A BSB is a six-digit code that identifies which branch of a bank holds your account
BSB stands for Bank State Branch. It is a routing number used in Australia to direct money to the correct bank and the correct branch within that bank. When you send money to someone else's account, you need their BSB along with their account number so the payment reaches the right place. The BSB tells the payment system which bank processes the account and which physical or logical branch handles it.
The six digits break into two parts: the first two digits identify the bank itself, and the last four identify the specific branch. For example, a BSB of 062-123 means the bank code is 062 and the branch code is 123. Some banks use the same branch code for all their customers (usually 000), while others assign different codes to different locations or service centres.
You will find your BSB on your bank statements, on the back of your debit card, or by logging into your online banking. Your bank can also tell you your BSB if you call or visit in person. If you are sending money to someone, you should always ask them for their BSB and account number rather than guessing—a wrong BSB sends the money to the wrong bank or branch, and recovery can take several days.
Key Takeaways
- A BSB is a six-digit code unique to your bank and branch; the first two digits identify the bank and the last four identify the branch.
- You need both a BSB and an account number to send money to another person's account in Australia.
- Your BSB appears on your statements, debit card, and online banking portal, and your bank can provide it if you ask.
- Entering the wrong BSB sends money to the wrong destination, so always confirm the number with the person you are paying.
- Some banks use a single branch code (usually 000) for all customers, while others assign codes to different locations.
How BSB codes are structured and what each part means
The first two digits of a BSB identify the financial institution. Each major bank in Australia has its own code: for instance, Commonwealth Bank uses 120, Westpac uses 033, NAB uses 082, and ANZ uses 012. These codes are assigned by Payments Australia, the organisation that manages the payments infrastructure. If you know the bank code, you can often identify which bank an account belongs to just by looking at the first two digits of the BSB.
The last four digits identify the branch. For many modern banks, this is straightforward 000 because they no longer operate traditional branch networks—all accounts are processed through a central system. Older banks or those with multiple physical locations may use different branch codes to route payments through different processing centres. The branch code does not necessarily correspond to a street address; it is a routing identifier within the bank's system.
Together, the six digits create a unique identifier for the destination of a payment. When you initiate a transfer, the payment system reads the BSB first to find the right bank, then uses the account number to find the right account within that bank. If either number is wrong, the payment either fails or goes to the wrong account.
Where to find your BSB and how to give it to others
Your BSB is printed on every bank statement you receive. It usually appears near the top of the page alongside your account number. If you have a debit card, the BSB is often printed on the back, though not all banks include it there. The easiest way to find it is to log into your online banking—most banks display your BSB prominently on your account details page or in a section labelled "Account Information" or "Payment Details".
If you cannot find your BSB online or on paper, call your bank's customer service line. Have your account number ready, and they will give you the BSB within a minute. Some banks also display it in their mobile app under account settings. Never guess or use a BSB from someone else's account, even if they use the same bank—each account has its own BSB and account number combination.
When you give your BSB to someone who wants to pay you, provide both the BSB and your account number together. Write them clearly, especially if you are texting or emailing. A common format is: BSB 062-123, Account 12345678. Ask the person to read both numbers back to you before they process the payment. This takes 30 seconds and prevents money going to the wrong place.
BSB versus account number: what each one does
The BSB and account number work together but serve different purposes. The BSB routes the payment to the correct bank and branch, while the account number identifies your specific account within that bank. Think of it like a postal address: the BSB is the suburb and postcode, and the account number is the house number and street name. You need both to reach the right destination.
An account number is usually eight to ten digits long and is unique to your account. Two people at the same bank will have different account numbers but may share the same BSB if they use the same branch code. The account number is what the bank uses to debit or credit the right account once the payment arrives at the right bank.
Some people confuse BSB with the account number or think they are interchangeable. They are not. A payment with the correct BSB but wrong account number will reach the right bank but go into the wrong account—and the person who receives it may not know who sent it. A payment with the wrong BSB may not reach any account at all, or may reach a completely different bank.
What happens when you use the wrong BSB
If you enter an incorrect BSB, the payment system attempts to route the money to the bank and branch identified by that code. If the BSB does not exist, the payment may be rejected when ready and the money returned to your account within one to two business days. If the BSB exists but belongs to a different bank, the money reaches that bank. The receiving bank then tries to match the account number to an account in their system.
If the account number does not match any account at the receiving bank, the payment sits in a suspense account while the bank tries to contact the sender or the intended recipient. This process can take several weeks. You will need to contact your bank and provide proof of the error—usually a screenshot of the transaction and the correct details—to request a reversal. Your bank can then contact the receiving bank and ask them to return the funds.
The safest approach is to always confirm the BSB and account number with the person you are paying before you send the money. Ask them to provide both numbers in writing, or read them back to you over the phone. If you are paying a business, check their invoice or website for the correct details. This takes a moment and saves the hassle of a misdirected payment.
BSB codes for major Australian banks
Here are the bank codes for the four largest banks in Australia. These are the first two digits of the BSB:
| Bank | Bank Code (first two digits of BSB) |
|---|---|
| Commonwealth Bank | 120 |
| Westpac | 033 |
| National Australia Bank (NAB) | 082 |
| ANZ | 012 |
Smaller banks and credit unions have their own codes. If you need to find a BSB for a bank not listed here, ask the bank directly or check their website. Payments Australia maintains a full register of all BSB codes in use, though it is not designed for public lookup. Your bank can always tell you the correct BSB for any account you need to pay.
Why Australia uses BSB instead of other routing systems
Australia adopted the BSB system in the 1970s as a way to route payments between banks before electronic systems became widespread. The six-digit format was designed to be short enough to write by hand and remember, but specific enough to route money accurately. Other countries use different systems: the United States uses routing numbers, the United Kingdom uses sort codes (which are very similar to BSB), and Europe uses IBAN codes that include the country and bank details in a longer string.
The BSB system has remained in place because it works well for domestic payments and is deeply embedded in Australian banking infrastructure. When you set up a direct debit, pay a bill, or send money via bank transfer, the BSB is what tells the system where to send it. Payments Australia oversees the system and assigns new codes when banks merge, change their structure, or enter the market.
For international payments, you will need additional information beyond the BSB—usually the SWIFT code (also called BIC) and sometimes an IBAN. These codes tell the international payment system which country the money is going to and how to route it through the global banking network. Your bank can provide these codes if you are sending money overseas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use someone else's BSB if they are at the same bank as me?
No. Each account has its own BSB and account number combination. Using someone else's BSB sends the money to their branch, and the account number determines which account receives it. If you use the wrong BSB and the correct account number, the money may not reach the intended account. Always use the BSB and account number that belong to the account you are paying.
What if I send money to the wrong BSB but the right account number?
The money will reach the wrong bank or branch. The receiving bank will try to match the account number to one of their accounts. If no match is found, the payment goes into a suspense account and the bank attempts to contact the sender or recipient. You will need to contact your bank to request a reversal, which can take several weeks. Always confirm both the BSB and account number before sending.
Do I need a BSB to receive money from overseas?
No. For international payments, the sender needs your SWIFT code (or BIC) and sometimes your IBAN, not your BSB. The BSB is used only for domestic payments within Australia. Your bank can provide your SWIFT code and IBAN if you need to receive money from another country.
Is the BSB the same as my account number?
No. The BSB identifies your bank and branch; the account number identifies your specific account. You need both to send or receive money. The BSB is six digits, and the account number is usually eight to ten digits. They are printed together on your statements and in your online banking.
Can a BSB change?
Rarely. A BSB can change if your bank merges with another bank, restructures its branch network, or closes a branch. If this happens, your bank will notify you and provide your new BSB. For most people, the BSB stays the same for as long as they hold the account. If you are unsure whether your BSB has changed, check your most recent statement or log into your online banking.