What is an IFSC Code? Meaning and How to Find Yours

IFSC stands for Indian Financial System Code — an 11-character code that uniquely identifies a specific bank branch in India. It's required for electronic transfers like NEFT, RTGS and IMPS.

How an IFSC code is structured

An IFSC has 11 characters, for example SBIN0001234:

• First 4 letters — the bank (e.g. SBIN for State Bank of India).
• 5th character — always 0 (reserved for future use).
• Last 6 characters — the branch code.

Where to find your IFSC code

• Printed on your chequebook (top of the cheque leaf).
• On your bank passbook.
• In your bank's net-banking / mobile app.
• On the RBI website or your bank's branch locator.

IFSC vs MICR

IFSC is used for online transfers; the MICR code is the magnetic number at the bottom of a cheque used for clearing. Both identify your branch.

Need to print cheques for your bank? See our cheque printing guides for all banks or the list of banks in India. Try Cheque Print free.