Yorkshire Building Society Roll Number
Short answer: yes — Yorkshire Building Society uses a roll number as the reference for some accounts. Because it's a building society, certain savings accounts are identified by a roll number rather than by an account number alone.
If someone needs to pay money into your Yorkshire Building Society account, your roll number is often the reference that makes sure it reaches you. Here's how it works.
At a glance
- Does YBS use roll numbers?
- Yes, for some accounts
- What it is
- Your account reference
- Used for
- Payments into your account
- Where to find it
- Passbook, statement or app
🏦 Paying into a building society · pick your provider
To pay into your Yorkshire Building Society account by bank transfer, set it up as a new payee with these details:
Where to find your number: your passbook, any YBS savings or mortgage statement, or the YBS app.
Also covers YBS brands such as Chelsea and Norwich & Peterborough, which run on YBS systems.
Details verified against each provider’s official “paying in” page in 2026. Always double-check the current sort code, account number and reference in your provider’s app, passbook or latest statement before sending money — collecting accounts can change, and the reference must be exact or the payment may be returned.
Key Takeaways
- Yorkshire Building Society uses a roll number as the account reference for some accounts.
- When money is paid in, the roll number is usually entered in the payment reference field so it reaches the right account.
- Payments are typically sent to a shared YBS sort code and account number, with your roll number as the reference.
- You'll find your roll number on your passbook, statement, or in online and mobile banking.
Does Yorkshire Building Society use a roll number?
Yes, for certain accounts. As a building society, YBS identifies some accounts with a roll number — a unique reference tied to your account.
Not every account uses one, and some newer accounts come with a standard account number instead. If you're unsure, check your paperwork or ask YBS.
What does a Yorkshire Building Society roll number look like?
A roll number is usually a string of digits, sometimes with letters or a slash. Formats vary between accounts, so rather than assume a set pattern, it's best to read yours directly from your own paperwork.
The key point is that it's your reference — it identifies your specific account within the society.
How to find your Yorkshire Building Society roll number
Look in these places:
- Passbook — often printed inside the front cover.
- Statements — shown near your account details.
- YBS online banking — listed with your account information.
- Mobile app — under your account details.
- Original account paperwork — the welcome letter or certificate.
If you can't find it, contact YBS directly rather than guessing.
How to use your roll number to receive a payment
When someone pays money into a building society account, the process is usually:
- They send the payment to the society's sort code and account number (often a shared "collection" account YBS uses for incoming payments).
- They enter your roll number as the payment reference.
That reference is what tells YBS which member's account the money belongs to. Always confirm the exact sort code, account number and reference with YBS, as the details can differ by account.
Roll number vs account number
They're not always the same thing. A roll number is the society's own reference, while the sort code and account number route the payment through the banking system.
For some payments you may be asked for both. If you're paying someone else, ask which they need. To understand how transfers move, see is Bacs the same as a bank transfer.
Frequently asked questions
Does Yorkshire Building Society have a roll number?
Yes, some YBS accounts use a roll number as their reference. Others use a standard account number. Check your passbook, statement or app to see which applies.
Where is my Yorkshire Building Society roll number?
On your passbook (often inside the cover), your statements, or in YBS online and mobile banking under your account details.
How do I pay into a Yorkshire Building Society account?
Usually by sending the payment to the society's sort code and account number, with the roll number as the reference. Confirm the exact details with YBS first.
Is a roll number the same as an account number?
Not always. A roll number is the society's own account reference, used alongside a sort code and account number for routing payments.
General information only, not financial advice. Check with your bank or building society for your exact details.
