Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I get my free credit report?

You can securely access your free credit report directly through our consumer portal at: https://d2c.equifax.co.in/gcs/login.jsp

2. How often can I get a free credit report?

As per RBI guidelines, every individual is eligible for one Free Full Credit Report (FFCR) once every calendar year (January 1st to December 31st).

3. Can I "freeze" my credit report to prevent lenders from viewing it?

Currently, the feature to place a freeze or lock on your credit report is not available under the Indian credit reporting framework.

4. Who can access an Equifax credit report?

Equifax Members/specified users, which include leading banks and financial Institutions, can access information from our credit bureau. Membership is granted as per the CIC Act. Only those members who have provided all their data to Equifax are permitted to access credit reports. Disclosure to any other person or entity is prohibited.

In the case of individuals, only the individual can access his own credit report and usually in the application form where he is applying for credit with a lender, he would have granted permission to the lender to pull out a credit report on him.

If you are a credit granting institution within the definition of the same in the CICRA and would like to be a member, please refer to the Contact Us section of this website and we will get back to you.

Individuals can also request access to their Credit Reports directly from Equifax. Please refer to the Forms Credit Report Request for the process of access.

1. Why is my Equifax score different from my score at other bureaus?

Each RBI-licensed credit bureau utilizes its own proprietary scoring algorithm with unique weightages applied to your credit behavior. Because the mathematical models differ, it is completely normal to observe a variance in your three-digit score across different bureaus, even though the underlying loan data is the same.

2. How frequently is my credit report updated?

Credit data is updated based on strict RBI mandates. Currently, lenders are required to submit consumer data to bureaus at least on a fortnightly basis (every 15 days). However, under new RBI directives effective July 1, 2026, all lenders will transition to a weekly reporting cycle, allowing your credit report to reflect recent payments and loan closures much faster. In instances where you have no active credit facilities, your report will not update as there is no new payment activity to record.

3. I just paid my EMI. Why hasn't it updated on my credit report yet?

Because lenders report data in batches (fortnightly or weekly), your most recent payment will not reflect in real-time. It will appear on your Equifax report after your lender submits their next scheduled data file to us.

4. What are BNPL loans, and do they impact my credit score?

Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) is a short-term financing facility often used for online purchases or consumer durables. Because these are typically funded by an underlying NBFC partner, BNPL purchases are classified as consumer loans and are actively reported to credit bureaus. Defaulting on a BNPL payment will negatively impact your credit score.

5. Why are old, closed loans still showing up on my report?

Your credit report is a comprehensive historical record, not just a snapshot of current debts. It encompasses all credit facilities utilized throughout your lifetime. A closed loan reflecting a zero balance and a clean repayment history is actually beneficial, as it proves to future lenders that you can successfully manage and settle debt.

1. How do I correct an error on my credit report?

If you spot an inaccuracy (such as an incorrect balance, wrong personal details, or an account that doesn't belong to you), you should immediately raise a dispute through the Dispute Resolution Form Once raised, we will tag the account as "Under Dispute" and verify the data with the respective lending institution. We can only alter the data once the financial institution explicitly authorizes the correction.

2. How long does it take to resolve a dispute?

Under RBI guidelines, credit bureaus and lending institutions must collaboratively resolve consumer disputes within 30 days of receipt. If the dispute exceeds this 30-day regulatory window, you may be entitled to compensation of ₹100 per day of delay, payable by the entity responsible for the delay, as per the RBI's compensation framework.

3. What happens if a lender rejects my application due to my credit report?

By law, if a financial institution denies you credit based on your credit profile, they must inform you within 30 days of making the decision and provide a copy of the specific credit report they relied upon. You can review this report for any inaccuracies and raise a dispute if necessary.

1. Will my score improve immediately after I pay off a defaulted account?

Not immediately. Your credit score is a reflection of your long-term financial behavior, calculated using factors like payment history length, frequency of delays, and the severity of defaults. While settling a defaulted account stops further damage and updates the account status to "Settled" or "Closed," the historical record of the default remains. Consistent, timely payments on your other active accounts will gradually rebuild your score over time.

2. What is the best way to maintain a good credit history?

The most effective strategy is a flawless repayment track record.

• Set up auto-debit instructions for all loans and credit cards.
• Ensure your contact details are updated with lenders so you never miss payment reminders.
• Keep your credit utilization low (don't max out your credit cards).
• Review your free Equifax report periodically to catch and correct unauthorized inquiries or reporting errors early.