Summary
A BSB number (Bank State Branch) is a six-digit code that identifies a specific bank branch in Australia — every domestic bank transfer in Australia requires both a BSB and an account number to route money to the right place; the BSB tells the system which bank and which branch to send the money to, while the account number identifies the specific account within that branch. Understanding what is BSB number Australia is essential for anyone managing finances in the country.
BSB numbers follow the format XXX-XXX — each digit tells you something — the first two digits identify the bank or financial institution; the third digit indicates which Australian state the branch is in; and the final three digits identify the specific branch; CommBank BSBs typically start with 06, Westpac with 03 and NAB with 08
Australia does not use IBAN numbers — if someone overseas asks for your IBAN to send you money, give them your BSB and account number instead; you will also need your bank’s SWIFT/BIC code for international transfers
If you have just arrived in Australia and opened a bank account, one of the first things your employer, landlord or a friend will ask for is your BSB and account number. You have probably already typed those six digits into a form without being entirely sure what they mean.
Here is everything you need to know about BSB numbers — what each digit represents, where to find yours and when you actually need one.
What does BSB stand for?
BSB stands for Bank State Branch — which is exactly what the number tells you:
- Bank — which financial institution holds the account
- State — which Australian state the branch is located in
- Branch — which specific branch within that bank and state
Together, these three pieces of information form a six-digit routing code that tells Australia’s payment systems exactly where to direct your money.
How is a BSB number structured?
A BSB number is always six digits, written in the format XXX-XXX (with a hyphen in the middle). Each part carries specific information:
First two digits — the bank
The first two digits identify the bank or financial institution. Every Australian bank has its own registered prefix:
| Bank | Typical BSB prefix |
|---|---|
| Commonwealth Bank (CommBank) | 06 |
| Westpac | 03 |
| NAB | 08 |
| ANZ | 01 |
| Bank of Queensland | 12 |
| Bendigo Bank | 63 |
| ING | 92 |
| Macquarie Bank | 18 |
Note: These are the most common prefixes — some banks have multiple prefixes across different products and account types. The prefix identifies the bank but is not always unique to a single institution.
Third digit — the state
The third digit indicates which Australian state or territory the branch is located in:
| Digit | State |
|---|---|
| 2 | New South Wales (and ACT) |
| 3 | Victoria |
| 4 | Queensland |
| 5 | South Australia (and NT) |
| 6 | Western Australia |
| 7 | Tasmania |
Example: In the BSB 062-000 — “06” is CommBank, “2” means the branch is in New South Wales, and “000” identifies the specific branch.
Last three digits — the branch
The final three digits identify the specific branch within that bank and state. Each branch of a bank has its own unique three-digit code.
Important exception: Some banks — particularly smaller banks and online-only banks — use a single centralised BSB for all accounts, regardless of where the account was opened or where the customer lives. ING, for example, uses a single BSB (923-100) for all its accounts.
What is the difference between a BSB and an account number?
This is the most common point of confusion for new arrivals:
| BSB | Account number | |
|---|---|---|
| What it identifies | The bank and branch | The specific account |
| Format | 6 digits (XXX-XXX) | 6-10 digits (varies by bank) |
| Analogy | The street address of the branch | Your apartment number within that building |
| Required for transfers | Yes | Yes |
| Changes if you switch branches | Sometimes | No |
Think of it this way: the BSB is the address of the building; the account number is your specific room inside it. To send money to you, someone needs both.
Where to find your BSB number
Your BSB is displayed in several places:
In your banking app: Log in and navigate to your account details — the BSB is usually displayed alongside your account number on the main account screen or under “Account details.”
On your bank statement: Your BSB appears on printed statements, usually at the top of the page alongside your account number.
On your bank card: Some Australian bank cards display the BSB on the back.
On your bank’s website: Use your bank’s branch locator tool — enter your branch name or postcode to find the BSB for any branch.
By calling your bank: Your bank’s customer service team can confirm your BSB over the phone after identity verification.
When do you need a BSB number?
Setting up your salary payment: When you start a job in Australia, your employer needs your BSB and account number to pay your salary. This is the first time most new arrivals need to share these details.
Receiving a domestic transfer: Anyone sending money to your Australian account from within Australia needs your BSB and account number.
Setting up direct debits: Utilities, phone plans, rent payments and any automatic debit from your Australian account requires your BSB and account number.
Receiving government payments: Centrelink, the ATO and other government agencies deposit money using BSB and account number.
Sending money domestically: When you make a bank transfer to another Australian account, you enter the recipient’s BSB and account number.
BSB numbers and PayID — do you still need a BSB?
With the introduction of PayID in 2018, many Australians now send money using a phone number or email address instead of a BSB and account number. However BSB numbers have not been replaced — they are still required for:
- Salary payments and direct debits set up by employers and businesses
- Transfers from people or businesses that do not use PayID
- Receiving money from people whose bank does not support PayID
- International transfers to your Australian account
PayID is a convenient alternative for person-to-person transfers — but the BSB and account number remain the foundation of the Australian banking system.
BSB numbers for international transfers
If you are receiving money from overseas into your Australian bank account, your sender will need:
- Your full name — exactly as on your account
- Your BSB number
- Your account number
- Your bank’s SWIFT/BIC code — an 8-11 character code that identifies your bank on the international SWIFT network
Australia does not use IBAN numbers. If your sender’s bank asks for an IBAN (common in Europe and the UK), explain that Australian banks use a BSB and account number instead.
Major Australian bank SWIFT codes:
- CommBank: CTBAAU2S
- ANZ: ANZBAU3M
- NAB: NATAAU3303M
- Westpac: WPACAU2S
Is it safe to share your BSB and account number?
Yes — sharing your BSB and account number is safe for receiving payments. These details allow people to deposit money into your account, not withdraw from it. They are the equivalent of sharing your postal address so someone can send you a letter.
Your BSB and account number are already shared with your employer, your landlord, any direct debit provider and any person or business that pays you. This is normal and expected.
What to keep private: Your internet banking password, PIN, OTP (one-time password) and full card details. Never share these. A legitimate business or government agency will never ask for your banking password.
BSB numbers in New Zealand
New Zealand does not use BSB numbers. New Zealand bank accounts use a different format:
BB-bbbb-AAAAAAA-SSS
Where BB is the bank number, bbbb is the branch, AAAAAAA is the account number and SSS is the suffix. This is a single 15-16 digit string, sometimes written with hyphens.
If you are sending money between Australia and New Zealand, the Australian side uses a BSB; the New Zealand side uses the NZ account format. International transfers between the two countries also require SWIFT codes.
FAQs (frequently asked questions)
What is a BSB number in Australia?
Bank State Branch — a six-digit code that identifies the bank and branch where an Australian account is held. Used with an account number for all domestic bank transfers.
Where do I find my BSB number?
In your banking app under account details, on your bank statement, on your bank’s website branch locator, or by calling your bank.
What do the digits in a BSB mean?
First two digits = the bank. Third digit = the state (2=NSW, 3=VIC, 4=QLD, 5=SA, 6=WA, 7=TAS). Last three digits = the specific branch.
Do I need a BSB for PayID transfers?
No — PayID transfers use a phone number or email address instead of a BSB. However BSBs are still required for salary payments, direct debits and transfers from people who do not use PayID.
Does Australia use IBAN?
No. Australia uses BSB and account numbers. If someone asks for your IBAN, give them your BSB, account number and your bank’s SWIFT code instead.
Is it safe to give someone my BSB and account number?
Yes — these details allow deposits only, not withdrawals. They are shared routinely with employers, landlords and anyone who pays you.
Related guides
- What is PayID? How to send money in Australia →
- What is a SWIFT transfer? International bank transfers explained →
- How to receive money from overseas in Australia →
- What is BPAY? How to pay bills in Australia →
What it means for your transfers
When family overseas sends money to your Australian bank account, they need your BSB, account number and your bank’s SWIFT code. When you send money home to India, the Philippines, Nepal or anywhere else — you use OrbitRemit, not a BSB.
This guide is for general information only. BSB numbers and bank details are subject to change — always verify with your bank. Last updated September 2026.
Sources: aspireapp.com — What is a BSB Number in Australia? (July 17, 2026) | statrys.com — Everything About BSB Numbers (February 25, 2026) | remitly.com — What is a BSB Number in Australia? (October 2025) | worldfirst.com/au — What is a BSB Number? (August 2025) | Wise AU — BSB Number Guide
