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IFSC Code - MICR Code - IFSC Code Finder

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Sajhyadri C

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IFSC Code

Fund transfers in India rely on the Indian Financial System Code (IFSC) system. To understand what is an IFSC code, consider how each bank branch receives a unique 11-digit alphanumeric identifier to streamline transactions. The code ensures the smooth processing of online transactions made through National Electronic Fund Transfer (NEFT), Real-Time Gross Settlement (RTGS), and Immediate Payment Service (IMPS). 

The IFSC is assigned by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to each individual bank branch. It remains unchanged unless the bank goes through a merger.

Importance of the IFSC Code: Key Features

Fund transfers cannot be initiated unless the unique IFSC is added along with the beneficiary’s account number. The key features of the IFSC code are as follows:

  • Helps identify a specific bank branch

  • Eliminates errors when initiating fund transfer

  • Aids smooth payment through electronic payment options such as NEFT, IMPS and RTGS

Put simply, the IFSC system enables the RBI to track and maintain all financial transactions that are processed through RTGS, IMPS, and NEFT.

Locating the IFSC Code

The IFSC code is listed at the top of the cheque leaf near the bank account number. To break down the code, the first 4 characters signify the name of the bank, while the last 6 characters (either numeric or alphabetical) represent the specific branch. If you're unsure, you can perform an IFSC code search on your bank's website or through the RBI portal.

IFSC Code: Method of Fund Transfer

The IFSC enables you to conveniently carry out fund transfers through a hassle-free process. The code acts as a key component when making transfers from one account to another. 

Here are two methods you can use for the same:

  • via Mobile Applications

Leading NBFCs and banks have dedicated apps on Google Play Store and Apple Appstore that one can use to initiate the e-transfer of funds. Follow the below-mentioned steps to transfer funds using the IFSC through your mobile banking app:

  1. Download your bank’s official mobile banking app

  2. Enter your credentials, such as customer ID/username and password to login

  3. Choose the option for fund transfer, i.e. IMPS, NEFT, or RTGS

  4. Enter the beneficiary’s bank account number, name, and IFSC along with other details, as requested

  5. Once the beneficiary account is linked to your account, you will be allowed to initiate the fund transfer using IFSC

If you’re unsure of the IFSC, you can use an IFSC code finder available on most banking apps or websites.

  • via SMS

The SMS mode too can be used to initiate the e-transfer of funds. However, the service is limited to a few banks and NBFCs. Check with your financial institution before you undertake fund transfer via SMS.

Follow the below given steps to use the IFSC and facilitate e-transfer of funds via SMS:

  1. Link your bank account with your mobile number by registering your phone number with your banking institution.

  2. To register your mobile number, you will have to fill a form. The bank will then send you a ‘Starter Kit’ that includes the MMID and mPin. MMID stands for Mobile Money Identifier, i.e. a 7-digit unique number and mPIN stands for Mobile Banking PIN, i.e. a 4-digit password.

  3. Once the number is registered, create the SMS by typing ‘IMPS’ and the beneficiary details. The beneficiary details include the recipient’s name, account number, IFSC code, and the sum of the fund transfer. IMPS stands for Immediate Mobile Payment Service and depicts the transfer method that you are using.

  4. Confirm the transaction by entering the mPIN. The mPIN is the one given by your bank with the ‘Starter Kit’.

  5. Press ‘OK’ to transfer the funds to the beneficiary account.

What Happens If You Enter the Wrong IFSC Code

Fortunately, there is no need to worry even if you provide the wrong IFSC code while initiating an electronic fund transfer. This is because you also provide the beneficiary’s account number. In case you provide the incorrect IFSC code, the system will automatically detect the error while cross-referencing the provided name and account number. In this case, the money will be refunded to your bank account and get reflected within a few hours.

Difference Between a Bank Branch’s IFSC Code and a Credit Card’s IFSC Code

Many people confuse the IFSC code used for bank branches with the one used for credit card payments. However, they serve different purposes.

A bank branch’s IFSC code varies by location. For instance, a branch in Mumbai will have a different IFSC code than one in Nashik.

In contrast, the credit card IFSC code for a bank remains the same across all branches. Regardless of which branch issued the credit card, the IFSC code used for NEFT payments towards that card will be uniform. 

Here is a table that points out the various ways in which the two differ:

Areas of differentiation

Bank Branch IFSC Code

Credit Card IFSC Code

Variance

Varies from branch to branch

Stays uniform throughout the country

Use

Used by a bank account holder when they have to transfer funds into another bank account

Used to pay credit card bills

Location

Any of the documents issued by the bank to an account holder, such as statement, cheque book, and passbook, among others

Can be obtained from the instruction manual that comes in the envelope containing the credit card or through the customer service executive representing the credit card department of the bank

Acceptable mode of payment while utilising the code

NEFT, RTGS, and/or IMPS

Only NEFT

What is the Format of a Bank Branch’s IFSC Code

Every IFSC code that is issued by RBI to a bank branch follows a specific format and each portion of the same holds a different meaning. 

Below is a table that contains the breakdown of the bank IFSC code format:

Bank IFSC Code Format:

Portion of the code

Meaning

First 4 alphabets

Name of the bank

The “0” that may be found in the middle of the IFSC code

Does not mean anything. It acts like an empty space that could be filled in the future

Last digits

Code assigned by the RBI to a particular branch of a bank

How Do the IFSC Codes Essentially Work

IFSC codes are crucial for transferring money between bank accounts. To complete a transaction, the sender must provide the recipient’s name, account number, and the correct IFSC code.

Once submitted, the payment is processed quickly and routed to the intended bank branch. In most cases, the funds are credited to the beneficiary’s account within minutes. The IFSC code ensures that money reaches the right person, at the right place, without delays or errors.

Having understood the role of IFSC codes, let’s now look at another important code used in banking, especially for cheque-based transactions. This is the Magnetic Ink Character Recognition (MICR) code.

What is a MICR Code

A Magnetic Ink Character Recognition (MICR) code is a 9-digit code used to validate cheques and the banks involved in processing them. It ensures that the financial institutions participating in such transactions are recognised by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).

You may be asked to provide a MICR code when submitting documents for financial instruments such as investment portfolios or mutual funds—whether through lump sum investments or Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs).

Unlike an IFSC code, which is alphanumeric, the MICR code is numeric and usually printed at the bottom left corner of a cheque. It works like a barcode for banks but is readable by both machines and the human eye.

MICR Code Format:

Just like the IFSC code, each part of a MICR code has a specific meaning. The table below explains the structure and significance of each section of the code.

Portions of the code in question

Meaning

First 3 digits

Code of the city in which the branch in question is located. They are aligned with the first 3 codes that are found on the postal address of a city.

The 3 digits in the middle

Code assigned to a particular bank by the RBI

The 3 digits found at the end of an MICR code

It is a code assigned by RBI to a particular branch of a bank

How can you Locate the IFSC as well as the MICR Codes on a Bank Cheque

You can find both the IFSC code and MICR code printed on a standard bank cheque. Here’s how to identify them:

The MICR code is usually printed at the bottom of the cheque. This section typically contains three sets of numbers, and the second set is the MICR code. It is printed using magnetic ink and helps banks process cheques efficiently.

The IFSC code is found near the top left corner of the cheque, just below the bank’s logo. It identifies the specific branch that issued the cheque book.

Knowing where these codes are located is essential for filling out banking forms or initiating fund transfers and cheque-based transactions.

IFSC Code FAQs

IFSC
NEFT payment
branch code
location
credit card IFSC code

What does IFSC stand for?

IFSC stands for Indian Financial System Code.

Can a NEFT payment be reversed?

No, a NEFT payment cannot be reversed once initiated.

Is the IFSC code the same as the branch code?

No, the IFSC code is not the same as the branch code. The IFSC code comprises eleven characters and helps identify a bank’s branch. The branch code, on the other hand, is part of the IFSC code.

Does the IFSC code change if the location of a bank branch changes?

No, the IFSC code does not change even if the location of the bank branch changes. It remains the same. An IFSC would only change when a bank goes through a merger.

How is the bank IFSC code different from the credit card IFSC code?

A bank IFSC code helps make money transfers using RTGS, NEFT, and IMPS methods. The credit card IFSC code, on the other hand, enables NEFT payments for credit cards. Note that while the IFSC changes from one branch to another for different banks, the credit card IFSC code remains unchanged.

No, you cannot get the IFSC code through the savings bank account number.

Yes, as per the RBI guidelines, all banks must print the home branch IFSC code on the passbook.

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Hi! I’m Sajhyadri C
Financial Content Specialist

Always ready to dive into new ideas and topics, Sajhyadri is a storyteller from Kolkata, the City of Joy. He enjoys weaving narratives that make finance feel less intimidating and more inspiring. As a financial content writer, he uses the power of the pen to craft insightful blogs, compelling video scripts, and marketing copies that catch the eye. Off duty, he’s either checking out the latest web series, listing out new eateries, or debating whether his favourite football team will finally have a better season!

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