Every time you apply for a line of credit, for example, a home loan, car loan, credit card, or personal loan, the lender checks your credit score. This check is done through a document known as a Credit Report. Most people are unfamiliar with this important piece of paper and the information it contains.
In this post, we unravel the mystery around Credit reports and show you how to get one.
What is a Singapore Credit Bureau Report?
A Credit Bureau Report Singapore is a summary of all the major credit decisions someone has made in the preceding few years. It includes information such as your borrowing history and repayment record. This information is used to assess the person’s credit score, rated from AA (best) to HH (worst).
Lenders use this rating and loan history to decide whether to approve your new application. Scores closer to AA indicate that the applicant has a history of obtaining and paying debts on time. Good credit scores qualify them for lower interest rates and waiver of certain charges.
Who issues a Credit Bureau Report Singapore?
Every Credit Bureau Report Singapore is issued by Credit Bureau (Singapore), also known as CBS. This company has been set up by the Association of Banks in Singapore (ABS) and financial services company Infocredit Holdings.
Who submits data?
All members of ABS share their borrower data with CBS. Information from all these sources is collated by CBS and used to create a borrower profile.
When someone applies for a fast cash loan from a money lender in Jurong East, the lender can see this credit history. This information is also crucial for debt consolidation loans because it gives lenders a comprehensive picture of the applicant’s finances.
Structure of a Credit Report
A credit report is divided into sections to help the reader understand the information easily.
Sections
1 – Data Provided and Summary
The ‘Data Provided’ section contains the applicant’s personal details. This includes their full name, NRIC number, date of birth, and postal code.
The Summary lists their earlies credit record in the system, the number of previous enquiries, the number of accounts they hold, the number of defaults and bankruptcy proceedings, and whether or not they have been a victim of identity theft.
2 – Personal Details
The information from ‘Data provided’ in the first sections as well as gender, nationality, and marital status.
3 & 4 – Additional ID and Names
List of other ID documents and aliases, if any.
5 – Account Status History
A chronological list of your recent debts such as credit cards, fast cash loan, debt consolidation loan, and overdrafts.
6 – Previous Enquiries
A list of all the times that a Credit Report was requested, either by either you personally or a financial institution.
7, 8 & 9 – Default Records, DRS Records, and Bankruptcy Proceedings
These sections list any information pertaining to current and previous debts, including debts that you have defaulted on.
10 – Bureau Score
A brief description of the assessment and the applicant’s credit score, risk grading, description, and probability of default.
Understanding the info
Most of the information is straightforward and simple to understand. One thing to note is Section 6 (Previous Enquiries).
Some creditors regard numerous enquiries, for example, from a money lender in Jurong East, within a short period as a negative sign. They may be less likely to approve a loan for a credit-hungry applicant or offer them higher rates than normal.
What if the data is incorrect?
While CBS usually does an excellent job, there can be errors in the report from small mistakes or identity theft. If you discover any such errors, contact them immediately for correction.
What is a Credit Score?
Different ratings and what they mean
This table shows you how to interpret your score and risk grade.
| Score | Risk Grade | Probability of default |
| 1911-2000 | AA | 0-0.27% |
| 1844-1910 | BB | 0.27-0.47% |
| 1825-1843 | CC | 0.67-0.88% |
| 1813-1824 | DD | 0.88-1.03% |
| 1782-1812 | EE | 1.03-1.58% |
| 1755-1781 | FF | 1.58-2.28% |
| 1724-1754 | GG | 2.28-3.45% |
| 1000-1723 | HH | 3.46-100% |
Factors that affect the score
The most important factor in your grading is your repayment history. Late payments and defaults on any loan pull down your score for years afterward. Also very important is credit utilisation, which is how much of your available credit you have already used. Here are 4 things to know before taking multiple loans in Singapore.
How to improve your rating
The best way to maintain a high score is to pay all your debts fully and on time. Maintain several open lines of credit. Do not max out any one and spread your debt between several creditors.
Obtaining your Credit Report
You can apply for a Credit Report at three agencies:
1. Credit Bureau Singapore
2 Shenton Way,
#20-02,
SGX Centre 1,
Singapore 068804
Ph: 6565 6363
Apply online here.
2. CrimsonLogic Service Bureau
Location 1
133 New Bridge Road,
#19-01/02 Chinatown Point,
Singapore 059413
Ph: 6538 9507
Location 2
Supreme Court Lane,
Level 1, Supreme Court Building,
Singapore 178879
Ph: 6337 9164
3. SingPost
Any Singpost branch
Requirements
You will need your NRIC or passport to apply for your Credit Report
Cost
The cost of the report is S$6.42 (GST included).
SingPost offers an Express 2-hour service. It costs S$17.12 (GST included).
