IFSC helps in carrying out fund transfer transactions electronically by sending or routing messages to the specific branches of any particular bank. Along with that, IFSC is used by fund transferring systems to acknowledge both the branches involved in a transfer process.

IFSC code is a unique eleven-digit number which is a combination of alphabets and numerals. It is used to transfer funds online for NEFT, IMPS and RTGS transactions. Usually, this code can be found on the chequebook provided by the bank. It can also be found on the front page of the accountholder’s passbook.

For HDFC Bank’s 11-digit IFSC code, the first four letters will be ‘HDFC’, and the last 6 digits will represent a specific branch code. For example, the IFSC code of the HDFC Bank branch at G-4, Ground floor, Surya Kiran Building, 19, Kasturba Gandhi marg, New Delhi 110001, is HDFC0000003.

When making a bank transfer, it is necessary to identify the bank and the branch where the beneficiary account is held and the IFSC Code is designed to do just that. That is why the IFSC is mandatory for various bank transfers such as NEFT (National Electronic Funds Transfer) and RTGS (Real Time Gross Settlement).

IFSC Code (Indian Financial System Code) IFSC (Indian Financial System Code) is an 11 digit alphanumeric code which is used to identify the bank branch of your account. The first 4 characters of IFSC code represent the name of bank, fifth character is 0 and the last 6 numbers define the branch code of the bank.

Frauds: This is the biggest reason for not giving your bank account number to just about anyone. Banks clearly suggest not sharing your bank account details unless you are expecting a fund transfer. Even in the case of fund transfer, make sure that the person crediting your bank account is trustworthy.

With most major online banking portals in the United States, hackers cannot access your account just with an account number and routing number. Typically, they need to have additional details of your personal information to be able to perform the hack.

You can technically initiate an ACH transaction (debit or credit) with just the routing number and the account number. As a consumer – most banks will not allow you doing this without some sort of verification of authority.

A bank routing number typically isn’t enough to gain access to your checking account, but someone may be able to steal money from your account if they have both your routing number and account number. Someone may also steal money using your debit card credentials.