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With more people investing in mutual funds, managing multiple investments has become common. Tracking returns, units, expenses, and transaction history across different funds can feel confusing without a clear system.
This is where a folio number becomes important. It acts as a single reference point for your mutual fund investments. Understanding how a folio number works makes it easier to monitor and manage your investments efficiently.
Key Takeaways
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A folio number is a unique reference used to track and manage all mutual fund investments under a fund house.
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One folio can cover many schemes, yet investors may still end up with multiple folios within the same AMC.
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An investor can hold multiple folio numbers, but consolidation can simplify tracking.
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Folio numbers appear on mutual fund statements and CAS, which aggregate holdings using a common PAN to simplify monitoring and record-keeping.
What is a Folio Number?
‘Folio,’ derived from a Latin word, means a sheet of paper with a page number printed on it to show where it belongs in a larger book. In the context of mutual funds, a folio number is a unique identification number allotted by the Fund House or an Asset Management Company to the investor. The AMC can use it to keep track of units in mutual fund schemes held by an investor. Thus, they guarantee the systematic archiving of mutual fund investment records.
Features of a Folio Number
Folio numbers of funds are typically either numeric or alphanumeric, or they can be folios separated by the slash sign (/). You can find the folio number in the top corner of the Consolidated Account Statement (CAS) sent to you by the AMC periodically.
With Different AMCs:
You should know that the folio number is different for different AMCs. However, you can hold any number of folios in respective mutual funds. For example, If you have a folio number with an ‘X’ Mutual Fund, it cannot be used for investing in a ‘Y’ or ‘Z’ mutual fund.
With the Same AMC:
Typically, the same folio can be used across schemes of an AMC, but investors can also have multiple folios with the same AMC. However, each time you buy funds for a new AMC, you will get a unique folio number. If you have a mutual fund with several folio numbers, you can request to combine all your folio codes into one. You must know that there is no limit on the number of folio numbers one can hold.
For the convenience of management, it is advised to avoid having an excessive number of folio numbers.
What Are The Benefits of Having a Folio Number?
A folio number provides several benefits to mutual fund participants by serving as a single reference point for all associated investments, including the following:
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Centralised Tracking: It helps track all mutual fund investments and transactions under one reference number.
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Organised Records: Keeps investor details and transaction records organised in one place.
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Easy Valuation: Makes it easier to check the current value of fund holdings.
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Performance Monitoring: Helps investors monitor gains and losses for better investment decisions.
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Error Reduction: Reduces the chances of errors by maintaining clear and accurate, and transparent records.
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Simplified Management: Simplifies overall investment management and reporting, making the investment experience more efficient.
How to Get a Folio Number?
You can find your folio number in any of the 3 ways mentioned below.
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Fund Account Statements by the AMC |
CAS is typically sent monthly when there is a transaction and semi-annually otherwise |
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Consolidated Account Statements by Registrars and depositories |
The registrar maps your consolidated holdings through the PAN (Permanent Account Number), and it will contain all your folio numbers with different AMCs. (CAS mapping may use PAN, email, and other identifiers across depositories.) |
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AMC App or Website |
Can access the details through the app and online portal |
How to Check Mutual Fund Status With a Folio Number?
1. Through Online Mode - You can easily and conveniently invest in mutual funds by registering through a mobile number and PAN card. After investing, some websites allow you to check the status of mutual funds through folio numbers. You can also use your PAN to get a consolidated report.
2. Through AMC Customer Care - You can reach out to AMCs customer care to track the performance of mutual funds by providing PAN and folio numbers.
3. Through Consolidated Account Statement (CAS) - CAS is a single document that provides the investor with all the details of their transactions and investments related to depository accounts and mutual fund investments. This helps to track the status of mutual funds.
4. Through the Fund’s Website - You can check the status of the mutual fund through the folio number by logging in to the dedicated fund’s website.
5. Through Your Broker - When you invest in a mutual fund through a broker, you can request them to get your folio number as a broker has access to the information of your investments with them. Through your folio number, the broker can monitor the progress of the mutual fund.
Also Read: What Are Mutual Funds?
Why is a Folio Number Relevant to the Investor?
Just like your bank account statement showing all your transactions with a particular bank, mutual fund statements compile all your investment transactions. This statement contains the folio number, which helps you ensure that this number is the same every time you invest. Also, if you use the same folio number, it is easier for you to manage your investments with AMC.
Can Individuals Have More Than One Valid Folio Number?
Yes, an individual can have more than one valid folio number. This usually happens when investments are made at different times, under different options, or with varying holding details. Having multiple folio numbers within the same fund house is allowed and can sometimes help investors manage investments separately for specific goals.
However, tracking many folios may become confusing over time. To simplify monitoring and record-keeping, investors can choose to consolidate multiple folio numbers into one, provided the details match. Consolidation helps maintain clarity, improves ease of tracking, and makes overall investment management more organised.
Conclusion
A folio number is a unique reference linked to your mutual fund investments that helps organise records and track transactions. Keeping this number accessible makes it easier to monitor holdings, review performance, and manage multiple investments efficiently. Understanding its role supports better investment tracking and clearer financial decision-making over time.
