Bank sort codes are important codes in the banking system. The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) assigns these codes to each bank to ensure smooth and hassle-free transactions.
These codes are unique digits just like your Bank Verification Number (BVN). In this article, we will explain all you need to know about Bank Sort Codes in Nigeria, how they are structured, their importance, and then how to get them.
Keep reading and pay close attention!
What Are Bank Sort Codes?
Bank Sort Codes serve as unique identification numbers assigned to each specific bank branch. They are personalized addresses for banks. These codes play a vital role in electronic transactions, ensuring that when you transfer money or engage in other financial activities, it goes to the intended branch securely and without any mix-ups.
In other words, they act like postcodes for your bank, guiding your money to the right destination with precision and efficiency. This makes the entire process smooth and reliable.
How Are They Structured And What Do They Display?
Bank Sort Codes are structured in a way that may look like a secret code, but it’s not that complicated. The number is usually a set of 9-digits that identifies your bank and branch.
- The first three digits represent the bank’s standard code.
- The next number is the location of the bank.
- The next number pinpoints the specific branch.
And the whole thing together forms the unique code for that particular bank location. So a bank sort code is a special number combination that helps you know exactly which bank branch is involved in a transaction.
Why Are They Important?
Bank Sort Codes are very crucial.
Firstly, they help identify the bank itself. Then, they pinpoint the specific branch.
Secondly, they ensure your money knows exactly where to go when you send or get it electronically. They are like GPS coordinates for your bank – without them, your money might get lost or end up in the wrong place. Also, they help to avoid and reduce mistakes in the banking industry.
These codes make sure transactions happen smoothly, linking your cash to the right bank branch. So, when it comes to making sure your money reaches its destination safely and swiftly, Bank Sort Codes are the hands that make it all happen.
List Of Bank Sort Codes In Nigeria
Now that we have known what Bank Sort Codes are, their importance and how they are structured, here are the list of bank sort codes in Nigeria;
- 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 (FCMB): 214150018
- Finbank Plc: 85151275
- Guaranty Trust Bank Plc (GTBank): 58152052
- Keystone Bank: 82150017
- Mainstreet Bank: 14150030
- Nigeria International Bank (Citigroup): 23150005
- Polaris Bank Plc: 76151006
- Stanbic-Ibtc Bank Plc: 232150029
- Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria Ltd: 68150057
How To Find Your Bank Sort Code
Apart from checking from the list above, you can also check your bank sort code through the following;
- Check your cheque book if you have any.
- You can also check your bank’s website.
- You can visit your bank.
SWIFT/BIC Codes Vs Bank Sort Codes
People often think that SWIFT code is the same as bank sort codes. No, they are different.
The bank sort codes are used locally for transactions. This means that they are used within the country and they are numerical.
The Society for Worldwide Interbank Telecommunications (SWIFT) codes also known as the Bank Identifier Codes (BIC) are codes used for international transactions and for bank identification.
The SWIFT code of a bank is different from the sort code of that bank.
Here are the SWIFT codes of some major banks in Nigeria;
- Access Bank Plc: ABNGNGLA
- African Export-Import Bank: PASSNGLA
- Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria: AMNGNGLA
- Central Bank of Nigeria: CBNINGLA
- Citibank Nigeria Limited: CITINGLA
- Ecobank Nigeria Limited: ECOCNGLA
- Fidelity Bank Plc: FIDTNGLA
- First Bank of Nigeria Ltd: FBNINGLA
- First City Monument Bank Limited: FCMBNGLA
- Guaranty Trust Bank Plc: GTBINGLA
- Heritage Banking Company Limited: HBCLNGLA
- Jaiz Bank Plc: JAIZNGLA
- Keystone Bank Limited: PLNINGLA
- Polaris Bank Limited: PRDTNGLA
- Stanbic IBTC Bank Plc: SBICNGLX
- Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria Limited: SCBLNGLA
- Sterling Bank Plc: NAMENGLA
- United Bank For Africa Plc: UNAFNGLA
- Union Bank of Nigeria Plc: UBNINGLA
- Unity Bank Plc: ICITNGLA
- Wema Bank Plc: WEMANGLA
- Zenith Bank Plc: ZEIBNGLA
Not all the branches of a bank in Nigeria have a SWIFT code. Some branches make use of that of their head offices. Most importantly, only major banks have this SWIFT code.
You can find your bank’s SWIFT code by;
- Visiting Your bank.
- Through bank statement.
- Through your bank’s official website.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the code for all banks?
The following are the USSD code for all banks in Nigeria;
- First Bank: *894#
- GTBank: *737#
- Access Bank: *901#
- Zenith Bank: *966#
- UBA: *919#
- Fidelity Bank: *770#
- Stanbic IBTC Bank: *909#
- Ecobank: *326#
- Union Bank: *826#
- Wema Bank: *945#
How can I check my bank sort code?
You can typically find your sort code on bank statements and in your online or app banking. Many banks also print the sort code on the front or back of the bank card together with the account number.
When do I need bank sort code?
You need a bank sort code to make transfers within the country. This code ensure that money is sent to the right bank smoothly.
In Nigeria, the number is a 9-digit number and its peculiar to each bank just like the BVN.
Conclusion
A bank sort code is a code issued to banks by the Central Bank of Nigeria to reduce mistakes and to ensure that money gets to the right place when transferred.
We have listed the bank sort codes of major banks in Nigeria. You can find yours through your bank cheque leaf or through the bank directly.