Introduction
If you’ve ever filled in a payment form or payroll details, you might have seen the term “roll number.” Many people get confused and start searching for building society roll number Lloyds. The confusion comes from the fact that some building societies use roll numbers, while banks like Lloyds do not. Understanding this difference is important if you want your payments to go through without delays or errors.
This guide will explain everything in simple terms. You’ll learn what a roll number is, why it exists, how it’s different from an account number, and why Lloyds Bank customers never need one.
What Is a Building Society Roll Number?
A building society roll number is a special reference code. It identifies a customer’s account inside a building society. Unlike banks that use account numbers and sort codes, many building societies historically relied on roll numbers to manage payments.
Think of it as an internal tag. When money arrives at the society, the roll number tells them which account to credit. Without it, the payment might sit unallocated until staff manually match it.
Roll numbers are usually alphanumeric. For example, one could look like AB123456C. The length varies depending on the society and the type of account.
Why People Ask About “Building Society Roll Number Lloyds”
So why does the phrase building society roll number Lloyds exist? The answer lies in confusion. Lloyds is a bank, not a building society. That means it uses the standard UK banking system of sort code + account number. No roll numbers are involved.
However, many payment forms are designed with building societies in mind. They sometimes include a mandatory field labeled “roll number.” When Lloyds customers see this, they naturally wonder if they’re supposed to have one. The short answer: you don’t.
Situations where this confusion often appears:
- Setting up payroll instructions at work.
- Entering bank details for online government payments.
- Completing forms designed for both banks and building societies.
Do You Need a Roll Number with Lloyds Bank?
The direct answer is no. Lloyds Bank accounts never use roll numbers. To receive payments, all you need is your:
- Account number (usually 8 digits).
- Sort code (6 digits, written as three pairs).
If a form asks for a roll number but you bank with Lloyds, you can usually leave the box blank. Some forms won’t let you skip it. In that case, you can enter “N/A” or repeat your account number. The key is to make sure the sort code and account number are correct.
So if you ever see “roll number” on a Lloyds form, don’t panic. It doesn’t apply to you.
How Roll Numbers Work with Real Building Societies
To understand the difference, let’s look at how roll numbers still work today.
Building societies like Yorkshire, Skipton, or Coventry may ask members for a roll number. Here’s how it works:
- The society has a generic clearing account with a sort code and account number.
- All customer payments go into that account.
- The roll number tells the society which customer should receive the money.
If the roll number is missing, the payment arrives but sits unmatched. The customer may not see the funds until the society investigates. That’s why including the roll number is critical when paying into building society accounts.
You can usually find your roll number in:
- Your passbook.
- Monthly or annual statements.
- Online banking or your mobile app.
Roll Number vs. Account Number – Key Differences
It’s easy to mix up roll numbers with account numbers. Here’s a simple comparison:
| Feature | Roll Number | Account Number |
| Used by | Building societies | Banks and societies |
| Format | Alphanumeric, variable length | 8-digit numeric |
| Purpose | Identifies your account internally | Identifies your account in UK clearing system |
| Needed for Lloyds? | No | Yes |
This table makes it clear: Lloyds customers never need a roll number. They only use account numbers and sort codes.
Step-by-Step Guide: Sending Money to a Building Society Account
If you ever need to send money to a building society, here’s a checklist:
- Get the payee’s name exactly as it appears on the account.
- Enter the sort code and account number provided by the society.
- Add the roll number in the reference field if one is given.
- Double-check all details before sending the payment.
Example:
- Sort code: 12-34-56
- Account number: 12345678
- Roll number: XY98765Z (entered as payment reference)
This ensures the money goes directly to the right person without delays.
Common Mistakes and FAQs
Q1: Do Lloyds accounts ever have roll numbers?
No. Lloyds is a bank, so it doesn’t use roll numbers.
Q2: What do I do if a payroll form asks for one?
Leave it blank or write “N/A.” Make sure your account number and sort code are correct.
Q3: Where do I find my roll number if I have a building society account?
Check your passbook, statements, or online banking.
Q4: What happens if I forget to include a roll number in a payment?
The society may receive the money but won’t know whose account to credit. This could cause delays until they manually trace it.
Expert Tips for Avoiding Payment Errors
- Always confirm details with the payee.
- If you bank with Lloyds, remember you do not need a roll number.
- If you’re paying someone with a building society account, ask them to give you their roll number if required.
- Never guess or leave out important information when sending money.
- Keep a record of your own bank details so you can share them accurately.
Conclusion
Understanding the difference between building societies and banks clears up a lot of confusion. A building society roll number is a reference code used by some societies to allocate payments. It’s not the same as an account number.
For Lloyds Bank customers, there’s no need to worry. Your account only requires a sort code and account number. If a form ever asks for a roll number, you can safely ignore it.
So the next time you see people searching for building society roll number Lloyds, you’ll know the truth. Lloyds doesn’t use them, and that’s one less detail to worry about when managing your money.
