Part of our Barclays Bank UK — Complete Guide 2026 hub.
Barclays uses branch-specific sort codes — unlike digital banks such as Monzo or Starling, and unlike building societies like Nationwide, which use a single sort code for all customers. Your Barclays sort code depends on which branch originally opened your account, or which product type you have for accounts opened online. Here’s how to find your details and use them.
Barclays Account Details at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Sort code | Branch-specific — find in app, on card, or statement |
| Sort code range | Generally 20-xx-xx |
| Account number | 8 digits — unique to you |
| SWIFT/BIC | BARCGB22 |
| IBAN format | GB + 2 check digits + BARC + sort code + account number |
| IBAN length | 22 characters |
| Bank name | Barclays Bank UK PLC |
| Bank address | 1 Churchill Place, London, E14 5HP |
How to Find Your Barclays Sort Code
Via the Barclays app (quickest):
- Sign in and tap your account
- Tap Account details
- Your sort code and 8-digit account number are shown — tap to copy
Via Barclays Online Banking:
- Log in at barclays.co.uk
- Select your account
- View Account details — sort code shown
Other ways:
- Debit card front — your sort code is printed as a 6-digit number (e.g. 20-00-00)
- Bank statements — sort code and account number at the top of every statement
- Cheque book — printed at the bottom of each cheque if you have one
- Call 0345 734 5345 (Mon–Fri 8am–10pm, Sat 8am–8pm, Sun 9am–5pm)
- Visit a branch — approximately 900 Barclays branches across the UK can confirm your details with ID
Why Barclays Uses Branch-Specific Sort Codes
Barclays is organised around its branch network — each branch historically has its own sort code. When you open a Barclays account in-branch, you’re assigned that branch’s sort code. For accounts opened online, Barclays assigns a code based on the product type.
This contrasts with newer banks (Monzo, Starling) and building societies (Nationwide) that use a single sort code for all customers. If you need to find your exact sort code, always check the app rather than guessing.
Barclays sort codes generally fall in the 20-xx-xx range — for example, 20-00-00 (Barclays, London) or 20-91-53 (Barclays, Leicester). Your specific code depends on when and where your account was opened.
What Your Sort Code and Account Number Are Used For
Your sort code and account number together identify your account for incoming UK payments. You’ll need to provide them for:
| Purpose | Details required |
|---|---|
| Receiving your salary | Sort code + account number to payroll |
| HMRC tax refunds and benefits | BACS uses sort code + account number |
| Receiving bank transfers | Both Faster Payments and BACS |
| Setting up direct debits | Provided to the company billing you |
| Standing orders from other banks | Sending bank needs your full details |
Sort code and account number are not sensitive information. They can only be used to pay money into your account. Share them freely with anyone who needs to make a payment to you.
Barclays SWIFT/BIC Code
Barclays’ SWIFT/BIC for UK personal accounts is BARCGB22.
This internationally recognised code identifies Barclays Bank UK PLC to the global banking network. You need it when:
- Receiving international transfers — provide SWIFT/BIC and IBAN to the sender
- Sending international payments — the Barclays app will prompt you for the recipient’s SWIFT code
SWIFT/BIC codes are publicly listed and completely safe to share.
Barclays IBAN
An IBAN (International Bank Account Number) is required for receiving international transfers. Barclays UK IBANs are 22 characters long.
Barclays IBAN format:
GB + [2 check digits] + BARC + [6-digit sort code, no hyphens] + [8-digit account number]
Example: GB29 BARC 2000 0012 3456 78
Always use the IBAN shown in the Barclays app — never construct one manually. Check digit errors in a manually calculated IBAN cause transfers to be rejected or delayed.
Sharing Your Details Safely
| Share freely | Keep private |
|---|---|
| Sort code | PIN |
| Account number | Debit card number (16 digits) |
| IBAN | Card CVV/security code |
| SWIFT/BIC (BARCGB22) | Online Banking password |
| — | One-time passcodes |
Barclays will never contact you by phone, email, or text to ask for your full PIN, password, or one-time codes. If anyone does — even claiming to be from Barclays — it is fraud. End the contact and call 0800 400 100 (24/7, free) directly.