Understanding CIF Transfer Between SBI Branches: What You Need to Know

When it comes to transferring accounts between branches within State Bank of India (SBI), there are several key aspects you need to be aware of. This article aims to clarify some common queries related to account transfers, specifically focusing on the CIF number and its role in the process.

Account and CIF Transfer Process

When you request a bank to transfer an account from one branch to another, the IFSC (Indian Financial System Code) may change, but the account number typically remains the same. The account is automatically transferred to the new branch. However, transferring the CIF (Customer Identity File) number from one branch to another is a different process and comes with its own set of rules and considerations.

What is a CIF Number?

The CIF (Customer Identity File) number is a master file that holds comprehensive information about a customer, such as the customer's and their dependents' names, residential and office addresses, annual income, and more. It also includes sensitive information like PAN (Permanent Account Number) and Aadhaar numbers, along with the contact number.

Importance of CIF Number in Account Transfer

One of the critical points to understand is that CIF numbers are not branch-specific. Unlike account numbers, which can often stay the same during a transfer, CIF numbers are unique to the entire bank. Therefore, if you want to transfer all your accounts, including fixed deposits (FDs), from the original branch to another specific branch, you must also request that the new branch transfer your CIF to them. This process can only be done by the branches involved.

Transfer of CIF Number

The transfer of CIF numbers is not an automatic process. It requires a specific request from the customer. If you perform the transfer online through netbanking, only the account can be transferred, and the CIF will remain with the original branch. However, if you visit the home branch in person and present a request letter specifying that you want to transfer both the account and the CIF number, both can be transferred successfully.

Why is Keeping CIF in the Same Branch Important?

It is highly recommended to keep your CIF and all related accounts in the same branch for your convenience. This is particularly important if you are transferring accounts to another branch within SBI, such as ICICI Bank. During such transfers, the option to transfer the CIF will be provided to you.

Final Considerations

If you find yourself in the process of transferring your account to a new branch, ensure that you have planned for the necessary steps to transfer your CIF number as well. This will help you avoid any inconvenience and ensure a smooth transition of all your bank-related information.