Sort code vs IBAN vs SWIFT
| Code | Where it is used | Identifies | Needed to pay Italy? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sort code | UK and Ireland | A bank branch | No |
| IBAN | Italy, UK and 80+ countries | An account | Yes |
| SWIFT / BIC | Worldwide | A bank | For non-SEPA payments |
Your own UK account also has an IBAN (starting GB), which combines your sort code and account number. An Italian bank sending you money will ask for that IBAN, not your sort code.
Three ways to pay an Italian account from the UK
- A transfer service (Wise, Revolut and others): convert pounds to euros at or near the mid-market rate and deliver by SEPA, usually the cheapest option.
- A euro SEPA payment from your UK bank, if it offers one: fast and cheap, but check the exchange rate it applies.
- An international (SWIFT) payment from your UK bank: often £10–£25 in fees plus an exchange margin, and 1–4 working days.
Before you pay
Check the IBAN with our Italian IBAN checker, confirm the recipient’s name exactly, and if your bank asks for a BIC, take it from the recipient or our directory of Italian SWIFT codes.
Moving to Italy from the UK
Keep your UK account open while you set up in Italy, because UK pensions and some payments are easier to receive there. Once you have a codice fiscale, open an Italian account for rent, utilities and taxes; see how to open a bank account in Italy.
Frequently asked questions
What is the sort code for an Italian bank?
Italian banks do not have sort codes. Sort codes only identify UK and Irish bank branches. For an Italian account you need the IBAN, which contains the Italian ABI and CAB codes, and for some payments the SWIFT/BIC code.
Can I make a SEPA transfer from the UK to Italy?
Yes. The UK is part of the SEPA scheme for euro payments, so if your UK bank or provider can send euros by SEPA, a transfer to an Italian IBAN is usually quick and cheap.
Should I send pounds or euros to Italy?
Send euros. If you send pounds, the Italian bank converts them at its own rate and may charge for receiving a foreign-currency payment.
Sources and fact-checking
Checked on 2 November 2026 by Ionut Popea following our editorial policy. Fees, codes and rules change; confirm anything important with the bank or authority before acting.