The Bank BSB Number is a 6 digit bank code assigned to Australian banks by Australian Payments Clearing Association (APCA). A BSB Number identifies the financial institution (bank), state and the branch to which a payment item is directed and thus called BSB (Bank-State-Branch). Along with the account number, BSB number is essential for delivering payments through the clearing system. However, note that BSB Numbers with account numbers combinations are used only for domestic transactions in Australia.
Format of BSB Numbers
The 6 digit BSB number is made up of three parts:
AAB-CCC
The first two numbers (AA) specify the financial institution/bank. For example, the bank code for
Hongkong & Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited (The), Australian Branch (HSB) is
98
The third number (B) indicates the state where the branch is located. For example,
NSW has the state code of
5
The last three numbers (CCC) are the unique identifier for a branch. For example,
Hongkong & Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited (The), Australian Branch Bank's
Hongkong & Shanghai Banking CIB Branch has the unique identifier of
557
Thus the BSB Number for Hongkong & Shanghai Banking CIB of Hongkong & Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited (The), Australian Branch in Sydney, NSW is
985-557