Among the large national files that exist, there is the File of bank and similar accounts, also called Ficoba. By opening an account in a banking establishment, you are systematically registered in a file. This lists all the accounts in France and you cannot oppose it.
On the other hand, you have every right to access the Ficoba file, but under certain conditions. Find out in which situations it is possible to consult the national file. And follow our advice to follow the procedure. In this article, you will also find a sample letter for making a formal consultation request.
Summary
Definition of Ficoba: what is the Bank Accounts File?
You do not yet know the Ficoba (File of bank accounts and similar)? Note that this is a national file that lists all bank accounts of all kinds held in France, whether by an individual or a company. Postal check accounts, savings accounts and securities accounts are concerned by the census. Each year, more than 100 million account openings are processed by Ficoba.
The banks are responsible for supplying and updating the national file. The General Directorate of Public Finances (DGFIP) of the Ministry of Finance and Public Accounts is responsible for this file. The information comes from tax returns. As for the elements of civil status (name, first name, date and place of birth, sex), they are certified by INSEE.
As an account holder, you cannot object to the registration of your accounts in the Bank Accounts File. This is done as soon as the account is opened. You are informed by the managing establishment of your registration.
Information held by Ficoba
The file lists several information including:
- the type and number of the bank account opened;
- the identity of the banking establishment where the account was opened;
- the opening date;
- possibly modifications and closure;
- the civil status of the account holder;
- where applicable, the contractor’s SIRET number.
On the other hand, Ficoba does not issue the amount of the balance or the transactions carried out. These data remain confidential, they fall under the scope of banking secrecy.
The information is kept for the life of the bank account and even for 10 years after its closure (article 3 of the decree of June 14, 1982).
What is the file of bank accounts and similar (Ficoba) used for?
The creation of this file meets two main objectives:
- list all the accounts opened in France;
- provide authorized persons and organizations with information on accounts held by a person or a company.
Who can access Ficoba?
Among the organizations that can access the bank accounts file, there are:
- the general directorate of public finances;
- Customs ;
- repression of fraud;
- the Primary Health Insurance Fund;
- the Caf;
- pension funds;
- the judicial police ;
- the Bank of France;
- credit institutions …
In addition, certain professionals also have access to Ficoba, including certain judges and bailiffs.
More surprisingly, individuals can access the national file, but only to verify the existence of a livret A or in the context of an inheritance. In the latter case, the process consists in ensuring that the deceased did not have a forgotten account.
How to consult the bank accounts file as an individual?
As heir, as part of a succession
If you are an individual who wishes to consult the Ficoba in order to verify that your deceased relative did not have an account forgotten in an establishment, you must send your request in writing to the FBFV National Treatment Center at the following address:
National FBFV Treatment Center
BP 31
77421 Marne-la-Vallée Cedex 02.
Attach the following documents to the shipment:
- a copy of the death certificate;
- proof of your identity;
- a document proving that you are the heir.
Note: the notary who takes care of the succession also has direct access to the Ficoba file via secure web access.
As a saver
In addition, some savers may have several livrets A, without being aware of it. To check that you do not have another A passbook in a banking establishment, you can request the consultation at Ficoba.
To do this, contact your Tax Center. Before 2016, the other possibility was to make a request to the CNIL. The organization could access the national file. Today, only the Tax Center can respond to your request.
How to make a request for rectification?
In the event of incorrect data, you can fully exercise a right of rectification. The process consists of making a request to the bank concerned. Send him the documents necessary for the correction. This could be, for example, the death certificate of the holder of the bank account.
Letter template to access the bank accounts file (Ficoba)
In order to have access to your personal data in the Ficoba file, you must send a registered letter with acknowledgment of receipt. In your letter, recall the elements that identify you. Attach a photocopy of your national identity card as well as a copy of proof of address.
Last name First Name
Full address
AT [ville], the [date],
To the attention of,
Tax Center
Registered letter with acknowledgment of receipt
Subject: request for access to the FICOBA file
Dear,
By this letter, I, the undersigned (last name, first name), born at (place of birth), on (date of birth) residing at (address), wish to exercise my right to access Ficoba file, by virtue of article 5 of the decree of June 14, 1982, amended in 2007.
Thank you for providing me with all the information relating to the accounts opened in my name.
Attached, you will find a copy of my identity card as well as proof of address.
Please accept, Madam, Sir, the expression of my best regards.
Signature
