IFSCKosh

What is an IFSC code?

The Indian Financial System Code is how India’s payment systems know exactly which bank branch an account belongs to.

An IFSC code (Indian Financial System Code) is an 11-character code issued by the Reserve Bank of India. Every branch that takes part in electronic transfers — NEFT, RTGS and IMPS — has one, and it uniquely identifies that branch when you send or receive money.

What the 11 characters mean

Take HDFC0000001 as an example. The code breaks into three parts:

  • First four letters (HDFC) — the bank code, identifying the bank.
  • Fifth character (0) — always zero, reserved by the RBI for future use.
  • Last six characters (000001) — the branch code, identifying the exact branch.

IFSC vs MICR vs SWIFT

These three codes do different jobs. The IFSC routes domestic online transfers. The MICR code is a 9-digit number on your cheques used by sorting machines. The SWIFT/BIC code is for international transfers. A branch page on IFSCKosh shows whichever of these the RBI dataset lists.

How to find your IFSC code

The fastest way is to search by bank and branch on this site. You can also read it from your cheque book or passbook, or find it inside your bank’s mobile app and net banking under account details.

Frequently asked

What does IFSC stand for?

IFSC stands for Indian Financial System Code — an 11-character code assigned by the Reserve Bank of India to identify a specific bank branch in electronic fund transfers.

How many digits is an IFSC code?

An IFSC code is 11 characters: the first four letters are the bank code, the fifth character is always 0 (reserved), and the last six characters identify the branch.

Is the IFSC code the same as the MICR code?

No. The IFSC is used for online transfers (NEFT, RTGS, IMPS). The MICR code is a 9-digit number printed on cheques and read by cheque-sorting machines. A branch usually has both.

Where do I find my IFSC code?

It is printed on your cheque book and passbook, shown in your bank’s app or net banking, and listed here on IFSCKosh — search for your bank and branch.