What is a BSB Number? (2024)

FAQs

Is a BSB number the same as a routing number? ›

Whether the transfer is coming across town or around the globe, BSB numbers assist Australian banks in directing money transfers. However, one should always know the BSB number and its importance. The routing number is a nine-digit code used to identify other financial organizations.

Your BSB and account number will appear on your statement copies. The first 6 digits are your BSB number followed by your 9 digit account number.

In other words, BSB numbers are used to identify the recipient of a bank transfer. So, what does BSB stand for? Simple – it stands for Bank State Branch.

Both BSB numbers and SWIFT/BIC codes achieve the same goal: to identify where you are sending money to, but they are not the same. The biggest difference between the two is that BSB numbers are used for domestic purposes, whereas SWIFT/BIC codes are an international network.

If you are transferring money to an overseas bank account, you won't need a BSB number as BSBs are unique to Australia's banking system. Other countries have their own systems for identifying the bank and branch of accounts.

A Bank State Branch (BSB) number is a six digit identification number that tells you the state and branch your bank account was opened at.

BSB codes are not the same as IBANs (International Bank Account Numbers). IBANs are typically used by bank branches in Europe and certain other areas. However, BSB codes are sometimes formatted in a way that resembles an IBAN in order to allow compatibility between the two different systems.

The first six digits make up your BSB (like 306-089) and the next seven digits make up your account number (like 0001234). If you know the branch your account was opened at, you can also search for that branch's BSB number.

BSB numbers are commonly used for domestic transactions (within Australia). For international transfers, such as from the US to Australia, you'll need a SWIFT code. This is used to identify a particular bank within the international SWIFT network.

The Australian equivalent to a sort code or routing number is the bank state branch, or BSB, number. You will need to provide the BSB and account number to transfer money to any domestic Australian account.

Can someone withdraw money with BSB and account number? ›

First let's clear up one myth - giving out your bank account number and BSB is fine. "There is no issue in giving out your BSB/account details as it's only possible to deposit funds rather than withdraw funds," an ING spokesperson told Money. "If an unauthorised debit occurs then the debiting institution is liable."

Do you need a SWIFT code for international money transfers? Yes, you will need a SWIFT code to make an international money transfer. This code helps ensure your money transfer arrives at the intended location.

What is a bank routing number in the UK? In the UK, the equivalent of a bank routing number is a sort code – a six-digit code that identifies both the bank and branch of an account. Sort codes are used by British banks to route money transfers to the correct bank and branch when processing domestic transfers of funds.

A BSB (Bank-State-Branch) is a six-digit number that identifies banks and branches across Australia. Use our locator tool to find the BSB of a specific branch. Just type in the branch location then click on the branch you need the BSB for.

In Australia, we don't use Transit Routing Numbers – this is an American system for international payments. If someone is trying to pay you from the US or Canada, you'll need to tell them that we use the SWIFT banking system (they should be familiar with this).

ABA numbers and international transfers

Nine-digit routing numbers are only used within the US, while most other countries use an IBAN instead. If you're abroad and wish to transfer funds into a US bank account, you'll need to provide the ABA number.