The file is a text file, containing the details of each payment arranged in lines, each line being a single record.

Each record is a fixed length. This means that the fields in each record start at the same position in the line.

If a field is not completely filled in, spaces must be inserted after the data to keep the position of the next field consistent.

This information is provided for guidance only; you should always confirm the details before passing the file to BACS software.

The format is shown below:

If you are crediting Building Societies; the Sort Code refers to the Building Society; the Reference contains the Roll Number or Share Account number.