Bank Branch Code: Uses & Details
What is a Branch Code?
The branch code of a bank helps customers and bankers identify a particular bank branch. This code is not the same as IFSC. It can sometimes be found in the account number of the respective customer and it is always a part of the IFSC or Indian Financial System Code. To put it in simple words, a branch code is a part of the IFSC code.
For example, if the IFSC code of the State Bank of India (SBI), Agra branch in Delhi is 'SBIN0011315', a part of this will have the branch code. Here, the last six digits, which happen to be '011315', help identify the Agra branch that is in Kahndauli. What this means is that only a portion of the IFSC code is known as the branch code. In most cases the branch code is a four-digit number and may not contain any alphabets.
S | B | I | N | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 5 |
Name/ identity of bank | 'Zero' | Branch Code | ||||||||
On the other hand, the branch code can also be found using the bank account number of a person, in most cases. Each bank will have different number of digits in the account number. Some will have 12, some 10 and some may even go up to 16. Let us take a hypothetical example of this account number '1234567890'. In this case:
- The first four digits will represent the code of the respective branch, which happens to be '1234'.
- The next few digits go on to indicate the type of account held, the customer ID, the year of opening, etc.
Why Do Banks Use Branch Codes?
- To track down the exact branch.
- It is used as part of the IFSC code, in the form of IFSC, for fund all electronic fund transfers.
- To avoid confusion in identifying the accurate branch.
- Branch codes are essential in international transactions because they ensure that the funds will reach the recipient's bank at the designated branch.
- When it comes to cheques, the branch code makes it easier to identify the exact branch from which the cheque is drawn, which speeds up the clearing procedure.
Branch Code Features & Benefits
- Helps identify a specific branch if the bank has more than two branches in the same city
- This code is printed on the cheque leaf and is part of the IFSC code
- The same code can also be found in the bank account number
- IFSC code is not the branch code
- Each branch will have a unique identifying branch code
- The last 6 digits of the IFSC code represent the specific branch code.
How to Search for a Branch Code
Branch codes can be easily found through the 11-digit alphanumeric IFSC code. The length of the branch code, however, may vary from bank to bank.
How is a Branch Code Used in Online Banking?
In online banking, a branch code plays an indirect yet critical role. While you might not need to enter the branch code separately, it is embedded within the IFSC code - which is mandatory for all electronic transactions.
Here’s how branch code supports online banking:
- It helps the bank’s backend system identify the exact branch for processing.
- It ensures the fund transfer is directed to the correct destination.
- It supports validation when registering a new beneficiary.
Bank Branch Code List
Bank | Branch | Branch Code |
Banaswadi, Bengaluru | 007986 | |
Tikota, Bijapur, Karnataka | 006508 | |
Chandni Chowk Delhi | 000254 | |
Ashok Vihar Delhi | 006075 | |
Jayanagar, Bengaluru | 000042 | |
Panaji, Goa | 000027 |
Importance of Branch Code for New Account Holders
If you're opening a bank account, knowing your branch code is essential for the following reasons:
- It helps when setting up auto-debit mandates or ECS instructions.
- It is used during EPF registration, tax filings, and corporate payroll setup.
- For some services, like issuing cheque books or updating KYC, the bank may require you to mention your branch code.
So, while it may seem like just another number, the branch code is crucial for administrative and financial setup.
How to Find a Branch Code Without a Cheque Book
Don’t have a cheque book handy? You can still find your branch code using these methods:
- Bank’s Official Website: Use the branch locator tool provided by your bank.
- Net Banking: Log in to your online account, and you’ll find your branch details including the branch code.
- Passbook or Statement: The branch code is usually printed along with the IFSC and MICR code.
- Customer Care: You can always contact your bank’s customer support for branch details.
- Third-party aggregators: Websites like RBI’s IFSC search tool or financial aggregators provide accurate branch code information.
Top 10 Banks with Easy Branch Code Search
If you are a customer of any of these banks, finding your branch code is quick and simple:
- State Bank of India (SBI) – Branch locator and IFSC tools on sbi.co.in
- HDFC Bank – Mobile app and IFSC search
- ICICI Bank – Net banking and digital passbook
- Axis Bank – Website search and chatbot
- Punjab National Bank (PNB) – PDF branch code lists
- Bank of Baroda (BoB) – Dedicated IFSC/branch code search
- Kotak Mahindra Bank – Branch search via mobile app
- Canara Bank – IFSC code search page
- Union Bank of India – Locator tools by city/area
- IDFC FIRST Bank – Fast search by city or branch name
FAQs on Branch Code
- What is Branch code?
The last six digits of the IFSC code are branch codes and are unique for each branch of the bank.
- Are IFSC code and branch code the same?
No, the branch code is part of the IFSC code, but both are not same.
- Can I find my account number using the branch code?
No, you cannot find your account number using the branch code.
- Do all branches in the same city have the same branch code?
No. Each branch has a unique branch code.
- Is MICR the same as the branch code?
No. The two are totally different.
- Is the branch code printed on the cheque leaf?
Yes. This code will be printed on the cheque leaf that is issued by your home branch. However, it should be found in the IFSC code. The last 6 digits will denote the branch code.
- Is branch code required for fund transfers?
No. The branch code is not specifically required. It is the IFSC code that is required.
- How do I know if my branch code has changed?
Your bank will notify you in such a case.
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