What is a BSB number? Australian banking explained

A BSB number (Bank-State-Branch) is a 6-digit code that identifies the specific bank and branch where your Australian account is held. Together with your account number, it routes domestic payments in Australia directly to your account — the same way a sort code works in the UK or a routing number works in the US.

How a BSB number is structured

The six digits follow the format XX-Y-ZZZ, often written with a hyphen after the third digit (for example, 062-000). The first two digits identify the financial institution. The third digit represents the state the branch is located in. The final three digits pinpoint the specific branch address.

BSB numbers are maintained by Australian Payments Network (AusPayNet), the industry body responsible for Australia's domestic payment system. Every active BSB is registered in the official AusPayNet register.

BSB + account number = how you get paid

To receive a direct deposit from an Australian employer, you need to give them two things: your BSB number and your account number. Together these tell the payment system exactly which account to credit. Neither number alone is enough.

Your account number is typically 6 to 9 digits and is specific to you. Your BSB is shared by everyone who banks at the same branch of the same institution. Both are required on payroll forms and tax declarations.

• BSB: 6 digits, identifies your bank and branch
• Account number: 6–9 digits, identifies your individual account
• Both are required — providing only one will delay or fail the payment

Where to find your BSB number

• In your bank's mobile app — look for 'Account details' or 'Pay anyone' information
• On the welcome email or letter your bank sent when you opened your account
• On your bank statement (PDF or paper)
• By calling your bank's customer service line or visiting a branch
• Using AusPayNet's official BSB lookup at bsb.auspaynet.com.au to verify a BSB before providing it

Common mistakes working holiday makers make

• Giving a SWIFT/BIC code instead of a BSB: SWIFT codes are for international transfers, not Australian domestic payroll — your employer's system will reject or delay the payment
• Transposing digits: a single wrong digit routes your pay to someone else's bank or causes a rejection; always double-check by reading the BSB back digit by digit
• Confusing the BSB with the account number: the BSB is always exactly 6 digits; if you are quoting more than 6 digits for the BSB, you have included part of your account number
• Using a closed or merged branch BSB: banks occasionally retire old BSBs when branches close; if in doubt, verify your BSB in the AusPayNet lookup before giving it to an employer

How Tern helps

When you open a Tern account in Australia, your BSB and account number are displayed clearly in the app — formatted exactly as Australian payroll systems expect them. You can share your payment details with an employer in one tap, so your first pay goes to the right account on the right day.