Short answer: A folio number is a unique reference that the fund house assigns to your mutual fund account so it can track your holdings. It is created when you make your first investment in a scheme and stays the same for every later investment in that same plan.
Last reviewed: 9 November 2026
A mutual fund is a pooled investment that an asset management company (AMC) runs, and a scheme is one specific fund product within it. The AMC is the firm that manages the fund. Each investor’s record of units held in a scheme is tied to a folio, so the AMC or its registrar (the firm that keeps investor records for the fund) can match every purchase, redemption and statement to the right person.
At a glance
| Term | What it means | How it works |
|---|---|---|
| Folio number | A unique reference for your account in a scheme | Created at your first investment in that scheme |
| Later investments in the same plan | Additional purchases in the same scheme or plan | The folio number does not change |
| Different schemes of the same AMC | Separate investments with the same fund house | Tracked separately, so holdings stay distinct |
| Folio field on the application | The box for the folio number on the form | Left empty by the investor; the AMC or fund manager fills it in after the first investment is processed |
| Where to find it | Places an investor can check the number | Account statement, the fund house, or your broker or financial advisor |
Where does the folio number come from?
You do not choose or create the folio number yourself. The field for it on a mutual fund application form is left empty by the investor. The AMC or fund manager fills it in once your first investment has been processed.
Once assigned, the number is tied to that scheme. Your later purchases in the same plan go into the same folio, so the record grows over time rather than starting a new one each time you invest.
Why does one folio matter when you hold several funds?
A folio number keeps your holdings in different schemes separate, even when they are offered by the same AMC. Each scheme you start investing in gets its own folio, so each one has its own record of units and transactions.
Here is a hypothetical example with invented figures. Suppose an investor puts ₹50,000 into Scheme A for the first time, which creates Folio A. Later that investor adds ₹20,000 to Scheme A, which goes into Folio A, making ₹70,000 in that folio. If the investor then puts ₹30,000 into Scheme B of the same AMC, that creates a separate Folio B. The total invested with the AMC is ₹1,00,000, but it is split across two folios, and each folio shows only its own scheme.
The catch is that the split can be easy to lose track of. If you hold several schemes, you may have several folios, and each needs to be checked separately on statements or the AMC’s platform.
How do you find your folio number?
Fact 4 gives three routes. Your mutual fund account statement shows the folio number. You can also get it from the fund house directly. Your broker or financial advisor, if you invest through one, can provide it as well.
If you cannot find the number, check these sources before assuming the investment is missing. A folio number is an identifier, not a record of your money, so the statement is the document that shows what you hold.
Can the folio number be used to log in?
Yes, the folio number can serve as a login reference for the AMC’s online platform. Once you are logged in, you can view your holdings, transaction history and statements.
Treat the folio as a reference, not a complete login. The platform will ask for its own credentials as well. Using the folio number to log in does not replace the security steps the AMC sets up for your account.
What are the limits of relying on a folio number?
A folio number tells you where your holding is recorded with a particular AMC. It does not show the current value of your investment or its performance. For that, you need the statement or the AMC’s platform.
Because a folio is linked to one AMC and one scheme, it does not give you a single view of all your mutual fund investments across fund houses. If you invest with more than one AMC, you will need to check each one’s records separately.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to fill in the folio number on my application form?
No. The folio field is left empty by the investor, and the AMC or fund manager fills it in after the first investment is processed.
Does my folio number change when I invest more?
No. The folio number stays the same for all later investments in the same plan. A new folio is created only when you invest in a different scheme.
Where can I find my folio number if I have lost it?
You can find it on your mutual fund account statement, from the fund house, or through your broker or financial advisor.
Can I use my folio number to see my investment statements online?
Yes. The folio number can serve as a login reference on the AMC’s platform, where you can view holdings, transaction history and statements.
Sources and last check
Facts in this article were checked against the sources below on 9 November 2026. Rules and figures can change; check the primary source before acting.
- kotakneo.com (broker education)
- groww.in (broker education)
This article is general information, not investment advice. MyFinanceBandhu is not a SEBI-registered investment adviser.