SBI Account Number

How SBI Account Numbers are Structured 

There isn’t a single standard for account numbers across banks, but SBI account numbers generally begin with one of these series: 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 56, 66, 53, 63, 57, or 67. Earlier, accounts from associate banks had their own series of 56 or 66 for State Bank of Saurashtra, 53 or 63 for State Bank of Indore, 5 or 6 for State Bank of Hyderabad, and 57 or 67 for State Bank of Travancore. After the mega-merger, SBI retained these old account numbers while bringing all operations under one umbrella. 

Ways to Check Your SBI Account Number 

You can find your 11-digit SBI account number through: 

1. Passbook or cheque book 

1. SBI Internet Banking or YONO mobile app

1. Bank statements 

1. Customer care or toll-free numbers 

1. Visiting your nearest SBI branch 

For transactions, providing your SBI account number along with the IFSC code and MICR code is required to ensure funds are received correctly. 

How to Find Your SBI Account Number 

You can find your SBI account number in five ways as given below: 

• A Passbook: SBI account number can be found on the first page of your bank passbook issued when you open the account. 
• Cheque: Each cheque leaf contains your SBI account number along with other bank details. 
• Mobile Banking: Log in to the SBI mobile banking app to view all the linked account numbers in one place. 
• Customer Care: You can call SBI’s toll-free customer care number and request your account number after a verification process. 
• Internet Banking: By signing in to SBI for net banking, you can see all accounts registered under your profile. 

Structure and Changes in SBI IFSC Codes 

1. The IFSC (Indian Financial System Code) is an 11-character alphanumeric code used to uniquely identify a bank branch in India. 

1. Use of IFSC is mandatory for all electronic payment transactions such as NEFT, RTGS, and IMPS. 

Structure of an IFSC code: 

1. The first four letters tell the name of the bank (e.g., SBIN for State Bank of India). 

1. The fifth character is always zero. 

1. The last six digits represent the specific branch code. 

For example: IFSC code SBIN0013283, here SBIN means State Bank of India and “013283” indicates the branch that is Gandhinagar, Bangalore branch. 

1. After the merger of SBI’s associate banks with the State Bank of India, several operational changes took place. 

1. When integration happened, many branches of the merged banks were assigned new IFSC codes. 

Illustration of IFSC change after merger: 

1. State Bank of Hyderabad, IFB Bangalore branch. 

1. Old IFSC: SBHY0000743 

1. New IFSC (post-merger): SBIN0020743 

This standardization made sure the smoother transactions and consistent identification of SBI branches across India. 

MICR Code for State Bank of India (SBI) Accounts 

1. The MICR (Magnetic Ink Character Recognition) code is a 9-digit numeric code printed at the bottom of a bank cheque. 

1. Its use is to ensure secure, accurate, and faster processing of payments made through cheque. 

1. Each bank has its own unique MICR code, making branch identification and transaction processing efficient. 

Structure of an MICR code:  

1. The first three digits are for city code. 

1. The next three digits are for bank code. 

1. The last three digits are for branch code. 

For example: MICR code of SBI M G Road branch, Bangalore: 560002033 

1. 560: City code for Bangalore 

1. 002: Bank code for State Bank of India 

1. 033: Branch code for M G Road, Bangalore 

After the merger of SBI’s associate banks, MICR codes of several merged branches were revised. Customers can find the updated MICR code on their cheque leaf. 

Illustration of MICR code change after merger: 

1. State Bank of Mysore, Andheri East, Mumbai branch 

1. Old MICR code: 400006009 

1. New MICR code: 400002472 

In today’s world where digital-first banking is given priority, most transactions are carried out electronically. To complete a bank transaction successfully, a few essential details like account number, IFSC code, and MICR code are required. 

Despite the merger, SBI has not changed customers’ account numbers or credentials. 

Importance of SBI Account Number in Banking Transactions: 

The SBI account number plays an important role in identifying a customer’s bank account and carrying out both financial and non-financial banking activities. It acts as a unique identifier that links the customer to their account within State Bank of India’s core banking system. Without a valid account number, transactions such as fund transfers, salary credits and direct benefit transfer cannot be processed. 

In electronic banking, the SBI account number is commonly used along with the IFSC code to ensure that funds are credited to the correct branch and account. It is also required when applying for loans, linking Aadhaar or PAN card, and registering for digital services like UPI and net banking. Government subsidies, pensions, and refunds are also credited directly to the SBI account number provided by the beneficiary. 

Though major changes have occurred after the merger, still account numbers have remained unchanged, ensuring continuity and convenience. Customers are advised to keep their account number confidential and share it only with trusted and authorized entities to prevent misuse or fraud. Proper knowledge and safe handling of the SBI account number help ensure smooth banking operations and secure financial management.