CIF Number: Why is it important and how to get this information?

  • Published on: 9 Oct 2023
CIF Number: Why is it important and how to get this information?

A CIF number or the Customer Information File number refers to a unique identification value assigned by banks to all their customers. Using a CIF ID, banks can access your account and personal details. This enables financial institutions to keep track of your account information. It is an 11-digit number that helps banking institutions cater to the dynamic needs of their customers by offering tailor-made products and services. 

From loans and KYC details to Demat account information and other accounts you maintain, a bank can get information regarding them all using the CIF ID. 

Read on to learn more about the CIF number and various methods to find this number. 

What is a CIF number?

This 11-digit customer ID is an exclusive identifier representing all sensitive details about an account holder of a bank. This number helps safeguard the confidentiality of all account holders, as all essential bank details are shared only with the bank employees. When you apply for a loan or other form of credit, banks check your CIF ID to verify and approve your loan transactions. 

Simply put, a CIF number not only helps banks store their customer data collectively but also enables them to view all crucial documents of their customers whenever a need arises.

What does a CIF number encompass?

This number offers access to the following details:

  • Various types of accounts you hold in a bank
  • Your past transaction history
  • Your credit score
  • Your personal details
  • Your credit relationship with a bank
  • Your Demat account information
  • Your loan account details
  • Your existing account balance
  • Your KYC details

What is the importance of a CIF number?

The number collates all essential customer details in a single place, helping banks to use the information as and when required. This not only helps avoid confusion but also minimises the risk of fraud related to loans. 

Despite the fact that a CIF ID cannot be used while executing banking transactions, the number plays a crucial role in completing other banking services. These include activating your net banking or checking your loan eligibility. This way, banks can have a proper insight into a customer’s account information.

Also Read: Best banks for savings accounts in India

How to find a CIF number?

There are offline and online ways to find this number. You can log into your net banking portal and open your e-statement. You will find your identification number on the account summary page. You can also get the number by logging into the mobile app and checking your account details.

If you prefer to check your number offline, you can check your passbook. Ideally, this number will be printed on the first page of your passbook. You can get the CIF details from the first page of your chequebook as well. However, remember that this number is not printed on the cheque leaf

Another offline option is to call the bank’s customer care team and retrieve your CIF details by providing basic information like your date of birth, account number, etc.

Now that you are familiar with the CIF number full form and its significance, remember that it holds your confidential and personal banking details. Make sure not to share this number with anyone. That said, this number is used internally by bank employees to access the database of a particular customer to get their financial summary. So, even if someone gets this number, it is useless as they can’t initiate any banking transactions. 

This number also contains your loan account details, whether you avail of a personal loan or any other form of credit. If you are planning to apply for a personal loan to meet your financial needs, look no further than Fibe! With us, you can get an Instant Cash Loan of up to ₹5 lakhs at pocket-friendly interest rates. 

Also, we don’t rely on your credit score for loan approval. Instead, we use an alternate scoring mechanism to assess your creditworthiness. With these benefits and much more, opting for a personal loan from Fibe involves a hassle-free application process. To get started, simply download our Personal Loan App or visit our website and register to get the required funds effortlessly.

FAQs on CIF Number

Is the IFSC code the same as the CIF?

No. IFSC stands for Indian Financial System Code, while CIF means Customer Information File. A CIF number contains only numerals and is used to denote customer information. On the other hand, an IFSC code includes alphanumeric codes to identify a specific bank.

Is a CIF number the same as an account number?

No. Both these numbers are totally different. While an account number is provided when you open any bank account, a CIF number is the customer ID. Using this ID, a bank can retrieve all essential details pertaining to a specific customer.

Can I give my CIF number to anyone?

It is better not to share this number with anyone. However, the number is used for internal purposes by bank employees and is of no use to anyone else. Getting these details won’t allow anyone to execute fraudulent transactions or misuse your banking details.

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