What is an IFSC code?
IFSC stands for Indian Financial System Code. It is an 11-character code that points to one particular bank branch, so that money sent by NEFT, RTGS or IMPS reaches the right place. The Reserve Bank of India assigns these codes, and every branch that takes part in electronic transfers has its own.
How to read an IFSC code
| Part | Characters | What it tells you |
|---|---|---|
| Bank code | 1st to 4th (letters) | The bank, e.g. SBIN for State Bank of India, HDFC for HDFC Bank |
| Reserved | 5th (always 0) | Kept for future use, so it is always the number zero, not the letter O |
| Branch code | 6th to 11th (letters or digits) | The particular branch of that bank |
Where to find the IFSC of your own account
- Printed on every cheque leaf, usually near the branch address at the top.
- On the first page of your passbook and on your account statement.
- In net banking or the mobile app, under account or profile details.
- Or search for your bank and branch in the tool above.
Where you need an IFSC code
| Mode | Amount | Timing |
|---|---|---|
| NEFT | No minimum; upper limit set by your bank | 24×7, settled in half-hourly batches |
| RTGS | ₹2 lakh and above | 24×7, credited in real time |
| IMPS | Up to ₹5 lakh per transfer | 24×7, instant |
You also need the IFSC when you add a beneficiary, when you file an income tax return (for the refund account), and when you give bank details for salary, GST registration or a company's current account. Paying a UPI ID or mobile number does not need it.
IFSC, MICR and SWIFT codes: the difference
IFSC is for electronic transfers inside India. MICR is a 9-digit number printed along the bottom of a cheque and is used to clear cheques. SWIFT (BIC) is an 8 or 11 character code used to send or receive money from abroad. Not every branch has a SWIFT code; usually only branches that deal in foreign exchange do.
Merged banks and old IFSC codes
Several public sector banks merged in 2019–2020: Vijaya Bank and Dena Bank into Bank of Baroda; Oriental Bank of Commerce and United Bank of India into Punjab National Bank; Syndicate Bank into Canara Bank; Andhra Bank and Corporation Bank into Union Bank of India; and Allahabad Bank into Indian Bank. The old IFSCs of these banks have stopped working. If your cheque book or records still show one, get the new IFSC from the bank or search for the branch here under the new bank's name.
Opening a current account for a new business? Banks ask for the company's incorporation certificate, PAN and often GST registration. We can set these up for you. See company registration and GST registration.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an IFSC code?
IFSC (Indian Financial System Code) is an 11-character code that identifies a specific bank branch for electronic transfers such as NEFT, RTGS and IMPS. The first four letters show the bank, the fifth character is always zero and the last six identify the branch.
Where can I find the IFSC code of my bank account?
It is printed on your cheque leaves, on the first page of your passbook and on your account statement. It is also shown in your net banking or mobile banking app under account details. You can also search for your branch with this tool.
Is the IFSC code the same for all branches of a bank?
No. Every branch that handles electronic transfers has its own IFSC. Only the first four letters, which identify the bank, are common to all its branches.
What happens if I enter the wrong IFSC code?
If the IFSC does not exist, the transfer is rejected straight away. If it belongs to another branch of the same bank, most banks still credit the account because they match the account number, but the money can get delayed or returned. Always check the beneficiary's IFSC before sending.
Do I need an IFSC code for UPI payments?
Not when you pay to a UPI ID or a mobile number. You need it only when you send money through UPI or IMPS to a bank account number.
What is the difference between IFSC, MICR and SWIFT codes?
IFSC is used for electronic transfers within India. MICR is a 9-digit code printed on cheques and used for cheque clearing. SWIFT (BIC) is an 8 or 11 character code used to receive or send money abroad.
Branch details are compiled from bank IFSC lists and are provided for reference only. Always confirm the IFSC with the beneficiary or the bank before making a payment. Vaidam Consultancy is not responsible for transfers made using these details.