IFSC

Full form: Indian Financial System Code

Banking

IFSC is an 11-character alphanumeric code that uniquely identifies every bank branch in India for electronic fund transfers (NEFT, RTGS, IMPS). The first 4 characters are the bank code, 5th is always 0 (reserved), last 6 are the branch code.

In detail

Format: AAAA0BBBBBBnAAAA = Bank code (e.g., HDFC for HDFC Bank, SBIN for SBI)n0 = Fixed zeronBBBBBB = Branch codennExamples:nHDFC0000240 = HDFC Bank Connaught Place, DelhinSBIN0001234 = SBI specific branchnnWhere to find IFSC: printed on cheque book, bank passbook front page, bank website's branch locator, RBI website. Required for all bank transfers and for receiving money.

Real-life example

🇮🇳 India example

Priya sets up a new SIP and needs to provide bank details. She checks her cheque book: IFSC code ICIC0001234 printed on the bottom strip along with her account number and MICR code. She uses this for the ECS mandate registration.

Frequently asked questions

Do IFSC codes change? ▼

Yes -- IFSC codes change when banks merge. Post SBI associate bank mergers (2017), associate bank IFSCs were replaced with SBI IFSCs. After bank mergers like Dena/Vijaya into Bank of Baroda, old IFSCs were phased out. Always verify IFSC from the bank's official website for critical transactions.