AI Etihad Credit Bureau Report - What is it?

How do credit bureaus work?

In order for credit bureaus to collect and process financial data, a person must have taken out credit in their name, have a credit card, or have completed other financial or commercial transactions to access. These transactions are basic sources of information on how responsible and efficient the borrower is with their finances. The AI Etihad Credit Bureau also reviews utility bills and tenancy histories if required and necessary. The data collection process does not consider specific wages until the end. To create a unified credit report, both of these records are required. As part of this collaborative effort, the AECB works with Ras Al Khaimah, Abu Dhabi, and Dubai's federal courts. Every subsequent ruling against an individual regarding payment issues records these guarantees. 

Credit bureaus are not responsible for deciding whether or not credit will be extended to an individual. The lenders use this information to make decisions based on the information they collect and synthesize.

In addition to selling credit information to lending institutions for a fee, credit bureaus also provide credit information to individuals.

UAE Credit Reports and Scores

Official credit reports are available to both individuals and companies, in the UAE. This type of report provides applicants with insight into their estimated financial rating based on their debt levels, due loans, financial history, and more, which enhances their understanding of their financial obligations. 

With the help of such scores, individuals can better manage their finances and plan for future borrowing. Another aspect to note here is that credit scores fluctuate as you make transactions or repay a credit card or other loan bills. Thus, you will be able to even measure the impact of your actions on your credit score and monitor your financial rating dynamically. 

A credit score is a key metric examined by institutions when they decide on your application for a financial product. Most UAE banks indeed provide loans only to customers with fair or good credit scores. Other than that, one can enjoy numerous benefits with a good credit score in terms of fees, interest rates, and more. Thus, it becomes necessary to view all the details relevant to credit score and an AECB credit report.

Range of Scores

A credit score, provided by the AECB (Al Etihad Credit Bureau), is a three-digit number of an individual that is checked by financial institutions when they receive that individual’s application for a specific service. 

Credit score ranges from 300 to 900. Lower scores indicate greater risk in terms of repayment of the dues, while higher scores indicate a lower risk for the same. While there are no specific distinctions in terms of ‘good’ or ‘bad’ credit score, one can always aim to have in the range of 680-700 or more.

Importance of Credit Score

The role of credit scores extends beyond simply impacting the decision concerning approval or rejection of your application. It plays a key role in determining the loan amount or the maximum credit card limit you can avail of as well as the applicable interest rates. 

Besides the institutions, even employers, landlords, and insurance providers often check credit scores before letting you rent their apartments, offering a job, or providing you with an insurance policy.
Al Etihad Credit Bureau Report: What Information is Included?
Information from various financial institutions, utility companies, government agencies, etc., is collected and analysed to present a score in the credit report of an individual.
A credit report from Al Etihad's credit bureau will contain the following information (besides the credit score):

• Record of credit facilities currently in use (as well as in the past)
• Payment history for the past 24 months
• Delinquent payments
• Information on any defaults and uncleared cheques

Credit Report Terms: What are they?

Credit Score: The credit score by AECB can be found in the right corner of the credit report. It is also represented in the form of stars corresponding to your score, with the maximum limit being five stars. Besides ID proof and contact information, this page also contains the employment history and the user's residence address.

Credit Facilities: This refers to a compendium of credit facilities of the past and present. It displays how many credit applications have been made, how many of them were accepted and rejected, and so forth.

Subject ID: A unique ID of nine digits given by the AECB

Credit Summary: Credit scores are rated on a 5-star scale, with five being the highest

Outstanding Balance: This refers to the total amount owed by you with respect to all your due loans up to this point

Details of Identification: It comprises all your identification details related to your passport, Emirates ID, and so on 

Contact and Address Info: This section states your present and former residential addresses, email addresses, and contact numbers

Employment: A description of the individual’s present organisation along with their designation and income is provided here

Instalments: This portion lists all your loans (like personal loans, home loans, auto loans, and more) and the details of the respective instalments

Revolving: Credit In revolving credit, also referred to as no-instalment, payments can be made at varying frequencies instead of strict monthly instalments. This section can include financial products like instalment credit and others.

Cards: All the key information related to debit cards, credit cards, and more are mentioned here

Application: All the pending or rejected credit cards or loans applied for by the individual are given here

What Information do Credit Bureaus not Consider?

The credit score is primarily a record of your relationship with finances: more specifically the way you are able to manage your debt. Of course, the credit bureau, in creating a record of your portfolio is bound to ask for certain personal as well as transactional details. Following is a list of factors not considered for the evaluation of the credit score.

• Savings and investments: Records of your investments are not directly relevant. However, in case of loans have been availed to finance your investments in say cars or homes, these would be included in the AECB credit report.
• Personal Information: Details such as marital status, criminal records in the past, or the level of education attained by the person are not considered in the credit score.
• Medical information: Credit bureaus are not permitted to disclose information pertaining to mental, physical or medical health. Although, medical payment data might be displayed on the credit report.

How can You Apply for a Credit Report?

Follow the simple steps listed below to obtain your credit report.
1. Visit one of the customer service centres of the AECB.
2. Give a copy of your Emirates ID card and passport to one of the customer service representatives present there.

In case of applications submitted on the behalf of third parties, the following documents are to be provided:

• Original Emirates ID card.
• A copy of the third party's Emirates ID card and passport
• A notarised Power of Authority or AECB authorisation form that includes verification of the signature of the third party by the bank

3. Once you provide all the required details and documents, complete the payment right and avail of your credit report right away.
The following is a breakdown of the maximum cost involved in obtaining your credit score or credit report:

 

Note: Individuals applying for insurance plans, credit cards, loans, etc., with Policybazaar UAE will be able to view their credit score for free!

What if the Credit Report has False Information?

While the probability of your credit report containing false information is quite low, you should immediately contact the relevant information provider if a credit report contains inaccurate information. You can also attach relevant documents backing your claim and mail them to disputes@aecb.gov.ae in case you are unable to find a solution with the information providers. 

The most vital aspect to consider here is that in order to register a dispute, you must be able to provide AECB with clear proof regarding the error in the report.

Documents Required to Dispute Credit Report

Keep the following documents ready if you plan to dispute your credit report owing to incorrect facts:

1. Documents supporting the claim with bank statements and payment receipts
2. Dispute application form
3. Identification documents like Emirates ID

Major Facts on Credit Report

New credit cards won’t impact credit score

The addition of a new credit card will not automatically lower your credit score, as credit scores are generally based on payment history. However, a new card can prove to be a burden and may cause delays in payments, which can ultimately lower your credit score. Nevertheless, there is no direct link between new credit cards (in a certain limit) and credit scores.

Low credit score can be expensive

If you apply for a personal loan with a low credit score, there are high chances that your loan application may be denied. However, you will be getting a poor deal even if you are granted a financial product with a poor credit score, as you'll be mostly charged high-interest rates. Having a higher credit score can save a lot of hassle and money in the long run.

Excess credit cards can lower the score

It is a popular misconception that having too many credit cards will boost the credit score. While the first point, i.e., new credit cards not impacting credit scores, holds true, going to the extreme and having too many credit cards can make each card less useful while also impacting your credit score. With such lowered credit scores, higher interests will be applied which may result in you spending more than your initial planning

Credit score impacts credit limit

Credit card limits (or even the loan amount limit) are impacted by your credit score to a great extent. As lower credit scores indicate a history of financial mismanagement, banks may follow a conservative path and lower the limits on any credit instrument provided to such individuals.

Credit scores aren't static

Credit scores can decrease or increase over time as per your actions. For instance, your score can improve if the payments are made on time or decrease if you continue delaying your bill repayments.

Credit Score for different types of Loan
Credit Score for Personal Loan	Credit Score for House Loan