What is a SORT code?

[FSHD]

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Hello, I am a US resident attempting to do business with UK affiliate companies. I have run into a problem with the payment details on these companies websites. They are ALL asking for a SORT code. I have no idea what a SORT code is. I've called my banks customer service department and they keep giving me a SWIFT code. My bank is also asking me if this will be a wire transfer or a direct deposit....duh????

I have a wire transfer routing number and a SWIFT code to use and none of these companies appear to want or need this information. I've sent emails to the two affiliate companies that I am attempting to do business with and have not received an answer.

What is a SORT code?

Any advice would be appreciated.

[axod]

In the UK, a sort code relates to a specific bank and a specific branch in the UK. The account number then represents the specific account at that bank. AFAIK the sort code is always 6 numbers, xx-xx-xx, and the account number is always 8 - xxxxxxxx.

US banks to not have a sort code system, and so I'd be very surprised if you can get the funds directly transferred to your US account. It'll probably be different for each network, some might be able to do it with a SWIFT code.

If not, I'd get the payments mailed to you as a cheque(check) and pay it in at your US branch.
Or get someone in the UK to open you a bank account here and use that, then transfer money out of that into your US account.

[Bananabubble]

With SWIFT/BIC code you shouldn't have problems transfering funds internationally, this is the international identity number for your branch.

You maybe required to provide IBAN code which can be obtained from your bank (this also usually appears on your statement too) which contains your account number and routing code for international trading etc.

[essdeekay]

Not IBAN - not for US -

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interna...Account_Number

Si

[Jack Russell]

SORT Codes are identifier for different branches of the Banl account. If you consider for UK, this are generally six digit numbers separated by hyphens like 12-34-56.

[FSHD]

Thank you.

[km8]

LOL, and as a non-UK, non-US resident, anybody know what are the following:
ZIP Code
PostCode
Routing Code
IBAN
BIC Code
SWIFT Code (OK, I know we've done that)
SORT Code (that one too)

That's all part of the learning curve - US companies assume that everyone not only knows what a ZIP code is but actually has one, and UK companies do exactly the same with PostCodes.

They tout themselves as "international" companies but can't/won't accept an order that doesn't tick all the UK/US boxes.

I'm not sure whether to send the CEO, the webmaster or both for re-education.