What is the Difference Between SWIFT Code and Sort Code?

The main difference between a SWIFT code and a sort code lies in their usage and structure. Here are the key differences:

• Usage: Sort codes are used by banks in Great Britain and Ireland to identify the location of a domestic bank, while SWIFT codes are used globally for international transactions.
• Structure: SWIFT codes are alphanumeric, typically 8 or 11 characters long, and contain both numbers and letters. In contrast, sort codes are purely numeric and contain only six characters.
• International Recognition: SWIFT codes allow your account to be recognized internationally, while sort codes are only used for domestic transactions within the UK and Ireland.

In summary, sort codes are shorter, purely numeric, and used for domestic transactions in the UK and Ireland, while SWIFT codes are longer, alphanumeric, and used for international transactions worldwide.

Comparative Table: SWIFT Code vs Sort Code

Here is a table comparing the differences between SWIFT codes and sort codes:

Sort codes are used by British and Irish banks to identify the location of a domestic bank for financial institutions to recognize where the payment has originated from or validate where it should be sent. On the other hand, SWIFT codes are used in the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication network and are required for international money transfers.