What is a BSB number?
A BSB (Bank-State-Branch) number is a six-digit code that identifies the Australian bank, credit union or payment provider and the branch that holds an account. You need it, together with the account number, to send money by bank transfer within Australia.
What the six digits mean
BSBs are written as two groups of three digits, for example 062-000. The dash is just for readability: 062000 and 062-000 are the same BSB.
- First two or three digits: the institution. The big banks use two-digit codes, such as 06 for Commonwealth Bank, 03 for Westpac, 08 for NAB and 01 for ANZ. Newer and smaller institutions usually have three-digit codes, such as 633 for Bendigo Bank or 182 for Macquarie Bank.
- Third digit (older banks): the state. For many two-digit banks the third digit shows the state the branch was set up in: 2 for NSW and the ACT, 3 for Victoria, 4 for Queensland, 5 for South Australia, 6 for Western Australia and 7 for Tasmania. This pattern doesn't apply to three-digit institutions and has exceptions, so check the BSB's listed state rather than guessing.
- Remaining digits: the branch or a central processing office.
Who issues BSBs?
The BSB system is administered by Australian Payments Network (AusPayNet), the industry body for payments. AusPayNet keeps the official directory of every BSB and publishes an updated edition on the first business day of each month. The current edition lists 16,828 active BSBs.
When you need a BSB
- Paying someone by bank transfer (you need their BSB and account number, plus their account name)
- Giving your employer your details so they can pay your salary
- Setting up a direct debit or receiving a refund
- Paying a bill or invoice that lists bank details
You don't need a BSB if you pay with a PayID (a phone number, email or ABN linked to an account), and you don't use it for overseas transfers.
What a BSB can't tell you
A BSB tells you where an account is held, not whose account it is. A valid BSB doesn't prove the account number is real or belongs to the person you think. Scammers often send invoices with changed bank details, so if details are new or have changed, confirm them with the payee on a phone number you already have.
To check a BSB, enter it in the BSB lookup. You'll see the institution, branch, address and whether the BSB is still active.
Common questions
Is a BSB the same as a routing number?
It does the same job. A BSB routes a domestic payment to the right Australian institution and branch, like a US routing number or a UK sort code. It isn’t used for international transfers; those need a SWIFT/BIC code.
Does every bank account have a BSB?
Every Australian transaction account that can receive bank transfers has a BSB and an account number. Many online-only banks use a single BSB for all their customers.
Can two accounts have the same BSB?
Yes. A BSB identifies a branch or processing centre, so thousands of accounts share one BSB. The account number is what makes each account unique.
Can I tell who owns an account from the BSB?
No. A BSB only tells you which institution and branch hold the account. Nobody can look up an account holder from a BSB.
Reviewed 13 October 2026 by the LookupBSB team. General information only, not financial advice.