BANK002 - Understanding bank routing codes

When linking banks for yourself or your connected customers, the most common error is entering the wrong bank code.

Bank codes have different names depending on which country your bank account is located. Here is a list that will guide you on which number to choose and how it is referred to in your country. You can also ask your bank if you are not sure.

Note that bank codes and routing codes are not the same as Swift or BIC codes.

A formatting guide with additional currencies can be found HERE.

Country and Currency	Bank Code Name	Format	Notes
Australia (AUD)	Bank State Branch or BSB	6-digit number format XXX-ZZZ	The BSB code is used in addition to the bank account number to identify the recipient of a transfer.The format of the BSB code is XXY-ZZZ. Here’s a breakdown of what the numbers mean: The first two digits (XX) specify the bank or financial institution where the money is being sent. The third digit (Y) represents the state the branch is located in. The last three digits (ZZZ) specify the address of the branch.
Canada (CAD)	Routing Code/Clearing Code	9 Digit Number	The transit number - five digits - shows which branch the account is at. The institution number - three digits - identifies your bank. 0 + Financial Institution Number + Transit or Branch Number In the below example, the bank code is 0+004+12345 i.e 000412345 Click to enlarge
Eurozone	Bank Code	The number of digits depends on the country. Please check with your bank for the bank code specific to your branch.	You can locate your bank code within your IBAN (International Bank Account Number) HERE
India	IFSC Code MICR Code	11-digit alphanumeric code 9 Digit Code	IFSC (Indian Financial System Code) is an 11-digit alphanumeric code that helps to identify different bank branches that deal with online fund transfers either via NEFT (National Electronic Funds Transfer), IMPS (Immediate Payment Service), or RTGS (Real Time Gross Settlement). Click to enlarge
Israel	Bank Code	Bank Branch Code -5 digits	Last two digits of the  Bank code: XX and three digits of the Branch code : ZZZ 0 + bank code and Branch code:  Locate the codes in your IBAN #  HERE
Poland	Routing Code	8 Digit Bank Code	Bank code    YYY Branch code    XXXX National check digit    Z
South Africa	Branch Code	6 Digits	Bank Branch Number - Exactly 6 digits
United Kingdom (GBP)	Sort Code	6-digit number format XX-YY-ZZ	Please remove the dashes when entering the sort code. i.e. if it is 60-30-30, please enter 603030
United States (USD)	Routing Number or ABA. (Use the one for ACH Transfers)	9 Digit Number	Typically the number on the front of your check, but confirm with the bank as sometimes a bank might have 2 routing numbers. You should use the one for ACH transfers (not wire). Sometimes they are the same.          Click to enlarge

What is a BIC/SWIFT code, and why do I need it in some cases?

A BIC (Bank Identifier Code) is a unique identifier for a bank typically used for high-value (HV) wire transfers. The acronym SWIFT is for the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication.

The correct code ensures that your money reaches your recipient's account at the bank. If you do not have this code for your recipient's bank, your recipient should check with their bank for an accurate BIC/SWIFT code.

The SWIFT/BIC consists of either eight or 11 characters: four letters identifying the bank, a two-letter country code, two alphanumeric characters identifying the bank's location, and sometimes three alphanumeric characters identifying a specific bank branch.