Many people confuse the bank account number with the interbank CLABE. And if you search online, “how many digits does a bank account have?”, the first results will tell you there are 18 digits.

While that’s common—since both are essential for receiving deposits and making transfers—it isn’t the correct answer.

Want to manage your finances efficiently? Start by understanding bank accounts and how they relate to the CLABE.

In this post, we’ll explain what you need to know.

Bank Accounts: A Practical Guide to Managing Your Finances

Bank Account Number: What’s It For and How Many Digits Does It Have?

A bank account number is usually composed of 10 digits, but this can vary depending on the financial institution.

Bank account numbers are used to:

Make bank transfers to third parties within the same bank.
Deposit funds.
Check your transaction history.

The bank account number is essential for linking transactions with the bank holding your funds.

Are the CLABE and Bank Account Number the Same?

No. The interbank CLABE is a different number—an extension designed to reinforce electronic transfers between different banks.

The main difference between the two is the number of digits they have. Let’s look at the details in the table below:

	Bank Account Number	Interbank CLABE
Definition	It is a unique identifier assigned to an account by each bank.	It is a standard key to simplify electronic transfers
Usage	For internal operations within the same bank.	For transfers and payments between different banks.
Composition	The bank account number has 10 digits.	The CLABE has 18 numbers.
Security	It is more susceptible to errors.	It avoids mistakes and strengthens security.

So, Which Number Should I Provide to Be Paid?

If it’s internal, the bank account number.
If it’s interbank, the 18-digit CLABE.
If it’s an international deposit, the IBAN or BIC/SWIFT code.

How Do I Know Which Bank a Bank Account Belongs To?

Thanks to the interbank CLABE, it’s very simple to check which bank an account belongs to. Just look at the first three digits: they represent the financial institution’s code. For example:

Bank	Code
BBVA México	012
Santander	014
Citibanamex	002
HSBC	021
Banorte	072

All banks are listed here.

Generally, yes.

If your concern is unauthorized transactions or access to your funds, it’s not possible for someone to do that with just your bank account number. They would need details like passwords, e-signatures, or security keys.

In fact, bank accounts are used to receive transfers and payments. If it wasn’t safe, do you think companies or businesses would share theirs publicly? Of course not.

However, it’s always best to share these details only with trusted individuals or institutions.

How to Provide My Bank Account Number for Deposits?

First, make sure you verify the type of transaction you’ll receive—whether it’s internal or interbank:

Example of a bank account number:

The 10 digits corresponding to, say, a BBVA México account. Composed of 3 digits for the branch, 6 assigned to the client, and 1 verifying digit.
Your full name as it appears on the account.
The concept or reference if needed to identify the transaction.

Interbank CLABE: Where to Find It and Some Pointers

You can locate your interbank CLABE by the following methods:

Account statements. When you open an account, banks provide physical documents that show these details, although you’ll also find them in digital statements.
Online or mobile banking. By logging into your profile and selecting the account, you can find the details easily.
At a branch or through customer service. Visiting the nearest branch also lets you retrieve it. Likewise, you can contact them via their support channels, and they’ll give you the CLABE.

Practical Tips When Using Your Interbank CLABE

Specify the payment reason. Whether sending or receiving funds, include a clear reference to help identify the transaction easily.
Request confirmation of payment. If someone deposits to you, ask them to include a concept that simplifies tracking.
Check the fees. Each bank applies different fees for electronic transfers, so it’s good to find out beforehand to avoid surprises.

Following these recommendations will let you manage transfers with greater security and efficiency.

Conclusion

Understanding how bank account numbers and the interbank CLABE work is key to managing your money correctly.

While they’re related, they aren’t the same because they serve different functions. On the one hand, the account number is unique within a given institution. Meanwhile, the CLABE ensures transfers reach the correct recipient without errors.

Looking for an Alternative for International Transactions?

DolarApp may be just what you need. It’s a digital wallet with U.S. banking details, allowing you to:

Have an account number
Bank address
Bank routing number

This means you can receive payments in digital dollars (USDc). The wallet lets you both receive and send USDc with a fixed fee of 3 USDc, regardless of the amount.

Available for Mexico, Argentina, and Colombia.