Hello friends, today I am going to write about something very important for all of us who have a bank account in Commercial Bank of Ethiopia (CBE). You know, nowadays everything is going digital, and the government is also encouraging this CBE Fayda Registration Process.
CBE Fayda Registration
So, basically, Fayda is the national digital ID of Ethiopia. The word “Fayda” actually means value or benefit in Amharic language. It is a 12-digit unique number that the government is assigning to every citizen. Now, the CBE bank is making it mandatory to link your bank account with your Fayda ID. If you don’t complete this CBE Fayda Registration Process, then after March 30, 2026, you won’t be able to use your bank account properly – no deposit, no withdrawal, nothing!

This is not only happening in CBE, by the way. All banks in Ethiopia are doing this because the National Bank of Ethiopia (NBE) has ordered this. But since CBE is the largest bank with millions of customers, I am writing about this only.
| What is Fayda ID | 12-digit unique digital identity number for Ethiopia residents |
| Deadline for Linking | March 30, 2026 (very important date!) |
| Where to Get Fayda ID | Kebele offices, Ethio Telecom branches, designated enrollment centers |
| Where to Link with CBE | Any CBE branch or online through CBE mobile app/website |
| Documents Needed | Fayda ID number, mobile phone, account details, original ID proof |
| System Used | VeriFayda 2 (new eKYC system via EthSwitch) |
| Who Must Register | All existing CBE account holders and new customers |
| Penalty for Not Registering | Account suspension – no deposit, withdrawal, or transactions allowed |
| Biometric Required | Yes, fingerprints and facial scan at enrollment center |
| Webiste | cbefayda.cbe.com.et |
| Online Option Available | Yes, but branch visit recommended if facing technical issues |
Why This CBE Fayda Registration Process is Good for You? (Benefits)
Many people are thinking why we need this extra headache, but actually there are some good benefits if you complete the CBE Fayda Registration Process:
- One ID for All Accounts: You can manage all your bank accounts using single Fayda ID. No need to remember multiple account details.
- Safe Money Transfer: When you link your account through this CBE Fayda Registration Process, your money transfer becomes more safe. No one can do fraud using fake documents because your fingerprint and face is registered.
- Easy Access to Loan: If you want to take loan from bank, they can verify your identity quickly through Fayda system. No long paperwork needed.
- Prevent Fraud: Many times people make fake accounts using other person’s name. This CBE Fayda Registration Process will stop all that because biometric (fingerprint and face) is unique for everyone.
- Digital Ethiopia 2030: This is part of government’s big plan to make Ethiopia digital. By doing this registration, you are also contributing to country’s development.
- Online Banking Become Easy: After linking, you can do more transactions online without going to branch. Very convenient for busy people.
What Documents You Need for CBE Fayda Registration Process?
Before you proceed to bank, you should have these documents ready. Do not go to bank empty handed and waste your precious time:
- Your Fayda ID Number: This is most important. If you do not have Fayda ID, then first proceed to enrollment center (kebele office or other places) and get your 12-digit Fayda number. You will also get 16-digit Fayda Alternative Number (FAN).
- Valid Mobile Phone: You will need phone number that is active because they will send OTP (one time password) for verification.
- Details of Existing CBE Bank Account: Bring your passbook or account number so that bank employees can search for your account in computer.
- Original Kebele ID or Passport: Sometimes they will ask for additional documents, so it is better to bring them.
- Biometric Information: Your fingerprints and photo will be taken at bank or enrollment center. You do not need to bring them, but your presence is required.
Friends, if you do not have Fayda ID at all, then you cannot proceed to CBE Fayda Registration Process directly at bank. First, get Fayda ID from enrollment center, and then proceed to CBE bank for linking.
Eligibility Criteria
Not all people can come and do this. There are some eligibility criteria for this:
- Ethiopian Residents: You must be a resident of Ethiopia. This CBE Fayda Registration Process is for people living in Ethiopia.
- Existing CBE Account Holders: If you already have an account in Commercial Bank of Ethiopia, you must do this linking before the deadline of March 30, 2026.
- New Account Openers: If you are opening a new account in CBE now, you must have a Fayda ID card first. Without Fayda ID, they won’t open an account.
- Age Criteria: Normally, people above 18 years can register easily. For children, parents can register on their behalf but must provide a birth certificate and parent’s ID card.
- Valid Biometrics: You must have clean fingerprints and must be able to do facial recognition. If someone has issues with their fingers (manual laborers whose fingerprints are worn out), there is a special arrangement, but it takes time.
- Registered Mobile Number: Your mobile number must be registered in your name or you must have access to it because the OTP will be sent there.
Related: Discovery Gardens Parking Registration
CBE Fayda Registration Process
Now, I will tell you how to actually do this registration. It is very simple if you follow it properly:
- Step 1: First, check if you have Fayda ID. If not, go to the nearest registration center (kebele office, Ethio Telecom branch, or designated banks) with your birth certificate or kebele ID. They will take your photo and fingerprint. After a few days, you will receive an SMS with your 12-digit Fayda number.
- Step 2: If you have Fayda ID, go to any CBE branch near your location. Don’t think you have to go to your home branch. Any branch is fine.
- Step 3: Tell the customer service that you want to do CBE Fayda Registration Process for linking your account. They will provide you with a form or do it directly in the computer.
- Step 4: Enter your Fayda Alternative Number (FAN) which is a 16-digit number, or your 12-digit Fayda ID. Also, enter your account number.
- Step 5: The bank will check your information in the system. They will check if your name in the bank’s record matches with the Fayda database.
- Step 6: You will receive OTP on your phone. Give that OTP to bank staff for confirmation.
- Step 7: Once verification is done, your account is linked. They will give you confirmation or you can check in CBE mobile app.
The good news is that CBE has also started online platform for this CBE Fayda Registration Process . You can try doing it from home through their website or mobile banking app. But many people are saying online system is having some technical problems, so if it doesn’t work, just go to branch.
FAQ
The final deadline is March 30, 2026, as announced by National Bank of Ethiopia.
Yes, CBE has introduced an online service, but if you encounter any problem, you need to visit the branch.
Yes, from December 2025, it is not possible to open a new account without Fayda ID.
Your account will be temporarily blocked, meaning you won’t be able to deposit, withdraw, or perform any other transaction.
You can register at the nearest kebele office, Ethio Telecom branch, or other enrollment centers along with your ID documents.
No, there is no charge for linking your existing account, but for obtaining the physical Fayda card, there may be a small charge.
Fayda is for residents, so if you are a resident with valid documents, you can register.
It is the new electronic Know Your Customer (eKYC) system that banks are using for Fayda integration.