What is a CIF number? If you are a trader, the name CIF is probably familiar to you. But what if the term CIF works in the field of credit finance? What should we understand the CIF number is in this case? How does CIF create security value for customer accounts?
Let’s find the answer through the following article!
Table of Contents
What is a CIF number?
According to the English title, CIF is an abbreviated phrase of Customer Information File and is represented by characters (6-8 digits). We can simply understand it is a function file that contains and stores customer information. In banking, the CIF number is a number that represents each customer.
Normally, each CIF code will be a series of numbers with a length of 8 to 11 characters, depending on the setting of each bank, and all customer bank accounts are linked with only 1 CIF code. To make it easier to understand we will have an example as follows:
Customer A has 2 account numbers at BDO, namely 9712 19 12345678 568 and 9735 24 12345678 576, the CIF code is 12345678.
What functional is a CIF number?
Bank cards are an indispensable tool in our life. Perhaps you have used many bank cards but few pay attention to the CIF number and its role.
CIF was born with the mission of representing a customer’s credit score across multiple accounts. That is, all your bank accounts (whether they are from the same or different banks) only use a single CIF number. So, have we understood what a CIF number is? So what is stored in the CIF file? That is the information directly about your bank account.
CIF number will store the most complete and accurate information about account, transaction, account balance, outstanding balance, credit relationship… Including registered name, account number, pin code, outstanding balance, etc. contact data, photo ID for the bank to easily manage and check information. Or any other information you provided when creating an account. Attached are credit relationships, transactions occurring during the use of ATM cards are also shown in CIF.
It can be said that CIF is a versatile tool of a bank. Create the most complete and effective management system for the accounts of hundreds of millions of customers in credit transactions.
See also: What is swift Code? List of swift codes of banks in Philippines
How CIF number works
When you register for any bank account, you must access the CIF index. That is a mandatory requirement of each bank to ensure the updating of information and customer data into the system. And the specific mode of operation of CIF is as follows:
To maintain accuracy in the credit sector, the CIF is considered an integrated record of customer information. Covers and reflects transaction content, account type in use, available balance, savings and loan activities…
Besides, CIF also helps to identify customers such as Full Name, Address, Phone number, identification characteristics …
In order to show visual and complete information, the CIF index is updated continuously and regularly. At the same time increase financial management and support other services for customers.
To promote safe and convenient banking transactions, the CIF catalog provides information related to credit products. What is CIF? CIF is a tool to meet the bank’s cross-selling needs and promptly add financial functions at the request of cardholders.
CIF numbers make it easy for banks to analyze customer transaction activities.
Some commercial banks also use CIF numbers to display credit products and credit cards of customers using at the bank.
Identify CIF number, account number and bank card number
Most ATM card users often confuse account numbers such as code, pin code, CIF number. After understanding what is the function of the CIF number! We can distinguish each type of index in a simple way as follows.
Account number |
Card Number |
CIF number |
| Is the sequence of numbers the bank gives to customers when registering to open an account or ATM card. The account number is used for money transfers, money receipts, etc.
The length of the account number will be from 9 to 14 numbers depending on the regulations of each customer. In which, the first 3 numbers represent the bank branch. Learn more about bank account numbers here. |
Bank card number is a series of numbers printed on ATM cards and usually has 12 numbers or 19 numbers with a clear 4-part structure as follows: The first four digits are the code assigned by the state. The next 2 digits are the bank code. The next 08 digits are the customer’s CIF. The remainder is used to distinguish accounts between customers. |
CIF codes are 8 to 11 digits long and are embossed on ATM cards and are usually placed after the state code and the bank code. |
How to find up the bank CIF number easily
Look up CIF codes on online banking
Step 1: Log in to your Internet Banking account on the website of the bank you are using the card.
Step 2: Press option + electronic statement.
Step 3: Select the time period for the electronic statement.
Step 4: The account summary page will display your CIF number.
Look up CIF number on mobile banking
In addition to the above, customers can also find their CIF number easily on the application of different banks.
Some other ways
Find the CIF number on the first page of the checkbook.
The CIF number is printed on the first page of the passbook.
Contact customer service or your bank branch manager for assistance in locating CIF number information.
Even though it is only a small factor and it is not possible to log into a bank account with only CIF number, customers still should not share their CIF number with others to ensure safety. Only in some specific cases when the bank staff asks you to provide this number sequence, then it will be shared with that employee.
Conclusion
Just with the question: What is CIF? The above article has presented a lot of interesting information about the CIF index that you have not known for a long time, right? Hope this is a useful share to help you understand how to use your bank account safely!
