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Learn more about BSB codes and the role they play in sending and receiving money here.

A Bank State Branch number, or BSB number, is a 6-digit code that represents your bank, state, and branch location. Some banks, like Beyond Bank, use one BSB code for all branches while some banks, like CommBank, have different BSB codes for different branches. If you are sending money to Australia, pay careful attention to these codes to make sure the funds are directed to the right place.

BSB numbers are supplied by the Australian Payments Network, a network that oversees all BSB numbers in Australia. This unified system ensures that all Australian banks and branches have an organized system of identification.

To stay organized, BSB codes use a standardized format to communicate the details that banks need.

Let use this 6-digit BSB number as an example: 112-333

Wondering what the difference between BSB numbers and account numbers is? The main difference is that an account number is unique to that specific account. Meanwhile, a BSB number directs the payment to the correct branch. The two numbers give banks the information needed to transfer your funds correctly.

Similarly, you may be wondering if BSB numbers and SWIFT/BIC codes are the same. Both BSB numbers and SWIFT/BIC codes achieve the same goal: to identify where you are sending money to, but they are not the same. The biggest difference between the two is that BSB numbers are used for domestic purposes, whereas SWIFT/BIC codes are an international network. For international money transfers, both a BSB code and a SWIFT/BIC code are used.

To send money to Australia, your recipient should be able to provide you with their BSB number. In addition to the resources above, there are a few easy ways your receiver can identify their BSB code to prepare for a money transfer.

Searching for a BSB number? Here is a list of BSB numbers for some of the most popular banks in Australia:

New Zealand uses a different numbering system and does not use BSB codes. Instead, New Zealand uses a 16-digit format that includes the same information, formatted in a different way.

Here is an example of an account number in New Zealand: XXXXXX YYYYYYY ZZZ

While Australia is the only country that uses BSB codes, you can see that similar information is conveyed in a different format in countries like New Zealand.

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Address: 21 McLeod St, Cairns City QLD 4870, Australia

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Address: Flinders Street &, Swanston St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia

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