How to use the IFSC checker
- Type or paste the 11-character IFSC from your cheque, passbook or bank app.
- Fix any format problems the checker points out, such as the letter O instead of zero.
- Press Look up to fetch the branch name, address and MICR.
- Check which payment systems the branch supports before you send money.
How an IFSC is built
Every IFSC has 11 characters. Taking SBIN0000001 as an example:
| Part | Characters | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Bank code | SBIN | Four letters for the bank (here, State Bank of India) |
| Reserved | 0 | Always the digit zero, kept for future use |
| Branch code | 000001 | Six letters or digits for the branch |
Bank codes of common banks
| Code | Bank |
|---|---|
| SBIN | State Bank of India |
| HDFC | HDFC Bank |
| ICIC | ICICI Bank |
| UTIB | Axis Bank |
| KKBK | Kotak Mahindra Bank |
| PUNB | Punjab National Bank |
| BARB | Bank of Baroda |
| CNRB | Canara Bank |
| UBIN | Union Bank of India |
| BKID | Bank of India |
| IDIB | Indian Bank |
| IDFB | IDFC FIRST Bank |
What MICR means
MICR (Magnetic Ink Character Recognition) is the 9-digit number in the strip at the bottom of a cheque. It lets clearing houses sort cheques by machine. In 400240003, 400 is the city, 240 the bank and 003 the branch. You need MICR for some cheque, ECS or mandate forms; online transfers only need the IFSC.
NEFT, RTGS and IMPS at a glance
| NEFT | RTGS | IMPS | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Timing | 24×7, settled in half-hourly batches | 24×7, settled one by one in real time | 24×7, instant |
| Minimum | No minimum | ₹2 lakh | No minimum |
| Maximum | No RBI limit (bank limits apply) | No upper limit | ₹5 lakh per transfer |
| Charges | Free online from savings accounts | Capped by RBI; many banks waive online | Set by your bank |
All three need the beneficiary's account number and IFSC. Your bank may set lower limits for new beneficiaries.
Frequently asked questions
What is an IFSC code?
The Indian Financial System Code is an 11-character code that identifies a bank branch for NEFT, RTGS and IMPS. The first four letters are the bank, the fifth character is always 0, and the last six identify the branch. RBI assigns and publishes them.
Where can I find my IFSC?
It is printed on your cheque leaf (usually above or near the account number), on the first page of your passbook, on account statements and in your net banking or mobile banking app under account details.
What is the difference between IFSC and MICR?
IFSC is used for electronic transfers (NEFT, RTGS, IMPS). MICR is a 9-digit number printed in magnetic ink at the bottom of a cheque, used to process cheques: 3 digits for the city, 3 for the bank and 3 for the branch.
What happens if I enter the wrong IFSC?
For NEFT and RTGS, banks credit using the account number. If the IFSC does not match a valid branch the transfer is rejected and the money comes back; if it points to another valid branch, contact your bank immediately. Always check the IFSC and account number before sending.
Is the fifth character of an IFSC a zero or the letter O?
It is always the digit zero (0). It is kept for future use. Typing the letter O is the most common reason an IFSC fails.
Do I need an IFSC for UPI?
No. UPI uses a UPI ID or mobile number. You only need the IFSC if you pay to an account number and IFSC through UPI, NEFT, RTGS or IMPS.
My bank merged with another bank. Is my old IFSC still valid?
No. After the 2019–2020 public sector bank mergers (for example, Syndicate Bank into Canara Bank and Andhra Bank into Union Bank of India), the old IFSCs were replaced. Use the new code printed on your new cheque book or shown in your bank's app.