The Credit Information Bureau of India Ltd (Cibil) consolidates the information on individual borrowers’ credit history, sourced from different member credit institutions such as banks, credit card companies and NBFCs, into a single report called the CIR. This is then made available to its members (banks, finance companies) to facilitate their lending decisions.

You can access your own CIR for a fee. You can also check and correct errors in the report and to initiate action to improve your credit record. It is a good idea to keep your CIR updated and correct, so it is easier and faster for you to apply and get loans at competitive rates.

1) Fill up a CIR request form. It can be downloaded from www.cibil.com/accesscredit.htm

2) Also submit self-attested copies of address proof (bank statement, utility bill) and identify proof (PAN card, passport or voter’s ID.)

3) Make demand draft Rs 142 in favour of ‘Credit Information Bureau (India) Ltd’, payable at Mumbai.

4) Send documents and draft to Cibil at: Hoechst House, 6th Floor, 193 Backbay Reclamation, Nariman Point, Mumbai 400 021

Points to note

Restricted Access: Your CIR is accessible only to you and to members of Cibil who may want to cross check the credentials of a prospective borrower. A third person cannot see your CIR.

Corrections: If you find errors in your CIR, you have to approach your lender. Cibil will alter the CIR only when members report changes.