Want to know your credit score? Here's how to get your free report online

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Why it pays to check your credit report

Your credit report is a detailed list of your loans, credit cards, and history of payments. It's the basis for your credit score — a number loan and credit card issuers look at before extending you credit. Checking your credit report occasionally can help you spot errors, understand what's impacting your score, and avoid surprises when you need credit.

What RBI says about free reports

Reserve Bank of India (RBI) asks everyone to procure one free credit report by one year from all four major credit information companies — TransUnion CIBIL, Experian, Equifax, and CRIF High Mark. Your credit score and information must also be included in the report.

Steps to fetch your CIBIL report

Go to the CIBIL website and select free credit report. You have to register your name, date of birth, PAN, and mobile number. After receiving an OTP authentication, you will get your credit report. In case you have already used the free service earlier in the year, you will be charged for the next report.

Accessing your Experian report

Go to Experian India’s website and select the ‘Free Credit Report’ tab. You’ll be asked to fill in a form with your personal and financial details, including your PAN details. After verification, Experian will send your report to your registered email ID within 24 to 48 hours.

How to get Equifax and CRIF reports

Equifax gets you to download and fill in a form with ID and address proof and mail it in. It takes time but is secure. CRIF High Mark's website offers faster access — you can complete your information online and receive your report after you've verified it using OTP. If they need more documents, they will email you to send them in.

Single report is not enough — order all four

Every bureau checks out alternative sources of data, so your credit score and report information will be slightly different. That is why it makes sense to check all four annually — this provides a complete picture of the condition of your credit and points at any possible mismatches or errors.