Why up-to-date sort code data is important
The sort code data used by the UK payments industry is updated constantly to reflect bank and other financial institution changes. If money is being transferred across international borders, an international network is used. Clearing requirements
All bank offices participating in any of the following clearings must have a sorting code:
Every bank office with a sorting code does not necessarily participate in all these clearings, however, once a sorting code has been issued to a bank office, the same sorting code will be used in all of the clearings. The sort code, which is a six-digit number, is usually formatted as three pairs of numbers, for example, 12-34-56.