BSB vs account number
The BSB identifies the bank and branch. The account number identifies the individual account at that branch. You need both to pay someone by bank transfer in Australia.
| BSB | Account number | |
|---|---|---|
| Identifies | Bank or institution and branch | One account at that branch |
| Length | Always 6 digits | Varies by bank, usually 6 to 9 digits |
| Format | XXX-XXX | Digits only |
| Shared? | Yes, by every account at the branch | No, unique within the BSB |
| Public? | Yes, published by AusPayNet | No, private to the account holder |
How they work together
When you send a transfer, your bank uses the BSB to route the payment to the right institution and branch. The receiving bank then uses the account number to credit the right account. Think of the BSB as the street and the account number as the house.
Can you check an account number?
Not from outside the bank. Australian banks don't publish a common format or check-digit rule for account numbers, so no website can confirm that an account number is valid or who owns it. LookupBSB only checks BSBs, and we never ask for account numbers.
If you're unsure about bank details you've been given, confirm them with the payee using contact details you already have, not the ones in the email or invoice.
Common questions
What happens if I enter the wrong account number?
The money may go to someone else’s account at that branch. Contact your bank straight away; they can ask the receiving bank to recover it, but recovery isn’t guaranteed, especially if the funds have been spent.
Does the bank check the account name?
Don’t rely on it. Payments are routed by the BSB and account number, so check those numbers carefully even if you typed the name correctly.
Is the BSB part of the account number?
No, they are separate fields. Some statements print them together (e.g. 062-000 12345678), but you enter them separately when paying.
Reviewed 13 October 2026 by the LookupBSB team. General information only, not financial advice.