Access to the customer area of La Banque Postale relies on two elements: a digital identifier and a password. The format of this Banque Postale identifier varies depending on the age of the contract and the type of account, which often leads to confusion during login. Understanding where to find this information, and especially how the recovery process has evolved, helps avoid a blockage that can last several days.
Format of the Banque Postale Identifier: Variations by Customer Profile
Not all customers have an identifier in the same format. Recent guides mention identifiers with 10 digits, others with 8, and some older accounts still use a 6-digit format. This disparity depends on the account opening date, the subscription channel, and the type of contract (individual, professional, joint account).
| Identifier Format | Relevant Profile | Reference Support |
|---|---|---|
| 6 digits | Old accounts (pre-digital migration) | Account opening letter |
| 8 digits | Accounts opened during the digital transition | Letter or online space |
| 10 digits | Recent accounts, online or in-agency subscription | Confirmation email or statement |
The common point: the identifier is included in the welcome letter sent upon account opening. If this letter has been misplaced, the bank statement or bank identity statement (RIB) does not contain the login identifier. One must then go through the recovery procedure.
When trying to successfully complete online identification with Banque Postale, the first step is to check the expected format to avoid entering an account number instead of the login identifier, a common mistake.
Recovery of Identifier and Password: The Role of the Registered Phone Number
The procedure for recovering identifiers has changed. It now relies on the phone number associated with the account at the time of opening or the last update of contact details. This number is used to receive a temporary code to validate the password reset or the recovery of the identifier.
This mechanism poses a concrete problem: if the registered phone number is no longer active (change of operator, loss of line), self-recovery becomes impossible. One must then contact customer service or go to the agency with an ID.
Forgotten Password or Forgotten Identifier: Two Distinct Processes
On the login page of La Banque Postale, there are two separate links. The “Forgot Password” link sends a reset code via SMS to the registered number. The “Forgot Identifier” link requires entering personal information (last name, first name, date of birth) before receiving the identifier through the same channel.
- Forgot Password: SMS code sent to the registered number, new password to be set immediately
- Forgot Identifier: identity verification through personal information, then sending the identifier via SMS or email depending on the account configuration
- Outdated Contact Details: mandatory visit to the post office with ID and RIB to update the phone number before any recovery
Certicode Plus and Strong Authentication: Beyond the Simple Identifier
Finding your identifier and password is no longer sufficient to access all online services. Certicode Plus has become the strong authentication tool of La Banque Postale to validate sensitive operations: transfers, adding beneficiaries, modifying limits.
Certicode Plus works through the mobile application. It is linked to the smartphone on which it was activated and to the personal code chosen by the user. In case of a phone change, Certicode Plus must be reactivated on the new device, which requires going through the application or contacting the agency.
Activation of Certicode Plus After Recovery of Identifiers
After recovering the identifier and resetting the password, reconnecting to the mobile application triggers a request to activate Certicode Plus. Without this activation, sensitive operations remain blocked even if balance consultation works.
Activation involves entering a code received via SMS, followed by choosing a multi-digit personal code. This personal code should not be confused with the customer area password: these are two distinct elements, used at different times in the process.
Phishing Risks Related to Banque Postale Identifier Recovery
Phishing attempts specifically target users who have lost access. Emails or SMS mimic communication from La Banque Postale and offer a “identifier recovery” link leading to a fraudulent site.
- Always check the URL in the address bar before entering an identifier: the legitimate site is labanquepostale.fr
- La Banque Postale never asks for a complete password to be communicated via email or phone
- Never click on a link received via SMS claiming to come from the bank: go directly through the application or type the address manually
Recent sources emphasize this point: the proliferation of login interfaces (website, mobile application, old Videoposte URL) creates entry points that fraudsters exploit. Using only the official application or the direct website address significantly reduces this risk.
Recovering a Banque Postale identifier primarily depends on updating contact details. An outdated phone number turns a process that should take a few minutes into a trip to the agency. Regularly checking that the registered number corresponds to the active line remains the most reliable way to avoid prolonged blockage.
