🏦 IFSC Code Finder
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🏦 Complete IFSC Code Guide
What is an IFSC Code?
IFSC (Indian Financial System Code) is an 11-character alphanumeric code assigned by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to every bank branch in India participating in electronic payment systems like NEFT (National Electronic Funds Transfer), RTGS (Real Time Gross Settlement), and IMPS (Immediate Payment Service). This unique code ensures accurate routing of funds during online money transfers, preventing errors and ensuring your money reaches the correct bank branch. IFSC codes are mandatory for all digital banking transactions in India and are used by millions of people daily for salary credits, bill payments, investments, and personal transfers.
IFSC Code Format & Structure
First 4 Characters: Bank Code (Alphabetic)
→ SBIN = State Bank of India
→ HDFC = HDFC Bank
→ ICIC = ICICI Bank
5th Character: Always "0" (Reserved for future use)
→ Currently set to zero by RBI
Last 6 Characters: Branch Code (Alphanumeric)
→ 001234 = Specific branch identifier
→ Each branch has a unique 6-digit code
How to Find IFSC Code
- Bank Cheque: IFSC code is printed on the top of every cheque leaf near the bank name
- Passbook: Check the first page of your bank passbook - IFSC is mentioned along with branch details
- Bank Statement: Monthly statements contain IFSC code in the header or footer
- Online Banking: Login to internet banking and check account details section
- Mobile Banking: Most banking apps display IFSC in account information
- Bank Website: Use the official bank's branch locator or IFSC finder tool
- RBI Website: Reserve Bank of India maintains an official list of all IFSC codes
- This Tool: Use our IFSC Code Finder above for instant results!
What is MICR Code?
MICR (Magnetic Ink Character Recognition) is a 9-digit code used for processing cheques electronically. While IFSC is used for electronic fund transfers, MICR is specifically for cheque-based transactions. The MICR code is printed on cheques using special magnetic ink, allowing banks to process cheques quickly using automated machines.
First 3 Digits: City Code
→ 400 = Mumbai
→ 110 = New Delhi
→ 600 = Chennai
Next 3 Digits: Bank Code
→ Identifies the specific bank
Last 3 Digits: Branch Code
→ Identifies the specific branch within the bank
Major Indian Banks & Their Codes
| Bank Name | Bank Code | Full Name | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| SBIN | State Bank of India | State Bank of India | Public Sector |
| HDFC | HDFC Bank | Housing Development Finance Corporation | Private Sector |
| ICIC | ICICI Bank | Industrial Credit and Investment Corporation of India | Private Sector |
| AXIS | Axis Bank | Axis Bank Limited | Private Sector |
| PUNB | Punjab National Bank | Punjab National Bank | Public Sector |
| KKBK | Kotak Mahindra Bank | Kotak Mahindra Bank Limited | Private Sector |
| BARB | Bank of Baroda | Bank of Baroda | Public Sector |
| CNRB | Canara Bank | Canara Bank | Public Sector |
| UBIN | Union Bank of India | Union Bank of India | Public Sector |
| IDIB | Indian Bank | Indian Bank | Public Sector |
When Do You Need IFSC Code?
1. NEFT Transfers (National Electronic Funds Transfer)
- Batch processing system for fund transfers across India
- Operates in hourly batches (11 settlements on weekdays, 5 on Saturdays)
- No maximum or minimum transfer limit
- Takes 2-3 hours for money to reach beneficiary
- Charges vary by bank and transfer amount
- Requires beneficiary's account number, name, IFSC code, and bank details
2. RTGS Transfers (Real Time Gross Settlement)
- Real-time fund transfer for high-value transactions
- Minimum transfer amount: ₹2 lakhs (no upper limit)
- Money credited within 30 minutes to 2 hours
- Available on weekdays 9 AM to 4:30 PM
- Higher charges compared to NEFT due to real-time processing
- Ideal for urgent, large-value payments like property transactions
3. IMPS Transfers (Immediate Payment Service)
- Instant fund transfer available 24/7/365 (including holidays)
- Maximum ₹5 lakhs per transaction (varies by bank)
- Money credited within seconds
- Can be done via internet banking, mobile banking, SMS, ATM
- Lower charges compared to RTGS
- Perfect for urgent small to medium-value transfers
4. Other Use Cases:
- Salary Credits: Employers need IFSC to credit salaries to employee accounts
- Income Tax Refunds: Government requires IFSC for direct refund transfers
- Investment Transactions: Mutual funds, stocks, and bonds require IFSC for redemptions
- Loan Disbursements: Banks use IFSC to credit loan amounts to your account
- Pension Payments: Pension departments need IFSC for monthly pension credits
- Insurance Claims: Insurance companies use IFSC for claim settlements
- Online Shopping Refunds: E-commerce platforms need IFSC for refund processing
- Freelancer Payments: International platforms use IFSC for INR payouts
NEFT vs RTGS vs IMPS Comparison
| Feature | NEFT | RTGS | IMPS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Amount | ₹1 (No minimum) | ₹2,00,000 | ₹1 (No minimum) |
| Maximum Amount | No limit | No limit | ₹5,00,000 (varies by bank) |
| Settlement Time | 2-3 hours (batch processing) | 30 mins - 2 hours (real-time) | Instant (few seconds) |
| Availability | 24x7 (all days) | Mon-Sat, 9 AM - 4:30 PM | 24x7 (all days) |
| Charges | ₹0 - ₹25 (varies) | ₹25 - ₹55 (varies) | ₹0 - ₹20 (varies) |
| Best For | Regular transfers | Large, urgent payments | Urgent small transfers |
How to Verify IFSC Code
- Use Official Tools: Always verify IFSC using RBI website or official bank websites
- Check Format: Ensure it's exactly 11 characters (4 alphabets + 1 zero + 6 alphanumeric)
- Match Branch: Confirm the IFSC matches the specific branch where account is held
- Cross-Verify with Bank: Call bank customer care or visit branch to confirm IFSC
- Use This Tool: Our IFSC finder instantly validates and shows complete branch details
- Avoid Typos: Even one wrong character will cause transfer failure
- Don't Share: While IFSC is not confidential, be cautious about sharing complete bank details
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using wrong IFSC code (always double-check before transferring)
- Confusing IFSC with MICR code (they serve different purposes)
- Using head office IFSC for branch account (each branch has unique IFSC)
- Typing 'O' instead of '0' (fifth character is always zero, not letter O)
- Using old IFSC after bank merger (banks update codes post-merger, get latest one)
- Not verifying beneficiary details (wrong IFSC + right account = failed transfer)
- Assuming all branches have same pattern (branch codes vary, check each time)
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is IFSC code same for all branches of a bank?
A: No, each branch has a unique IFSC code. While the first 4 characters (bank code) remain same, the last 6 characters (branch code) are different for every branch. For example, SBIN0001234 and SBIN0005678 are two different SBI branches.
Q: Can I transfer money with only account number and IFSC?
A: Yes, for NEFT/RTGS/IMPS transfers, you need beneficiary's name, account number, IFSC code, and bank name. Some banks may also ask for address and mobile number for first-time beneficiary addition.
Q: What happens if I enter wrong IFSC code?
A: If IFSC doesn't match the account number, the transaction will fail and money will be refunded to your account within 24-48 hours (may take 7 days in some cases). Banks charge reversal fees ranging from ₹25 to ₹100.
Q: Is IFSC code required for UPI payments?
A: No, UPI (Unified Payments Interface) uses Virtual Payment Address (VPA) like yourname@bankname and doesn't require IFSC code. However, when adding a beneficiary bank account in UPI apps, IFSC is auto-fetched or may be required.
Q: Do IFSC codes change?
A: IFSC codes can change during bank mergers, branch relocations, or branch closures. For example, after SBI merged with associate banks, many IFSC codes were updated. Always verify current IFSC code before transactions.
Q: Can I find IFSC code from account number?
A: No, you cannot directly find IFSC from account number as multiple branches can have similar account number formats. You must know the specific branch to find correct IFSC. Check your passbook, cheque, or use our finder tool.
Q: Is IFSC code confidential?
A: No, IFSC code is public information and not confidential. However, never share your account number, passwords, OTPs, CVV, or ATM PIN with anyone. IFSC alone cannot be used to withdraw money from your account.
Q: How many IFSC codes are there in India?
A: There are over 1.5 lakh (150,000+) IFSC codes in India covering all bank branches across the country. As new branches open, new IFSC codes are issued by RBI.
Q: Can I use IFSC code for international transfers?
A: No, IFSC is only for domestic transfers within India (NEFT/RTGS/IMPS). For international transfers, you need SWIFT code (for wire transfers) along with IBAN or account number, depending on the destination country.
Q: What is the difference between SWIFT code and IFSC code?
A: IFSC is for domestic Indian transfers; SWIFT (Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication) is for international transfers. SWIFT is 8-11 characters (e.g., SBININBB123), while IFSC is always 11 characters.
Q: Are NEFT/RTGS transfers free now?
A: RBI made NEFT and RTGS free for customers from January 2020, meaning no RBI charges. However, banks may still charge service fees. Many banks offer free NEFT/RTGS for specific account types or above certain transaction limits. Check with your bank for current charges.
Q: Can I transfer money to a deleted bank account?
A: If the account is closed, the transfer will fail and money will be refunded. If the account is dormant (inactive), the transfer might succeed, but the account holder may need to reactivate the account to access funds. Always verify account status before transferring.