What Is a BSB Number? Bank State Branch Code Guide

Format: 6 digits (e.g., 123-456) ·
Used in: Australia and New Zealand ·
Purpose: Identifies bank and branch for domestic transfers ·
Number of BSBs: Over 14,000 active codes ·
Managed by: Australian Payments Network (AusPayNet)

The essentials, condensed:

What Is a BSB Number?

Definition and Purpose

• BSB stands for Bank State Branch number. It is a six-digit code used in Australia and New Zealand to identify a specific bank branch for domestic payments. (NAB, Australia’s largest business bank)
• The code is typically written in the format XXX-XXX. For example, Commonwealth Bank’s BSB for a branch in New South Wales might be 062-000. (Remitly, international money transfer service)
• According to Commonwealth Bank of Australia, the BSB identifies the bank and branch where the account was opened, while the account number picks out the individual account.
• The first two digits represent the bank, the third digit indicates the state, and the last three identify the branch. (Wise, international money transfer service)

What Is a BSB Number Example?

Commonwealth Bank has used 062-000 for a New South Wales branch, where the first two digits point to the bank and the third digit points to the state. Bank Australia’s BSB is 313 140 (Bank Australia, customer support). Both follow the same six-digit pattern you’ll see on an Australian bank statement.

History and Regulation of BSBs

• The BSB system was introduced in the 1970s for check processing, then adopted for electronic funds transfer (EFT) in the 1990s. Wikipedia dates the early history; treat the exact adoption timeline as approximate.
• Today, the Australian Payments Network (AusPayNet) operates the official BSB lookup service and manages the registry.
• Over 14,000 active BSB codes are in use, and the list is updated regularly to reflect branch openings and closures.

The pattern to remember: a BSB is a domestic routing code, not an international account number.

Is a BSB Number the Same as an IBAN?

IBAN (International Bank Account Number) is an international standard used across Europe, the Middle East, and many other regions. Australia does not use IBAN for ordinary domestic routing.

Airwallex, global payments platform: IBAN is an international account format; Australia does not use IBAN for ordinary domestic routing.

Key Differences Between BSB and IBAN

• IBAN is longer (up to 34 characters) and includes a country code, check digits, and a bank identifier. BSB is exactly six digits with no country code.
• IBAN is used for both domestic and international transfers in participating countries. BSB is strictly domestic (Australia and New Zealand).
• When sending money to Australia from abroad, you typically need the recipient’s BSB, account number, and the bank’s SWIFT code — not an IBAN.

When to Use BSB vs IBAN

• If you’re sending money within Australia, use the BSB and account number. No IBAN needed.
• If you’re sending money from Europe to Australia, the sender’s bank may ask for an IBAN-style format, but the Australian banking system does not use IBAN. Instead, provide the BSB and account number together.
• Some international platforms (like Wise) automatically convert between formats, but the underlying BSB remains the domestic identifier.

The implication: treating BSB as an Australian equivalent of IBAN is misleading. IBAN is a global account number format; BSB is a local routing code. They serve different purposes.

How Do I Find My BSB Number?

Your BSB isn’t hidden — it appears on statements, in online banking, and sometimes on the back of a debit card.

Commonwealth Bank of Australia: The BSB identifies the bank and branch where the account was opened.

Finding BSB on Bank Statements

• Your BSB is printed on your bank statement, typically next to your account number. (NAB)
• For example, Bank Australia’s BSB is 313 140. (Bank Australia, customer support)

Using Online Banking or Mobile App

1. Log in to your online banking or mobile app.
2. Navigate to your account details or account summary page.
3. Your BSB is usually displayed alongside your account number. (NAB, online banking guide)
4. Some banks also show the BSB on the back of your debit card, though this is less common.

BSB Lookup Tools

• The official Australian Payments Network BSB lookup allows you to verify a BSB by bank name, location, or code.
• Third-party sites like BSB Lookup, third-party directory also offer search, but always cross-check with your bank for accuracy.
• Because the list changes weekly, always verify the BSB from an official source before setting up a payment.

That makes verification part of the payment process, not an optional extra.

Is a BSB Number the Same as a Sort Code?

Similarities Between BSB and Sort Code

• UK sort codes are also six-digit domestic bank identifiers, making them structurally similar to Australia’s BSB system.
• Both are used to route domestic payments to the correct bank and branch.

Differences in Usage

• Sort codes are used in the United Kingdom and Ireland; BSBs are used in Australia and New Zealand.
• Sort codes do not include state information — the third digit in a BSB often indicates the state (e.g., 2 for New South Wales, 4 for Queensland).
• Sort codes are typically written as three pairs (e.g., 12-34-56), while BSBs are often written as XXX-XXX or as a single six-digit number.

The trade-off: if you’re used to UK sort codes, BSBs will feel familiar — but don’t assume they’re interchangeable. The underlying routing logic differs, and a BSB carries location data a sort code doesn’t.

Is a BSB Number the Same as a SWIFT Code?

BSB vs SWIFT: Domestic vs International

• SWIFT codes (also called BIC) are used for international wire transfers worldwide. They are 8-11 characters long and identify the bank globally.
• BSB codes are used only for domestic Australian transfers. They are 6 digits and identify the specific branch.
• For international transfers into Australia, you typically need both the recipient’s BSB (for domestic routing once the money arrives) and the bank’s SWIFT code (for the cross-border leg).

NAB, international payments guide: For international transfers into Australia, you typically need both the recipient’s BSB and the bank’s SWIFT code.

When You Need Both

• If you’re sending money from overseas to an Australian bank account, the sender must provide the bank’s SWIFT code (e.g., NAB’s is NATAAU3303M) and the recipient’s BSB + account number.
• Some banks have different SWIFT codes for different states, so check the correct one.
• For domestic transfers, you only need the BSB and account number — no SWIFT code required.

The safe rule: use BSB for domestic, SWIFT for cross-border, and both when money enters Australia from overseas.

Does Revolut Have a BSB Number?

Revolut Help Centre: Customers with an Australian address and an AUD account can receive an Australian BSB and account number.

Revolut Australian Account Details

• Revolut provides Australian BSB and account numbers to customers who have an Australian address and open an AUD account. (Revolut Help Centre, Revolut’s banking details)
• This allows Revolut customers to receive local direct debits, salary deposits, and domestic transfers like any other Australian bank account.
• Not all Revolut accounts have a BSB — only those with an Australian dollar (AUD) account.

How to Get a BSB with Revolut

1. Open a Revolut account and verify your identity with an Australian address.
2. Go to the “Accounts” tab and select your AUD account.
3. Your BSB and account number will be displayed. You can also copy them for sharing with payers.
4. Revolut’s BSB allows you to set up direct debits and receive payments just like a traditional bank.

The pattern: digital banks like Revolut are now integrated into the BSB system, making them functionally equivalent to traditional banks for domestic payments. The catch is that you must have an Australian address to get one.

Comparison Table: BSB vs IBAN vs SWIFT vs Sort Code

Four codes, one question: which one do you need? Here’s how they stack up.

The verdict: no single code fits all. For domestic payments in Australia, BSB is the only one you need. For international transfers into Australia, you’ll need BSB + SWIFT. If you’re sending from Europe, the sender may ask for an IBAN, but the Australian system doesn’t use it — just provide the BSB and account number.

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers to common BSB questions.

For anyone managing money in Australia, the BSB is the foundation of every domestic payment. Whether you’re setting up direct deposit, paying a bill, or receiving a salary, knowing your BSB — and understanding when you need a SWIFT code instead — saves time and prevents costly errors. The choice is clear: master the BSB, and you’ve mastered Australian domestic banking.