UK sort code checker
Validate the formatting and structure of 6-digit UK bank sort codes locally in your browser. Accepts hyphenated (12-34-56), spaced (12 34 56), and raw numeric inputs, verifies correct 6-digit length, provides a structural breakdown (bank code, area, branch office), and references static clearing tables to identify issuing bank networks like Barclays, HSBC, Lloyds, NatWest, Monzo, and Starling. Client-side format check only — no live bank API or Vocalink network queries are made.
Client-side validation only · No network requests · Never sent to any bank
Accepts 12-34-56, 12 34 56, or 6 raw digits.
Optional 8-digit UK account number to check length.
20-00-00
200000
Barclays Bank UK
Sort Code Anatomy Breakdown
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.
Example
Validating a Barclays sort code
Input '20-00-00' normalizes to '200000', validates as a correct 6-digit UK format, and matches Barclays Bank UK with bank identifier '20'.
Related: IBAN validator
FAQ
- Does this sort code checker connect to my bank or Vocalink?
- No. This tool operates entirely client-side in your browser and makes zero network calls. It performs format validation against the official 6-digit UK standard and looks up known clearing prefixes in a static table. It does not contact Vocalink, EISCD, or any live banking system.
- Can this tool tell me if a specific bank account is open or active?
- No. A sort code only identifies the bank and branch routing number in the UK payment system. It cannot confirm whether an individual account exists, is active, or has sufficient funds. Live account verification requires direct access to bank APIs or the commercial Vocalink directory.
- What formats does this checker accept?
- You can enter sort codes formatted as XX-XX-XX (e.g. 12-34-56), with spaces (12 34 56), or as six contiguous digits (123456). Punctuation and spaces are automatically normalized.
- What does each part of a UK sort code represent?
- A UK sort code consists of three pairs of digits: the first two digits designate the clearing bank or financial institution, the middle two identify the regional clearing center or territory, and the final two specify the individual branch office.
- What is the difference between a sort code and an IBAN?
- A sort code is a 6-digit domestic routing number used for UK domestic payments (Faster Payments, Bacs, and CHAPS). An IBAN (International Bank Account Number) is an internationally standardized identifier (starting with 'GB' in the UK) that incorporates the country code, checksum, 6-digit sort code, and 8-digit account number.
- Can I check an 8-digit UK account number here?
- Yes. An optional account number field is provided to verify that your account number meets standard UK 8-digit length requirements (or 7-digit numbers padded with a leading zero).
- How do I validate a UK sort code programmatically?
- Strip all spaces, hyphens, and slashes with regex replace(/[^0-9]/g, ''). Confirm that the resulting string has a length of exactly 6 digits. Format as ${digits.slice(0, 2)}-${digits.slice(2, 4)}-${digits.slice(4, 6)}. For bank identification, check the first 2 or 6 digits against published UK clearing code tables.