If you are sending a payment from Canada to someone in Australia, you will need to know your receiver’s BSB number. BSB numbers help Australian banks direct money transfers properly, whether the money transfer is coming from Canada or somewhere else in the world. Knowing what a BSB number is, what it includes, and where to find it will help ensure that your next money transfer goes smoothly.
Learn more about BSB codes and the role they play in sending and receiving money from Canada here.
What is a BSB number?
A Bank State Branch number, or BSB number, is a 6-digit code that represents your bank, state, and branch location. Some banks, like Beyond Bank, use one BSB code for all branches while some banks, like CommBank, have different BSB codes for different branches. If you are sending money to Australia from Canada, pay careful attention to these codes to make sure the funds are directed to the right place.
BSB numbers are supplied by the Australian Payments Network, a network that oversees all BSB numbers in Australia. This unified system ensures that all Australian banks and branches have an organized system of identification.
How are BSB numbers formatted?
To stay organized, BSB codes use a standardized format to communicate the details that banks need.
Let use this 6-digit BSB number as an example: 112-333
- The first two numbers (11) represent the bank.
- The next number (2) represents the state your local bank branch is in.
- The last three numbers (333) represent the specific branch.
BSB codes vs. account numbers
Wondering what the difference between BSB numbers and account numbers is? The main difference is that an account number is unique to that specific account. Meanwhile, a BSB number directs the payment to the correct branch. The two numbers give banks the information needed to transfer your funds correctly.
BSB codes vs. SWIFT/BIC
Similarly, you may be wondering if BSB numbers and SWIFT/BIC codes are the same. Both BSB numbers and SWIFT/BIC codes achieve the same goal: to identify where you are sending money to, but they are not the same. The biggest difference between the two is that BSB numbers are used for domestic purposes, whereas SWIFT/BIC codes are an international network. For international money transfers, both a BSB code and a SWIFT/BIC code are used.
How do I find my receiver’s BSB number?
To send money to Australia from Canada, your recipient should be able to provide you with their BSB number. In addition to the resources above, there are a few easy ways your receiver can identify their BSB code to prepare for a money transfer.
- Use a BSB code locator online through their bank’s website, such as ANZ’s branch locator tool. To use these tools, all they will need is their branch location.
- Log on to their bank account online. Most of the time, this number is located with the individual account number.
- Check their banking statements.
- Call the bank to confirm their BSB number.
BSB numbers for 10 of Australia’s biggest banks
Searching for a BSB number? Here is a list of BSB numbers for some of the most popular banks in Australia:
| Bank Name | Universal BSB Number for All Branches? | BSB Number |
| AMP Bank | Yes | 939-200 |
| ANZ | No | Most begin with 01, branch locations can be found here |
| Bankwest | No | Most begin with 30, branch locations can be found here |
| Bank of Queensland | Yes | 124-001 |
| Bendigo Bank | No | Most begin with 63, branch locations can be found here |
| Beyond Bank | Yes | 325-185 |
| Macquarie Bank | Yes | 182-512 |
| NAB | No | Most begin with 08, branch locations can be found here |
| Suncorp | Yes | 484-799 |
| Westpac | No | Most begin with 03, branch locations can be found here |
Are BSB codes used in New Zealand?
New Zealand uses a different numbering system and does not use BSB codes. Instead, New Zealand uses a 16-digit format that includes the same information, formatted in a different way.
Here is an example of an account number in New Zealand: XXXXXX YYYYYYY ZZZ
- The first six numbers (XXXXXX) represent the bank and the branch, similar to how a BSB code identifies the bank and branch.
- The next seven digits (YYYYYYY) represent the individual’s unique account.
- The last three digits (ZZZ) tells the sender and bank what type of account it is (checking, savings, etc.).
While Australia is the only country that uses BSB codes, you can see that similar information is conveyed in a different format in countries like New Zealand.
Sending money from Canada? Western Union can help
Whether you need to send money to your receiver’s bank account or for cash pick-up, Western Union can help. We offer convenient ways to transfer money from Canada to Australia and beyond including online, with our app, and in person. Your receiver can collect the funds in the way that is most convenient for them: in a bank account, at an agent location, and in select countries, in a mobile wallet. With helpful online tools and resources, we make it easy to know exactly what you need to send funds.
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