How to check your credit score in Dubai?
Dubai is the financial hub of the Middle east. Thousands of immigrants come to Dubai in search of better jobs and lifestyles. When you are in the city, it is important that you mind your spending while enjoying your life. All credit payments you make can affect your creditworthiness. A credit score is an important number that reflects your creditworthiness. In UAE, if you want a loan or credit card, it is essential to have a desirable credit score. Let’s read on and understand how to check your credit score in Dubai and how it gets a better score.
What is a credit score?
The creditworthiness score of a consumer, which is indicated by numbers, is called a credit score. The better a borrower seems to potential lenders, the higher the score. A credit score is based on a person’s credit history, including the number of open accounts, the total amount of debt, history of repayment, and other elements. Technically, your credit score reflects your likelihood of making future debt payments on time. For instance, if you want to get a house on the mortgage, your score must be at a desirable level.
Where to check your credit score in UAE?
In UAE, Al Etihad Credit Bureau (AECB) is the dedicated credit reporting institution that collects data from individuals, banks, and other financial institutions. The credit score provided by AECB is a 3-digit score between 300 and 900—an international standard for credit scoring.
AECB is a public joint stock company that the Federal Government of the UAE owns and runs. It is responsible for gathering financial and credit data from all UAE-based organizations and using it to create AECB reports and scores. The AECB charges a nominal fee for the report.
How to check your credit score in UAE?
Credit reports are available both online and offline. You can download the app or go to the official AECB website for online reports. The process is easy. Login to the AECB portal, register, and provide necessary information such as Emirates ID and Passport number. You can choose to obtain the report with a credit score or without the score. The prices for both may vary. Once you make the payment, you receive your credit report at your registered email address within a few minutes.
For offline reports, you can visit the customer service center at AECB and apply for the Credit Report. The supporting documents to obtain the report are:
- Applicant’s original Emirates ID card.
- Applicant’s Passport copy.
- Duly filled consent form.
- If you need authorization, you must bring a copy of your Emirates ID and passport, original notarized POA and customer signature from the bank, report consent form, etc.
How much is the cost to check your credit score?
According to the AECB website, for credit reports with scores, the bureau charges:
- For individual customers AED 84, including VAT.
- For companies AED 157.50, including VAT.
Corrections in Credit Report
For any disputes related to credit reports, companies and consumers can present their complaints in any of the AECB customer service locations. However, they need to prove that the report is incorrect with supporting documents. You can visit the correction page on Al Etihad Credit Bureau website for more information.
How is the credit score generated?
Statistical models use information from your credit profile to calculate your credit score. Your financial transaction history, such as phone bill payments, card payments, and previous loan payments, are all included in this information.
Al Etihad Credit Bureau (AECB) in the UAE collects and examines this information to create credit reports and credit ratings made available for people and businesses to purchase. Banks and other financial institutions utilize it to help them make decisions about issuing credit products such as credit cards, mortgages, and loans for people or cars.
Different Ways to Keep Your Credit Score Strong
The credit score depends on a number of factors. Read on to find out how you can earn a good credit score in Dubai. High credit ratings are possible for those who manage their credit cards effectively. You can increase your score by paying attention to multiple factors, such as refraining from applying for excessive loans, paying your bills on time, and lowering your outstanding amounts.
Pay bills on time: To noticeably improve your credit score, you must make sure you make on-time payments for six consecutive months.
Increase your credit line: Use your credit cards responsibly. Try not to reach their limits. If you do, call and ask for a credit boost if you have credit card accounts. You should be given a higher credit limit if your account is in good standing. To keep your credit utilization rate low, it’s crucial to refrain from using this amount.
Don’t close a credit card account: It is preferable to quit using a certain credit card rather than closing the account if you aren’t using it. Closing an account may lower your credit score depending on the age and credit limit of the card.
Work with a credit repair company: For a monthly fee, a credit repair agency can help you deal with your creditors and the credit reporting agencies on your behalf.
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Conclusion
The credit score is one statistic that significantly impacts your financial future. You can get lower interest rates with a good credit score, which will cut the cost of any type of credit you apply for. For instance, if you’re looking for a loan in Dubai, having a good credit score speed up the approval process for your loan.
Checking your credit score is relatively easy. The AECB has put in an excellent process to get detailed credit reports for individuals and businesses in UAE. The correction and dispute redressal process is also simple.