
A Bank BSB code is a six-digit number that identifies a specific branch of an Australian bank.
It's used for electronic transactions, such as direct debits and credit card payments.
In Australia, every bank branch has a unique BSB code.
This code is crucial for transferring funds between accounts, as it ensures the correct branch receives the payment.
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What is BSB?
A BSB code is a six-digit number used to identify the individual branch of an Australian financial institution.
The format of a BSB code is XXY-ZZZ, with the first two digits specifying the bank or financial institution, the third digit representing the state the branch is located in, and the last three digits specifying the address of the branch.
The first two digits of a BSB code indicate which bank or financial institution the money is being sent to.
Here's a breakdown of what the numbers in a BSB code mean:
For example, the BSB code 082902 from NAB Bank can be broken down as follows: 08 is the two-digit code for NAB Bank, the third digit (2) means the branch is located in Australian Capital Territory, and the last three digits (902) mean this is the NAB branch in Canberra City.
Additional reading: Branch Code of Bank of America

A BSB code can be made up of six digits in the format AAB-CCC, with digits 1-2 representing the name of a bank or financial institution, digit 3 representing the state that the bank branch is located in, and digits 4-6 representing the bank branch’s address.
Some banks are "branchless" and use the same BSB code in all cases, meaning that the last three digits may be the same no matter which bank branch you use.
Finding Your BSB
If you bank in Australia, you can find your BSB number by signing in to your online banking portal.
The quickest way to find a BSB number for a bank in Australia is to look on the bank's website, where you can find all of its BSB codes along with a branch locator.
You can find BSB numbers for some of Australia's top banks, including AMP Bank, ANZ, Bank of Queensland, NAB, Suncorp, and Westpac.
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To find your BSB number, you can also log on to your bank account online, where the number is usually located with your individual account number.
If you're unsure of your bank's BSB, you can call the branch before making a transfer to ensure you've got the correct number.
Here are some BSB numbers for popular Australian banks:
Your bank's BSB code identifies a specific branch of the bank, so make sure to use the correct one when making a transfer.
BSB Format and Comparison
BSB codes are not the same as IBANs, which are typically used by bank branches in Europe and certain other areas. In some cases, you can provide your Australian BSB code followed by your account number to create a number that is functionally equivalent to an IBAN code.
BSB codes use a standardized format to communicate the details that banks need. This format is made up of six digits, with the first two numbers representing the bank, the next number representing the state, and the last three numbers representing the specific branch.
Here's a breakdown of the BSB format:
- The first two numbers (e.g. 11) represent the bank.
- The next number (e.g. 2) represents the state your local bank branch is in.
- The last three numbers (e.g. 333) represent the specific branch.
Account Number Format in Australia and New Zealand

In Australia, you'll need both the BSB number and a bank account number to identify an individual bank account and send money to it.
The BSB number is a 6-digit code that represents your bank, state, and branch location.
Some banks, like Beyond Bank, use one BSB code for all branches, while others, like CommBank, have different BSB codes for different branches.
BSB numbers are supplied by the Australian Payments Network, a network that oversees all BSB numbers in Australia.
In New Zealand, BSB numbers aren't used, and instead, a 16-digit account number is used in a specific format.
Here's a breakdown of the New Zealand account number format: XXXXXX YYYYYYY ZZZ.
- The first six numbers (XXXXXX) represent the bank code, which identifies the bank and the branch.
- The next seven digits (YYYYYYY) identify the individual account.
- The last three numbers (ZZZ) tell what kind of account it is (business, checking, savings, etc.).
IFSC Code Equivalent
BSB numbers are used to identify bank branches in Australia, similar to how IFSC codes are used in India.
In India, IFSC codes are used for domestic transactions, but for international transfers, a SWIFT code is needed, which is used to identify a particular bank within the international SWIFT network.
BSB numbers serve the same purpose as IFSC codes for domestic transactions within Australia.
For another approach, see: Bank Return Codes
BSB vs SWIFT

BSB numbers and SWIFT/BIC codes are not the same, but they both serve the same purpose: to identify where you're sending money to.
In fact, a BSB number is used for domestic purposes in Australia, whereas a SWIFT/BIC code is an international network used for international money transfers.
For international money transfers, you'll need both a BSB code and a SWIFT/BIC code to complete the transaction.
BSB codes can be formatted to resemble an IBAN in order to allow compatibility between the two systems, but they are not the same as an IBAN.
For your interest: What Is Iban Code for Bank
Same as Sort?
BSB codes are often compared to sort codes used in the UK, but they're not the same thing.
Sort codes are used to transfer money between UK bank accounts and are six digits long, but they identify UK banks, not Australian banks. BSB codes, on the other hand, identify Australian banks and their branches.
If you try to use sort codes interchangeably with BSB codes, you'll end up identifying the wrong bank and branch. This can lead to delays or even mistakes in transferring funds.
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Here's a comparison of BSB codes and sort codes:
As you can see, while both codes are used for similar purposes, they serve different countries and have different contents. Make sure to use the correct code for your transactions to avoid any issues.
Number Formatting
BSB numbers are formatted in a way that makes it easy to understand which bank and branch they belong to. The format is standardized, which helps banks communicate efficiently.
The first two numbers represent the bank. This is a crucial piece of information, as it helps you identify which bank the BSB number is associated with.
The next number represents the state where your local bank branch is located. This can be helpful if you're trying to find a specific branch in your area.
The last three numbers represent the specific branch. This is where you'll go to conduct your banking business.
Here's a breakdown of the BSB number format:
- The first two numbers (bank code)
- The next number (state code)
- The last three numbers (branch code)
How to Transfer Money

Transferring money using a BSB code is a relatively straightforward process. You'll need to provide the recipient's bank account number, the destination bank's BSB code, and the bank's full address.
To initiate a transfer, you may also need to provide the name of the receiving bank branch and the bank's international SWIFT code. This information is crucial for international money transfers.
If you're transferring money to an Australian resident or business, you'll need to provide the above information. However, if both parties are based in Australia, you may be able to transact with less information.
Here's a list of the information you may need to provide for an international transfer:
- The name of the receiving bank branch
- The bank’s full address
- The bank’s international SWIFT code
- The destination bank’s BSB code
- The recipient’s bank account number
Remember to provide this information when prompted during the transfer process.
Understanding BSB
A Bank State Branch (BSB) number is a six-digit bank identifier code that identifies specific Australian banks, their state of operation, and specific bank branches.
BSB codes are divided into three parts, but it's not necessary to understand the individual parts to use them. In fact, you'll only need to know the BSB number to identify the bank and branch.
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Some smaller banks use one BSB code to represent all bank accounts, but most Australian banks have many BSB codes, each representing individual branches. If you're sending money to Australia, you'll need to provide the BSB code for your recipient's bank.
Here's a list of BSB numbers for 10 of Australia's biggest banks:
What Is a Number
A BSB number is a six-digit code that identifies your bank, state, and branch location in Australia. It's used for all transfers to Australian bank accounts, whether domestic or international.
The Australian Payments Network supplies BSB numbers to ensure a unified system of identification for all Australian banks and branches. This means you can trust that your BSB number is accurate and up-to-date.
BSB numbers are divided into three parts, making it easy to identify specific banks, states, and branches. Some banks, like Beyond Bank, use one BSB code for all branches, while others, like CommBank, have different codes for different branches.

To send money to Australia from abroad, you'll need to provide the BSB code, SWIFT/BIC code, and your recipient's full name, physical address, and bank account number. This information is crucial to ensure the funds reach the right account.
Here's a breakdown of what you'll need to provide:
- Your recipient's full name;
- Your recipient's physical address;
- Your recipient's bank account number;
- SWIFT/BIC code;
- BSB code.
What Does 'Qwen' Stand For?
Qwen doesn't stand for anything relevant to BSB codes, which are used to identify banks and branches in Australia.
BSB codes are actually an important part of Australian banking, helping customers locate specific bank branches.
They don't identify individual bank accounts, only banks and branches, which is a key thing to remember when using BSB codes.
In fact, BSB codes are made up of three parts: the bank code, the state code, and the branch code, which all work together to pinpoint a specific bank branch.
This is in contrast to other types of codes that might identify individual accounts or customers.
BSB codes are used for a variety of purposes, including direct debit and online banking transactions.
Broaden your view: Mobile Banking Code
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a BSB number the same as a SWIFT code?
No, a BSB number is only used for domestic money transfers within Australia, whereas a SWIFT code is used for both domestic and international money transfers. They serve different purposes in different contexts.
How to identify a bank from BSB?
Identifying a bank from a BSB number is easy - just look at the first 2 characters, which represent the bank's name. For example, a BSB starting with '64' would be associated with the Commonwealth Bank
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