code checker limitations

Static clearing-bank table. No confirmation of payee. GB IBANs show the embedded sort-code digits as format only.

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Sort code checker FAQ

What is a sort code checker?
A sort code checker checks that a UK sort code has six digits and shows which bank those digits belong to. You type or paste the code and the page checks it in your browser. It does not contact the bank, and it cannot see a balance or whether an account is open.
What is a bank sort code checker?
A bank sort code checker names the bank for a sort code you already have. This page matches the first two digits to banks such as Barclays, HSBC, Lloyds, and NatWest. A few newer banks, including Monzo and Starling, are named only when the full six digits are on the list. It does not sign in to the bank.
What is a UK sort code checker?
A UK sort code checker is for the six-digit codes on UK bank cards and statements, not for a US routing number or an IBAN. Most people write them as 12-34-56. This page also accepts spaces, or six digits with no gaps.
Does this sort code checker connect to my bank or Vocalink?
No. The check stays in your browser and does not contact your bank, Vocalink, or any live payments system. It checks that the code is six digits and reads the bank from a fixed list.
Can this tool tell me if a specific bank account is open or active?
No. A sort code says where a UK payment should be sent. It cannot tell you whether one account exists, is open, or has money in it. That check has to come from the bank, or from a paid directory such as Vocalink.
What formats does this checker accept?
You can type 12-34-56, 12 34 56, or 123456. The page removes spaces, hyphens, and dots, then checks that six digits are left. If you also type an account number, it only checks the length: 8 digits, or 7 digits with a leading zero added. It does not ask the bank whether that account exists.
What does each part of a UK sort code mean?
The first two digits are the bank, the middle two are the area, and the last two are the branch. After a valid code, this page names the bank and shows the other two pairs as numbers. It does not hold a list of branch street addresses.
Can I use this tool as a sort code finder?
No. This page checks a sort code you already have. It cannot search a bank's records for someone else's code. Yours is on your debit card, in your banking app, on a statement, or on a cheque.