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When someone asks for your bank details to send you money from abroad, it is common to be unsure whether to provide your account number or your interbank CLABE. They are two different things, and sharing the wrong one could mean the transfer doesn't arrive or is delayed.
The interbank CLABE is the only piece of information you need to share to receive an international transfer into a Mexican bank account. The account number is used for transactions within the same bank and is not sufficient for receiving money from another bank or from abroad.
What is the difference between an account number and an interbank CLABE in Mexico?
Although both identify your bank account, they have completely different uses.
Account number: for transfers within the same bank
The account number is an identifier assigned by your bank. Its length varies by institution, but it generally has between 10 and 11 digits. You can use it to receive deposits from people who have an account at the same bank as you. It does not work for transfers between different banks or for receiving money from abroad.
Interbank CLABE: the standard for everything else
The CLABE (Standardized Banking Code) is an 18-digit number established by the Bank of Mexico (Banxico). It is the identifier used by all banks in the country to send money to each other, and it is mandatory for receiving International bank transfer. Any Remittance that someone sends you from the U.S. to your bank account in Mexico will arrive using your CLABE.
The CLABE is not a random number: it contains encoded information about your bank, your city, and your account.
| Component | Position in the CLABE | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Bank code | Digits 1 to 3 | Identifies the banking institution |
| City code | Digits 4 to 6 | Identifies the location where the account was opened |
| Account number | Digits 7 to 17 | Your internal account number (11 digits) |
| Check digit | Digit 18 | Verify that the previous 17 digits are correct |
The interbank CLABE includes your account number as part of its structure: it makes up 11 of the 18 digits. However, the account number alone is not enough to receive money from another bank.
How do I find my interbank CLABE?
You can find it in three places:
In your bank's app: go to your account details section. In most Mexican banks, it is listed directly on that screen under the name "CLABE" or "CLABE interbancaria."
On your bank statement: whether printed or in PDF, the statement includes both your account number and your CLABE.
By calling or messaging your bank: if you cannot find it in the app or on your statement, your bank's customer service can provide it immediately. Never request it through unofficial messages.
Once you have it, verify that it has exactly 18 digits before sharing it.
How does Félix deposit money using your CLABE?
When someone sends you money from the U.S. with Félix, the bank deposit arrives directly in your account using your interbank CLABE. You don't need to do anything else: the person sending you the money enters your CLABE in the Félix chat when setting up the transfer, and the deposit arrives in your account in minutes in most cases.
That is why it is important to always share your CLABE and not your account number. If the person sending you money enters a 10 or 11-digit number instead of the 18-digit CLABE, the system cannot complete the transfer correctly.
To know exactly what information Félix requests when sending money to Mexico, you can check the article What do I need to send money to Mexico?. For a complete guide on how to send money to Mexico, check out our money transfer guide.
Frequently asked questions
Can I receive money from abroad with just my account number?
No. The account number only works for transfers within the same bank. To receive money from another bank or from abroad, you need to share your 18-digit interbank CLABE.
Is the CLABE the same for all my bank products?
Not necessarily. If you have more than one account at the same bank (for example, a debit account and a savings account), each one has its own CLABE. Make sure to share the CLABE for the account where you want to receive the money.
Is it safe to share my CLABE with someone who is going to send me money?
Yes. The CLABE is public banking information used for receiving transfers, similar to a checking account number in other countries. It does not allow anyone to withdraw money or make charges to your account. Only share it with trusted people or through official channels.
What happens if the CLABE I provided has a wrong digit?
The last digit of the CLABE is a mathematical control digit. If any of the first 17 digits are incorrect, the control digit will not match, and the system will reject the transaction before it is executed. While this protects against errors, it is always best to verify the CLABE by copying it directly from your banking app.
Sources and references
Bank of Mexico (Banxico)
- Bank of Mexico: CLABE (Official documentation on the interbank CLABE standard and its 18-digit structure.)
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