Published Jun 27, 2026 4 Min Read

Introduction

A Common Account Number (CAN) helps you manage mutual fund investments from different fund houses using one account structure. If you invest in multiple schemes, a CAN can reduce paperwork and make transactions easier.

  • CAN full form: Common Account Number.
  • Issued through: MF Utilities (MFU), a shared transaction platform for mutual funds.
  • Single reference: One CAN can be linked to multiple mutual fund folios.
  • Investor convenience: You can update details such as bank account information and contact details centrally.
  • KYC requirement: You must complete KYC before using CAN-related mutual fund services.
  • Investment access: The Bajaj Broking website offers access to 4,000+ mutual fund schemes, with SIPs starting from Rs. 100 per month.

You can start your mutual fund investment journey on the Bajaj Broking website, complete KYC, explore 4,000+ schemes, and begin a SIP from Rs. 100 per month.

What is a Common Account Number (CAN)?

A Common Account Number (CAN) is a unique number issued through MF Utilities (MFU). It allows you to manage multiple mutual fund investments across different Asset Management Companies (AMCs) using a single reference number.

Instead of handling separate details for every folio, you can use one CAN to maintain common investor information. This includes your personal details, bank account information, and transaction instructions.

A CAN does not replace your mutual fund folios. It acts as a central layer that connects them for easier management.

How does a Common Account Number work?

When you register for a CAN, your investor details are stored in a central record maintained through MF Utilities. Mutual fund folios linked to the CAN can use this common information.

FeatureHow it works
Investor detailsStored once under the CAN
Multiple foliosCan be linked to the same CAN
Bank informationUpdated centrally for linked folios
TransactionsCan be processed through MF Utilities

If you invest in mutual funds from different AMCs, a CAN can reduce the need to submit the same information repeatedly.

Why should you use a Common Account Number?

A CAN can make mutual fund administration easier when you hold investments across multiple fund houses.

Key benefits

  • One reference number for multiple mutual fund folios.
  • Centralised update of personal and bank details.
  • Reduced paperwork for transactions.
  • Easier tracking of investments across AMCs.
  • Better organisation of mutual fund records.

If you invest through SIP or lumpsum modes, a CAN can help simplify account management while your mutual fund schemes continue to be managed by their respective AMCs.

How do you register for a Common Account Number?

The registration process is straightforward once your KYC is complete. The Bajaj Broking website can help you begin your mutual fund investment journey after completing the required regulatory formalities.

  1. Complete KYC using your PAN, identity proof, and address proof.
  2. Download the CAN registration form from the MF Utilities platform.
  3. Fill your personal details, including PAN, contact information, and bank account details.
  4. Attach supporting documents such as identity proof and cancelled cheque copy.
  5. Submit the completed form through the prescribed MF Utilities channel.
  6. Receive your CAN after successful verification of documents.

Documents required and things to keep in mind

You need valid documents when applying for a CAN.

DocumentPurpose
PAN cardInvestor identification
KYC acknowledgementRegulatory compliance
Address proofVerification of residence
Cancelled chequeBank account verification
Passport-size photographIdentity confirmation, if required

Important points to remember:

  • KYC is mandatory before investing in mutual funds.
  • Ensure your bank details match supporting documents.
  • Keep your contact information updated.
  • Verify all information before submission.

Conclusion

A Common Account Number helps you manage mutual fund investments from multiple AMCs through a single reference number. It reduces administrative effort and simplifies record management.

While a CAN helps organise your investments, the mutual fund schemes themselves continue to be managed by their respective AMCs. You can explore equity, debt, hybrid, ELSS, thematic funds, and NFOs on the Bajaj Broking website, with SIP investments starting from Rs. 100 per month.

Frequently asked questions

What is a Common Account Number (CAN)?

A Common Account Number (CAN) is a unique number issued through MF Utilities that helps you manage multiple mutual fund folios using a single investor record. If you hold investments across different AMCs, a CAN can simplify updates and transactions. The CAN in mutual fund investing acts as a central reference while individual folios continue to exist separately.

How do I register for a CAN?

You can register for a CAN by completing KYC, filling out the MF Utilities CAN registration form, and submitting the required documents, including PAN, address proof, and bank details. The Bajaj Broking website can help you begin your mutual fund investment journey after meeting KYC requirements, which are mandated by SEBI regulations.

What is the difference between a CAN and a folio number?

A CAN is a common reference number that can connect multiple mutual fund folios across different AMCs. A folio number, on the other hand, identifies your investment in a specific mutual fund scheme or AMC. You may have several folios linked to one CAN, making portfolio administration easier.

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Disclaimer

Bajaj Finance Limited (“BFL”) is an NBFC offering loans, deposits and third-party wealth management products.

The information contained in this article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute any financial advice. The content herein has been prepared by BFL on the basis of publicly available information, internal sources and other third-party sources believed to be reliable. However, BFL cannot guarantee the accuracy of such information, assure its completeness, or warrant such information will not be changed.

This information should not be relied upon as the sole basis for any investment decisions. Hence, User is advised to independently exercise diligence by verifying complete information, including by consulting independent financial experts, if any, and the investor shall be the sole owner of the decision taken, if any, about suitability of the same.

Disclaimer

Bajaj Finance Limited ("BFL") is registered with the Association of Mutual Funds in India ("AMFI") as a distributor of third party Mutual Funds (shortly referred as 'Mutual Funds) with ARN No. 90319

BFL does NOT:

(i) provide investment advisory services in any manner or form.

(ii) carry customized/personalized suitability assessment.

(iii) carry independent research or analysis, including on any Mutual Fund schemes or other investments; and provide any guarantee of return on investment.

In addition to displaying the Mutual fund products of Asset Management Companies, some general information is sourced from third parties, is also displayed on As-is basis, which should NOT be construed as any solicitation or attempt to effect transactions in securities or the rendering any investment advice. Mutual Funds are subject to market risks, including loss of principal amount and Investor should read all Scheme/Offer related documents carefully. The NAV of units issued under the Schemes of mutual funds can go up or down depending on the factors and forces affecting capital markets and may also be affected by changes in the general level of interest rates. The NAV of the units issued under the scheme may be affected, inter-alia by changes in the interest rates, trading volumes, settlement periods, transfer procedures and performance of individual securities forming part of the Mutual Fund. The NAV will inter-alia be exposed to Price/Interest Rate Risk and Credit Risk. Past performance of any scheme of the Mutual fund do not indicate the future performance of the Schemes of the Mutual Fund. BFL shall not be responsible or liable for any loss or shortfall incurred by the investors. There may be other/better alternatives to the investment avenues displayed by BFL. Hence, the final investment decision shall at all times exclusively remain with the investor alone and BFL shall not be liable or responsible for any consequences thereof.

Investment by a person residing outside the territorial jurisdiction of India is not acceptable nor permitted.

Disclaimer on Risk-O-Meter:

Investors are advised before investing to evaluate a scheme not only on the basis of the Product labeling (including the Riskometer) but also on other quantitative and qualitative factors such as performance, portfolio, fund managers, asset manager, etc, and shall also consult their Professional advisors, if they are unsure about the suitability of the scheme before investing.


Disclosure
: Bajaj Finance Limited (BFL) is a distributor of Mutual Funds with ARN - 90319 and distributes mutual funds of Bajaj Finserv Asset Management Limited (BFSAMC). BFL receives commission towards distribution of mutual fund products. BFSAMC is a group company of BFL, carrying business on arm’s length basis without any conflict of interest and in accordance with the prevailing law / regulation.