I was trying to transfer money to a contractor last month when the payment platform asked for a sort code. I stared at the screen confused. Account number? Check. Bank name? Got it. But sort code? I had no idea what that even was or where to find it.
Turns out I’m not alone. Plenty of Nigerians don’t know what bank sort codes are until they suddenly need one for a transfer or some paperwork. And then it becomes this urgent thing where you’re scrambling to figure it out.
So let me save you that mess up. This is everything I’ve learned about finding sort codes for any Nigerian bank, explained in the simplest way possible.
What Exactly Is a Sort Code?
A sort code is basically your bank branch’s ID number. It’s a 9-digit code that tells the banking system exactly which branch holds your account.
In Nigeria, these 9 digits break down like this:
- First 3 digits = the bank itself (like GTBank, First Bank, Access Bank)
- Next digit = the location
- Last 5 digits = the specific branch
So if your sort code is 058152036, the first three digits (058) identify it as GTBank, and the remaining numbers pinpoint the exact branch where you opened your account.
Think of it like a postal address. Your account number is like your house number, but the sort code is like the street name and area code that helps the postal service know where your house is located.
Why You Even Need This Thing
When you’re setting up transfers, some platforms ask for it. International transfers almost always need it. Corporate payments sometimes require it. Even some government portals ask for sort codes when processing payments or refunds.
The sort code makes sure your money goes to the right branch of the right bank. Without it, transfers can delay or end up in the wrong account entirely.
The Easiest Way to Find Your Sort Code
If you have a cheque book lying around somewhere, go grab it. This is honestly the fastest method.
Look at any cheque leaf. At the bottom, you’ll see three sets of numbers printed in that weird magnetic ink. Those numbers from left to right are:
- Your cheque number
- Your sort code (9 digits, often formatted as XXX-XXX-XXX).
- Your account number (the right side)
The middle set is what you need. Just write it down or take a photo.
What If You Don’t Have a Cheque Book?
Most people don’t use cheques anymore. I haven’t written a cheque in probably five years. So here are other ways to find your sort code.
Check Your Bank Statement
Log into your bank’s website or app and download a recent statement. Your sort code should be listed somewhere on it, usually near your account details at the top.
I checked my GTBank statement and found it right under my account number. Different banks format their statements differently, but the sort code is almost always there.
Call Your Bank
This is the foolproof method. Just call your bank’s customer service number and ask them for your sort code. They’ll ask you some security questions to verify you’re actually the account holder, then give you the number.
It’s straightforward, though you might wait on hold for a bit depending on when you call. I’ve found calling early morning or late evening usually means shorter wait times.
Visit Your Branch
If you’re near your bank branch anyway, just walk in and ask any staff member. They can pull up your account and tell you the sort code immediately. Takes about two minutes total.
Use Your Bank’s Mobile App
Some Nigerian banks display sort codes directly in their mobile apps. Go to your account details section and look around.
I checked the GTBank app, Zenith app, and Access Bank app – they all show sort codes somewhere in the account information section, though the exact location varies by bank.
Search Online
There are websites that list sort codes for all Nigerian banks and branches. Our website stands out from the rest, you can explore our website here: https://banksortcodes.com.ng/
The trick is making sure you find the right branch. If you bank at GTBank Allen Avenue in Ikeja, you need Allen Avenue’s specific sort code, not just any random GTBank code.
Type something like “GTBank Allen Avenue sort code” into Google and you’ll usually find it. Just double-check the information is current because branch codes can occasionally change.
Sort Codes for Major Nigerian Banks (Head Office Examples)
While sort codes vary by branch, here are examples for the head offices of popular banks. For branch-specific codes, use the methods above.
| Bank Name | Head Office Sort Code | CBN Bank Code (First 3 Digits) |
|---|---|---|
| Access Bank | 044-150-149 | 044 |
| Ecobank Nigeria | 050-150-311 | 050 |
| Fidelity Bank | 070-150-003 | 070 |
| First Bank of Nigeria | 011-152-303 | 011 |
| First City Monument Bank | 214-150-018 | 214 |
| Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank) | 058-152-052 | 058 |
| Polaris Bank | 076-151-006 | 076 |
| United Bank for Africa (UBA) | 033-154-282 | 033 |
| Union Bank | 032-156-825 | 032 |
| Unity Bank | 215-082-334 | 215 |
| Wema Bank | 035-150-103 | 035 |
| Zenith Bank | 057-150-013 | 057 |
So if you see a sort code starting with 058, you immediately know it’s a GTBank branch. This is useful when someone gives you their details and you want to double-check the bank matches the sort code.
Common Mistakes People Make
Using the Wrong Branch Code
This happens when someone banks at one branch but uses the sort code for a different branch of the same bank. Like if your account is at Access Bank Lekki but you use the sort code for Access Bank Ikeja.
The transfer might still work, but it can cause delays or confusion. Always use your actual branch’s sort code.
Confusing Sort Codes with Bank Codes
Bank codes are different from sort codes. The bank code is just those first three digits, while the sort code is the complete 9-digit number including branch information.
When a platform asks for “sort code,” give them all 9 digits. When they ask for “bank code,” just give the first 3.
Using Outdated Information
Banks sometimes merge branches or close locations. If you’re using an old cheque book from five years ago, that sort code might not be valid anymore.
Always verify your sort code is current, especially if you haven’t used it in a while.
Sort Codes vs SWIFT Codes
People sometimes confuse these two. They’re completely different things:
- Sort Code: 9 digits, used for local transfers within Nigeria, identifies the specific bank branch
- SWIFT Code: Usually 8-11 characters (letters and numbers), used for international transfers, identifies banks globally
If you’re receiving money from abroad, you need your bank’s SWIFT code, not the sort code. If you’re transferring money within Nigeria, you need the sort code.
Some international platforms ask for both. Just be clear about which one they’re requesting.
Why Different Branches Have Different Codes
Even branches of the same bank in the same city have different sort codes. GTBank in Ikeja has a different code from GTBank in Victoria Island, even though they’re both in Lagos.
This is actually helpful for the banking system. It lets them track exactly which branch processed which transaction. Makes accounting cleaner and helps if there’s ever a dispute about where a transaction happened.
So don’t be surprised when your friend who also banks with GTBank has a different sort code from yours. That’s completely normal.
