In Nigeria’s modern banking system, sort codes are essential. Whether you’re an individual customer, a business owner, or someone handling frequent transfers, understanding bank sort codes helps ensure your money reaches the right account quickly and securely.
In this SEO-friendly blog, we’ll explain what sort codes are, why they matter, and give you a clear list of popular Nigerian bank sort codes you can use for transactions.
What Is a Bank Sort Code?
A bank sort code is a unique 9-digit number assigned to each bank branch in Nigeria. It identifies both the bank and the specific branch where an account is held.
This helps banks route transactions accurately, especially during transfers within Nigeria or internationally. Each branch has a different sort code, which means no two branches share the same code.
Sort codes help:
- Ensure funds are sent to the correct bank branch.
- Speed up electronic fund transfers.
- Reduce errors in financial transactions.
- Strengthen verification and anti-fraud measures.
List of Popular Nigerian Bank Sort Codes
Below is a list of some of the most widely used Nigerian banks and their general sort codes. Note that each branch might have a slightly different sort code—so always confirm with your bank if you need a specific branch code.
| Bank Name | Sort Code (General) |
|---|---|
| Access Bank Plc | 44150149 |
| Diamond Bank Plc (now part of Access) | 63150162 |
| Ecobank Nigeria Plc | 50150311 |
| Fidelity Bank Plc | 70150003 |
| First Bank of Nigeria Plc | 11152303 |
| First City Monument Bank (FCMB) | 214150018 |
| Guaranty Trust Bank Plc (GTBank) | 58152052 |
| Keystone Bank | 82150017 |
| Polaris Bank Plc | 76151006 |
| Stanbic IBTC Bank Plc | 221159522 |
| Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria Ltd | 68150057 |
| Sterling Bank Plc | 232150029 |
| United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc | 33154282 |
| Union Bank of Nigeria Plc | 32156825 |
| Unity Bank Plc | 215082334 |
| Wema Bank Plc | 35150103 |
| Zenith Bank Plc | 57150013 |
How Bank Sort Codes Work
When you make a transfer—whether via Internet banking, mobile app, or at a bank counter—you often need:
- Bank name
- Account number
- Sort code
The sort code tells the system exactly which bank branch will receive the funds, improving accuracy and clearing times. This is why sort codes are sometimes called routing codes or NIBSS codes (Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System codes).
Where to Find Your Bank Sort Code
You can find your bank’s sort code in several places:
- Bank statement – Often printed with your account details.
- Cheque book – Many banks print the sort code on cheques.
- Online/Mobile Banking – Log into your account and find sort code information under account settings.
- Customer Support – Call your bank’s support line or visit a branch to confirm.
Final Tips
- Always verify your sort code before making large transfers.
- If you have multiple branches, ask your bank for the exact sort code of the specific branch.
- Sort codes are different from SWIFT codes, which are primarily for international transfers.
Conclusion
Nigerian bank sort codes are a crucial part of the financial system. They help banks process transactions quickly and accurately, and they protect you from errors in electronic transfers.
Knowing your bank’s sort code is especially important if you send or receive money frequently, both locally and internationally.
Start using this guide to find the sort code you need, and always double-check with your bank for the most accurate branch information
