What is the Branch Code of the Bank?

To manage and optimize the internal as well as external functioning of a bank, a Branch code is used. Branch code helps the bank to identify its branches and accurately locate its information.

It is equally important for customers as many financial systems are coded in such a way that the branch code enables those systems to function properly for example- fund transfer.

For the fund transfer to work, the customer has to provide the receiver’s Bank IFSC Code along with the account number.

IFSC Code is a financial system code that is alphanumeric and is standardized by the Reserve Bank of India for facilitating fund transfers across India. It contains the Branch code of the bank for smoother integration.

Now, the branch code has been standardized across India for every bank to ensure that there is adequate standardization for easy identification and functioning.

Every bank has a unique number designated to the bank branches and that number can be used for identifying that branch. Since the IFSC Code of a bank branch is also composed of the bank branch, therefore, the IFSC Code is also unique to the branch.

Let’s understand it with an example-

The IFSC Code of the SBI Cannaught Circus New Delhi Branch is SBIN0001537, here the branch code is the last 6 digits of the IFSC Code. “001537” is the branch code of the SBI Cannaught Circus New Delhi Branch.

Here in this article, we will further explore what is Branch code, its features and benefits, why branch code is used, and much more.

Features of Branch Code

Using a Branch code in the banking system comes with a variety of benefits, which are as follows-

• Branch Code helps to identify a specific branch for both the bank’s system as well as an individual. A bank can have two branches in proximity but with branch code, the distinguishing between the two would be simple.
• Bank IFSC Code uses the bank branch code to map the IFSC Code to the bank’s branch.
• You can also find the bank branch code on your bank account number which makes the entire system easy and predictable.
• Branch Code is a uniquely identifiable code allowing you to assign this code to multiple branches of a bank and using this fund transfer becomes easy and smooth.

Why Branch Code is Used?

The branch code is used to track the exact branch name, address, and other important details. A bank can have two branches in proximity but with branch code, the distinguishing between the two would be simple.

Fund transfers using the IFSC Code are possible due to their uniquability which makes it easy for the bank to map out the exact location of your account and the transfer of the fund process becomes smooth and fast. It vastly reduces confusion and prevents any kind of wrong processing of the banking services.

How to find your Bank Branch Code?

You can find the bank branch code in various banking products that you use every day. The following is the process of finding your bank branch code using these banking products-

Using IFSC Code

• You can use your Bank IFSC Code to find your bank branch code as the IFSC Code itself contains the bank branch code. The last six digits of the IFSC Code are the bank branch codes.
• You’ll have to find the IFSC Code by using the AskBank IFSC Code finder tool wherein, you’ll have to choose your bank name, state, city, and branch name
• Here you’ll find your bank’s IFSC Code along with details like Bank branch code, Swift code, etc.

Using Passbook

The passbook also contains information related to your bank branch code. You can find the information on the front page of the passbook where you’ll find other information like Account Number, name, address, IFSC Code, etc. Alongside these details, you’ll also find the Bank branch code mentioned.

Using Cheque

You can use a cheque as well to find your bank branch code. Some banks may not have it explicitly mentioned however, you can easily find your IFSC Code in all the bank cheques and just use the last 6 digits of the IFSC Code as your bank branch code.

Using Mobile Banking/Net Banking

You can use your mobile banking or net banking dashboard to find the bank branch code. You can log in to your account using your login credentials on your mobile banking app or online net banking portal. Once logged in, you’ll have to navigate to the account summary section and find the bank

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