Federal statuteRFPA

Right to Financial Privacy Act of 1978

In plain terms. The Right to Financial Privacy Act of 1978 limits federal government access to the records of a customer held by banks and other financial institutions, generally requiring notice to the customer and a lawful process such…

Last reviewedJune 7, 2026Version v1

In plain terms. The Right to Financial Privacy Act of 1978 limits federal government access to the records of a customer held by banks and other financial institutions, generally requiring notice to the customer and a lawful process such as a subpoena, summons, or search warrant. It is an early federal data-privacy statute constraining how agencies obtain personal financial information.

Citation. Pub. L. 95-630 (Nov. 10, 1978); 12 U.S.C. §§ 3401-3423.

13 C.F.R. § 14.2-5