Banks Sort code was originally developed to ease the manual processing of cheques. They make things easier by identifying the details required for money and specific account transactions. Although starting with 2 digits back in the early 20th century, a bank sort code comprises 9 digits with varying significance.
What is a Bank Sort Code?
Sort codes were originally used to route money transfers in the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland. In Nigeria today, they comprise 9 digits with paring among the digits that portray specific information. With a bank sort code, you can tell the bank that account belongs to its location, and the specific branch where the account is domiciled.
Sort codes of Banks in Nigeria
Below are a list of sort codes of some banks in Nigeria
| Bank Name | Sort Code |
| Nigeria International Bank (Citigroup) | 23150005 |
| Access Bank Plc | 44150149 |
| Diamond Bank Plc | 63150162 |
| Ecobank Nigeria Plc | 50150311 |
| Enterprise Bank | 84150015 |
| Equitorial Trust Bank Limited | 40150101 |
| Fidelity Bank Plc | 70150003 |
| First Bank of Nigeria Plc | 11152303 |
| First City Monument Bank Plc | 214150018 |
| Finbank Plc | 85151275 |
| Guaranty Trust Bank Plc | 58152052 |
| Keystone Bank | 82150017 |
| Mainstreet Bank | 14150030 |
| ECOBank | 56080016 |
| Polaris Bank Plc | 76151006 |
| Stanbic-Ibtc Bank Plc | 221159522 |
| Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria Ltd | 68150057 |
| Sterling Bank Plc | 232150029 |
| United Bank for Africa Plc | 33154282 |
| Union Bank of Nigeria Plc | 32156825 |
| Unity Bank Plc | 215082334 |
| Wema Bank Plc | 35150103 |
| Zenith Bank Plc | 57150013 |
Note that the first three numbers signify the actual bank code while the rest points to the locations of different branches of the bank.
When do I need a bank sort code?
The code is useful when you need to transfer funds from your account in a branch, to another branch of the same bank or a different bank. Many times, you also require it when sending or receiving money from a bank outside Nigeria, and during electronic transactions. In summary, you would need your bank sort code at some point.
What information does a bank sort code display?
Just as earlier said, a bank code is a 9 digit number that identifies the location of a specific bank branch. The information in a bank sort code is:
- First three digits are the bank’s standard code.
- The next digit is the location of the bank, and
- Last five digits tell the specific branch of the bank.
How do I get my bank sort code?
You can find your bank sort code through any of the following ways:
- Open your cheque book and identify the set of three numbers underneath its leaf. The first is your cheque number, while the second the bank sort code, and the third your account number.
- Although more stressful, you can also inquire from any official branch of your bank.
Conclusion
A bank sort code is a very useful tool for banks and you as a customer. It makes the transfer of funds easier. Also, ensure you know your specific bank sort code through any of the means described in this article to stay prepared for the future.
You can also learn about Dud Cheques from our other articles.