IFSC Code Validation
Learn what an IFSC code is, where to find the correct code for an Indian bank branch and what to check before sending money from the UK to India.
Checking an Indian bank IFSC code?
An IFSC code identifies a particular bank branch in India and can be required when sending money to an Indian bank account.
Always use the correct IFSC provided by the recipient or their Indian bank. The example above is for illustration only.
What is an IFSC code?
IFSC stands for Indian Financial System Code. It is an alphanumeric code used to identify a particular bank branch in India for electronic fund transfers.
Identifies a bank branch
An IFSC code helps identify the specific Indian bank branch associated with a recipient's bank account.
Made up of letters and numbers
IFSC codes use a combination of letters and numbers and follow a standard format used by Indian banks.
Useful for money transfers
The correct IFSC can help route a transfer to the intended Indian bank account and branch. It can be useful when making a UK to India bank transfer .
Why does an IFSC code matter?
When sending money to an Indian bank account, the recipient's bank details need to be accurate. An IFSC code helps identify the bank branch connected with the account.
Think of the IFSC code as an address for a particular bank branch within India's electronic banking network. Providing the correct code helps ensure that the transfer information points to the intended bank branch.
Where can I find an IFSC code?
The best source for an IFSC code is the recipient's Indian bank or the recipient themselves.
Ask the recipient
Ask the person receiving the money to provide the IFSC code associated with their Indian bank account. They can normally find it through their bank's official channels.
Example: ABCD0123456Check with the Indian bank
The recipient can check their bank's website, mobile banking service, account information or contact the bank to confirm the correct IFSC for their branch.
Need help? SendINR can help you understand what information is required for your transfer.
Email: atyourservice@sendinr.com
What does an IFSC code look like?
An IFSC code is generally made up of 11 characters. It uses letters and numbers in a standard structure.
Example only
ABCD0123456
This is an illustrative example and should not be used for an actual transfer. Always obtain the correct IFSC from the recipient or their Indian bank.
How to read an IFSC code
An IFSC is generally an 11-character code. The easiest way to understand it is to split it into three parts.
1–4: Bank code
The first four letters identify the bank. For example, SBIN identifies State Bank of India.
5: Reserved character
The fifth character is 0. It is reserved within the IFSC structure.
6–11: Branch code
The final six characters identify the particular branch.
Example: SBIN 0 123456 means the bank prefix is SBIN, the fifth character is 0, and the final six characters represent the branch. The example is for learning only; always use the actual IFSC supplied by the recipient or their bank.
Major Indian banks & their IFSC prefixes
The first four characters of an IFSC identify the bank. Select a bank below to see its commonly used four-character IFSC prefix. The remaining characters identify the particular branch.
State Bank of India
For an actual IFSC, this four-character bank prefix is followed by the reserved 0 and the six-character branch identifier.
For example: SBI
If the recipient banks with State Bank of India, their IFSC starts with SBIN. If they bank with ICICI Bank, it starts with ICIC. If they bank with Axis Bank, it starts with UTIB — not “AXIS”. The full code still depends on the recipient's specific branch.
How to use IFSC details with SendINR
If you are sending money from the UK to an eligible Indian bank account, the recipient's bank details may include an IFSC code.
Ask the recipient
Get the recipient's correct Indian bank account details, including the IFSC where required.
Register with SendINR
Create your SendINR account using your UK mobile number and email.
Complete KYC
Complete the required identity verification before making your transfer.
Start your transfer
Enter the requested recipient details, review the transfer information and follow the confirmation process.
What if the IFSC code is incorrect?
Incorrect bank details can cause problems with a transfer. Always check the recipient's details carefully before confirming.
Check before submitting
Compare the IFSC provided by the recipient with the information they obtained from their Indian bank.
Don't guess the code
If you are unsure, ask the recipient to confirm the correct IFSC rather than entering a code based on assumption.
Need assistance?
If you need help understanding the information required for a SendINR transfer, contact our team at atyourservice@sendinr.com.
IFSC Code Validation FAQs
What does IFSC stand for?
IFSC stands for Indian Financial System Code. It is used to identify a particular bank branch in India for electronic fund transfers.
How many characters are in an IFSC code?
An IFSC code generally contains 11 characters made up of letters and numbers.
Where can I find an Indian bank IFSC code?
The recipient can obtain the correct IFSC from their Indian bank's official channels, such as its website, mobile banking service or customer support.
Can I use any IFSC code for a bank?
No. The IFSC identifies a particular bank branch. You should use the IFSC associated with the recipient's eligible Indian bank account.
Does SendINR provide IFSC codes?
SendINR uses the recipient information required for the transfer process. The correct IFSC should be obtained from the recipient or their Indian bank where required.
What should I do if I don't know the recipient's IFSC?
Ask the recipient to check with their Indian bank and provide the correct details. If you need help understanding what information is required, contact SendINR at atyourservice@sendinr.com.
Ready to send money to an Indian bank account?
Create your UK SendINR account, complete KYC and start your transfer. Have the recipient's correct Indian bank details ready before you begin.