How to Find Your Bank IFSC Code: Complete Guide
Learn how to find IFSC codes for all Indian banks. NEFT, RTGS and IMPS explained with examples.
What is an IFSC Code?
IFSC stands for Indian Financial System Code. It is an 11-character alphanumeric code used to identify a specific bank branch in India's electronic payment systems: NEFT, RTGS, and IMPS.
IFSC Code Format
HDFC0001234
- First 4 characters: Bank code (e.g., HDFC, SBIN, ICIC)
- 5th character: Always 0 (zero)
- Last 6 characters: Branch code
How to Find Your IFSC Code
Method 1: Cheque Book
Your IFSC code is printed on the bottom of every cheque leaf, along with your MICR code and account number.
Method 2: Passbook
The IFSC code is printed on the first page of your bank passbook along with your branch address and account details.
Method 3: Net Banking
Login to your bank's net banking portal. Go to Account Summary or Account Details. IFSC code is shown there.
Method 4: RBI Website
Visit rbi.org.in → Payments & Infrastructure → IFSC. Search by bank name and branch.
Method 5: Bank's Website
All banks have a branch locator on their website where you can find the IFSC code by searching for your branch city and area.
Common Bank IFSC Prefixes
| Bank | IFSC Prefix |
|---|---|
| State Bank of India | SBIN |
| HDFC Bank | HDFC |
| ICICI Bank | ICIC |
| Axis Bank | UTIB |
| Punjab National Bank | PUNB |
| Kotak Mahindra Bank | KKBK |
| Bank of Baroda | BARB |
| Canara Bank | CNRB |
NEFT vs RTGS vs IMPS
| Feature | NEFT | RTGS | IMPS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speed | Same day (hourly batches) | Real-time | Instant 24x7 |
| Amount | No limit | Min ₹2 lakh | Up to ₹5 lakh |
| Timing | 24x7 (since 2019) | 24x7 (since 2020) | 24x7 365 days |
| Best for | Regular transfers | Large amounts | Urgent transfers |