What bank sort code is 40 63 01?
Sort code 40-63-01 is associated with HSBC UK. Sort codes beginning with 40 are generally assigned to HSBC. Each UK sort code identifies a specific bank and branch (though many modern banks use a single sort code for all accounts). You can verify any UK sort code using the official UK Sort Code Checker or by checking with the receiving bank directly before making a payment.
How do sort codes work in the UK banking system?
UK sort codes are six-digit numbers (formatted as XX-XX-XX) that identify the specific bank and branch associated with a bank account. They are used alongside an 8-digit account number to route payments through the UK’s Faster Payments, BACS, and CHAPS systems. Sort codes are assigned by Pay.UK, the operator of UK retail payment systems. Each of the major UK banks has its own range of sort code prefixes.
How does open banking use sort codes?
In the open banking framework, sort codes and account numbers are used as part of Confirmation of Payee (CoP) checks — a fraud prevention measure that verifies the account holder’s name against the sort code and account number before a payment is sent. When open banking PISPs initiate payments, they use the payee’s sort code and account number to route funds via Faster Payments. CoP has significantly reduced misdirected payments and some forms of APP fraud.
Open Banking in Practice: The UK’s Payment Systems Regulator (PSR) oversees the Faster Payments system that uses sort codes. Pay.UK manages the Sort Code Database (SCD), which is used by banks, payment processors, and open banking providers to validate account details. Open banking payment apps are required to implement CoP to reduce fraud risk. Read more about UK payment infrastructure on openfuture.world.
FAQ
How do I check which bank a sort code belongs to?
Use a free online sort code checker such as sort-code-checker.co.uk or your bank’s own payment verification tool to identify the bank behind any UK sort code.
What is Confirmation of Payee and how does it use sort codes?
Confirmation of Payee cross-references the name you enter against the account holder’s name at the sort code and account number before you send a payment.
Can someone steal money using just my sort code and account number?
In most cases no — sort code and account number alone are insufficient for most fraud; Direct Debit fraud is possible but protected by the Direct Debit Guarantee scheme.