Select your bank, state, district, and branch in India to find verified IFSC & MICR codes instantly.
IFSC Code means Indian Financial System Code. It is an 11-digit alphanumeric code used to identify a specific bank branch in India. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) assigns and maintains IFSC codes for bank branches participating in electronic fund transfers.
When making electronic transactions like NEFT, RTGS and IMPS, banks can use an IFSC Code to find the right branch. Because each bank branch has a unique IFSC code, it is simpler to properly transfer funds to the correct bank and branch.
You can find the IFSC on your cheque or passbook. It may also be available on the bank's official website and the RBI website. For an easy IFSC Code search, users can also use the CredBuddha search tool to find relevant bank and branch information.
An IFSC Code is associated with a branch unless there is a change such as a bank merger or branch relocation. When making a bank transfer, the IFSC is used along with details such as the beneficiary name, account number and bank branch. Checking these details before starting a transfer helps make the payment is directed correctly.
The IFSC code is important for each online transaction for the following reasons:
Every bank branch in India has a unique IFSC code and you can locate it through a few sources.
No, IFSC cannot be found from account number alone. An account number identifies your account within a bank - it has no information about the branch which is what the IFSC actually represents.
This is why the two numbers have different purposes. Account number formats vary from bank to bank and don't follow any pattern that encodes branch details, so no calculation or formula can extract an accurate code from it.
What you need instead:
Every IFSC code has a fixed 11-character format. Once you understand the pattern, it becomes easy to identify what each part means. The table below explains each part of IFSC code.
| Position | Character Type | What It Represents |
|---|---|---|
| 1–4 | Alphabetic | Bank Code (identifies the bank) |
| 5 | Numeric (0) | Reserved for future use |
| 6–11 | Alphanumeric | Branch Code (identifies the specific branch) |
Example: Take HDFC0001234. HDFC identifies the bank, 0 is a fixed character and 001234 identifies the specific branch. So, the 11-character IFSC code is a combination of the bank and branch details.
People confuse the terms "branch code" and "bank code." In an IFSC code, both are part of the same 11-character code. Banks use this code to identify the bank and branch for processing transfers.
| Term | What It Identifies | Where It's Used |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Code | The bank itself - never branch-specific (first 4 characters of IFSC) | Banking system routing and identification |
| Branch Code | The specific branch location (last 6 characters of IFSC) | Branch-level banking operations |
| IFSC | Bank and branch combined into one complete code (full 11 characters) | NEFT, RTGS and IMPS transfers |
A single cheque leaf has multiple codes that identify your account and branch. Along with the cheque number and account number, it has IFSC code and MICR code printed at the bottom. Each has a different purpose, so knowing where to find them can save your time.
The IFSC code is printed at the top of the cheque leaf, near the bank's name and branch address. It's an 11-character code and you'll need it for NEFT, RTGS or IMPS transfers into that account.
The MICR code is at the bottom of the cheque leaf, part of the line printed in magnetic ink with the cheque number. Banks use it for cheque clearing, while the IFSC code handles online fund transfers.
IFSC code is required for every online transfer, whether using NEFT, RTGS or IMPS. Online transfers through net banking or mobile banking are free for all, as RBI has set these charges. If you transfer through a bank branch instead, standard charges apply based on the amount sent.
| Amount | NEFT | RTGS | IMPS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Up to ₹10,000 | ₹2.50 | Minimum ₹2 Lakh | ₹2.00 |
| ₹10,000 – ₹2 Lakh | ₹15.00 | No Charges | ₹12.00 |
| Above ₹2 Lakh | ₹25.00 | ₹49.50 | ₹20.00 |
NEFT, RTGS and IMPS are available 24/7, overall the year. NEFT became available round the clock in 2019 and RTGS in 2020. IMPS also works anytime and is useful for quick, urgent transfers.
IFSC code plays an important role in online bank transfers in India. It helps search the specific bank branch where the beneficiary's account is held and supports three major electronic transfer modes: NEFT, RTGS and IMPS. Each method has a different purpose, so choosing the right option depends on factors such as the type of payment, urgency and transfer amount.
When making a transfer, the account holder's IFSC code and account number are the main details used to process the payment correctly. Entering the right banking information can help reduce errors and ensure that the funds are directed to the intended account.
Both codes help to identify banks during transactions, but they have different purposes. IFSC code is an 11-digit alphanumeric code used for electronic transfers while MICR code is a 9-digit numeric code used for cheque clearing.
| Basis of Comparison | IFSC Code | MICR Code |
|---|---|---|
| Full Form | Indian Financial System Code | Magnetic Ink Character Recognition |
| Characters | 11-digit alphanumeric | 9-digit numeric |
| Purpose | Electronic fund transfers (NEFT/RTGS/IMPS) | Cheque clearing and processing |
| Structure | 4 (bank) + 1 (zero) + 6 (branch) | 3 (city) + 3 (bank) + 3 (branch) |
| Found On | Cheque, passbook, bank/RBI website | Cheque (bottom, printed in magnetic ink) |
IFSC codes are unique to each bank branch and are used for NEFT, RTGS and IMPS transfers. MICR codes are also linked to specific branches and are mainly used for cheque processing. SWIFT codes are used for international transfers and are not needed for domestic transactions. Below are examples of IFSC codes from different bank branches across India.
| Bank | Branch | IFSC Code | MICR Code | SWIFT Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| State Bank of India | Mumbai Main | SBIN0000300 | 400002010 | SBININBBXXX |
| HDFC Bank | Bangalore, M.G. Road | HDFC0000076 | 560240007 | HDFCINBBXXX |
| ICICI Bank | Chennai, Nungambakkam | ICIC0000009 | 600229003 | ICICINBBXXX |
| Axis Bank | Pune | UTIB0000037 | 411211002 | AXISINBBXXX |
| Punjab National Bank | Lucknow, Hazratganj | PUNB0029400 | 226024002 | PUNBINBBXXX |
| Bank of Baroda | Jaipur, M.I. Road | BARB0MIROAD | 302012002 | BARBINBBXXX |
| Canara Bank | Coimbatore, R.S. Puram | CNRB0001207 | 641015009 | CNRBINBBXXX |
| Union Bank of India | Ahmedabad, Maninagar | UBIN0535681 | 380026017 | UBININBBXXX |
| Kotak Mahindra Bank | New Delhi, Connaught Place | KKBK0000172 | 110485003 | KKBKINBBXXX |
| IndusInd Bank | Hyderabad, Jubilee Hills | INDB0001091 | 500234020 | INDBINBBXXX |
| Yes Bank | Kolkata | YESB0000017 | 700532002 | YESBINBBXXX |
| IDFC First Bank | Indore | IDFB0041264 | 452751004 | IDFBINBBXXX |
These codes were checked using multiple bank-data sources. However, they may change if a bank restructures or moves a branch. Always confirm the exact code with your bank or the recipient's cheque book before making a transfer - you can also search CredBuddha's IFSC tool to verify any branch instantly.
Sending money through NEFT, RTGS or IMPS starts with one detail: the correct IFSC code. A wrong information can delay or misdirect your transfer. CredBuddha's IFSC code search helps you find this instantly without confusion or guesswork.
Every online transfer depends on the IFSC code to work properly. For example, SBIN0000001, State Bank of India's code for its Corporate Centre branch in Mumbai. This eleven-character code tells the banking system exactly where an account is held, right down to the branch level.
When you make a bank transfer, you enter the recipient's account number and IFSC code. The IFSC code helps identify the correct bank branch and route the payment through NEFT, RTGS or IMPS.
Fund transfers are not the only use of IFSC codes. You'll need one for mutual funds and insurance premium payments through net banking, for EPF withdrawals and for validating your account during tax refunds. It also shows up quietly on your monthly bank statement, linking every transaction back to your branch.
An IFSC code isn't permanent. Banks change the IFSC code for a few reasons - most commonly bank mergers, but also when a branch shifts location, shuts down or gets restructured under RBI guideline. One of these could be the reason if a code you've used before suddenly stops working.
IFSC codes change because of:
Check here at major public sector bank mergers that reshaped IFSC codes in recent years:
| Erstwhile Bank | Merged Into | Effective Year |
|---|---|---|
| Vijaya Bank & Dena Bank | Bank of Baroda | 2019 |
| Oriental Bank of Commerce & United Bank of India | Punjab National Bank | 2020 |
| Syndicate Bank | Canara Bank | 2020 |
| Andhra Bank & Corporation Bank | Union Bank of India | 2020 |
| Allahabad Bank | Indian Bank | 2020 |
| Lakshmi Vilas Bank | DBS Bank India | 2020 |
If your old IFSC code no longer works, don't get confused. Check with your branch directly or look up your account under the successor bank's current IFSC using CredBuddha's search tool. It's the fastest way to confirm your correct code without visiting a branch.
An IFSC code is mandatory for initiating the electronic fund transfers between bank accounts. It identifies the specific bank branch involved in a transaction, helping banks process payments to the intended destination. This makes the bank IFSC code an important part of accurate online banking and electronic fund transfers.
The code also supports transaction tracking within India's banking system. It helps banks and payment systems, including RBI and NPCI, identify the correct bank and branch for a transaction. Using the correct IFSC code therefore helps maintain clear transaction records and supports monitoring and auditing processes.
For customers, entering the correct IFSC code avoids errors that could result in a transfer being directed to the wrong branch or bank. IFSC codes are used across major electronic transfer methods, including NEFT, RTGS and IMPS. In some banking processes, the code may also be involved indirectly when registering a UPI beneficiary.
You can send money using an IFSC code either by visiting your bank branch or through online banking. Knowing how both options work can help you choose the easier and faster method.
The physical route involves visiting your branch with a cheque or transfer request. No beneficiary registration is needed here, since bank staff verify and process the payment directly using the IFSC code you gave.
The electronic route, through net banking or a mobile banking app, is quicker but needs some setup before. Before you can send money online, your bank requires a few things to be in place:
The steps to transfer money online are mostly the same across banks, though the process can be different slightly by bank in terms of menu names and screen layout. Once you know the basic process, you can follow it on any platform.
Adding a beneficiary takes a few minutes, but you may have to wait before sending money.
Adding a new recipient correctly is the first step to sending money safely through net banking. Here's how the process works:
The IFSC code is an important part of the process because it helps route your money to the correct bank branch. Checking the IFSC and account details carefully can help prevent failed or delayed transactions.
Unified Payments Interface (UPI) is a real-time payment system developed by NPCI that allows you to send and receive money instantly using a mobile number, QR code or UPI ID. It is largely used in India for paying at shops, splitting bills and sending money to family and friends.
UPI doesn't require manual IFSC code entry every time - that's a common misunderstanding. When you set up a VPA, it gets linked to your bank account and the IFSC code is used in the background to identify your bank and branch during the transfer. Most UPI transactions are capped at ₹1 lakh per day, though NPCI allows up to ₹5 lakh for select verified-merchant categories like insurance, education and healthcare, subject to change.
A single wrong character in an IFSC code can hold up an entire transfer. Some mistakes happen at the copy-paste stage, mostly when details are taken from an old cheque or a saved contact instead of a verified source.
To avoid these mistakes, double-check via CredBuddha's IFSC tool or the recipient's passbook or cheque before every transfer, rather than relying on memory or saved records.