Author
LoansJagat Team
Read Time
5 Min
12 Jun 2025
Suman Singh, a 58-year-old widow from a small Uttar Pradesh village, recently opened a savings account with the State Bank of India (SBI) to manage her small earnings from handmade pickles.
One day, while trying to be eligible for a government pension plan, Suman was asked for her CIF (Customer Information File) number, a unique 11-digit number given to each SBI customer. Suman felt anxious since she had never heard the term before.
Arvind, her friendly next-door neighbour and a local school teacher volunteered to help.
He took out her SBI passbook first. He pointed to her account number and said, "Here," and there it was: her 11-digit CIF number.
Seeing her interest, Arvind also explained other easy ways to find it, such as via Net Banking, SMS, etc.
The Customer Information File (CIF) number is an 11-digit unique identifier assigned to each customer by the State Bank of India (SBI). This number consolidates all your banking details into a single digital profile, facilitating efficient management and access to your accounts.
Let’s consider the CIF number 12345678901. This 11-digit code uniquely identifies a customer and links all their accounts, such as savings, current, and loan accounts, under one profile.
Understanding your CIF number is crucial for various banking operations, including account transfers, loan applications, and accessing digital banking services.
Detail | Description |
Where to Look? | First page of the SBI passbook |
CIF Number Location | Usually printed below the Account Number and Account Holder's Name |
Format | 11-digit unique number |
Example | |
Account Number | 123456789012 |
Account Holder | Suman Singh |
CIF Number | 12345678901 |
Use | Identifies the customer across all SBI services and account types |
Alternative Methods | Net Banking, YONO SBI App, Customer Care, SMS, or visiting the branch |
To locate your Customer Information File (CIF) number via SBI Net Banking, follow these steps:
On the subsequent screen, your 11-digit CIF number will be displayed. This number uniquely identifies your banking relationship with SBI.
If your CIF number is 86161887935, it will appear in the 'Online Nomination' section.
Detail | Description |
Method | Calling SBI Customer Care |
Toll-Free Numbers | 1800 11 2211, 1800 425 3800 |
Landline Number | 080-26599990 |
IVR Navigation | Press 1 → Account Balance, then Press 3 → CIF Enquiry |
Verification Required | The last 4 digits of the account number or other identity proof |
Information Provided | CIF number and home branch code |
Example | "Your CIF number is 12345678901. Your home branch code is 1234." |
Availability | 24x7 (except during system maintenance) |
Official Website | https://sbi.co.in/web/customer-care/contact-centre |
If you don't have access to your passbook or chequebook, you can obtain your Customer Information File (CIF) number by requesting an e-statement from the State Bank of India (SBI). This method requires your mobile number to be registered with the bank.
If your CIF number is 12345678901, it will appear in the e-statement as follows:
This method provides a convenient way to access your CIF number without visiting a branch.
It is important to know your SBI CIF number for operating your bank account online, for adding multiple accounts, and for KYC or online transactions. Obtain it easily and securely through your passbook, net banking, YONO app, SMS, or customer care.
1. What is the CIF number in SBI?
It’s an 11-digit unique number that holds all customer-related information in SBI.
2. Can I find my CIF number without a passbook?
Yes, via Net Banking, YONO App, SMS, or by calling SBI Customer Care.
3. Is the CIF number the same as the account number?
No, the CIF number is different and uniquely identifies you, not your account.
4. Can one customer have multiple CIF numbers?
No, all your SBI accounts are linked to a single CIF number.
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LoansJagat Team
We are a team of writers, editors, and proofreaders with 15+ years of experience in the finance field. We are your personal finance gurus! But, we will explain everything in simplified language. Our aim is to make personal and business finance easier for you. While we help you upgrade your financial knowledge, why don't you read some of our blogs?
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