For most people, one of the first steps of owning a home is to apply for a loan. To increase your chances of approval, the wise thing to do is to get a CTOS report and make yourself familiar with your credit score.
1. What is CTOS?
The CTOS Data Systems Sdn Bhd (CTOS) is one of Malaysia’s leading Credit Reporting Agency (CRA). It is a privately owned agency that archives an individual or a company’s entire credit history. Unlike the 12 months duration of a CCRIS report, the CTOS report longevity is indefinite. The report is used by banks and financial institutions in Malaysia to assess an individual or a company’s creditworthiness and repayment capabilities.
2. What is a credit score and how it affects a home loan application?
A credit score indicates a consumer’s credit risk. The score ranges from 300 to 850. The higher the score, the lower the credit risk. Having a good credit score can be very beneficial for you, as most banks and credit providers would view you as a prime customer. A good credit score can increase your chances of getting a loan, get you better interest rates and speedier loan approval, among other things.
Not just that, it is also important to remember that the negative items and negative financial history in your credit report will tremendously affect your credit score. Banks and financial institutions can be uncompromising if you have a habit of late or inconsistent repayments.
It gives the impression that you are not being responsible for your financial commitments. Being consistent in your monthly repayment keeps your credit score green. So, make sure to make all your payments before the deadlines.
3. What are the main credit reports in Malaysia and how do they differ?
In Malaysia, these financial institutions may use their internal methods of evaluating your credit score. However, to assist them in this evaluation, many will refer to two popular credit reports.
- Central Credit Reference Information System (CCRIS)
CCRIS is managed by the Credit Bureau of Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM). It gathers credit information from multiple financial service providers in Malaysia. These include banks, insurance brokers, and even private companies providing utility services such as the Malaysian telecommunication companies.
- CTOS
CTOS is a private agency that provides credit reporting. A CTOS score is calculated based on credit information from both CCRIS and CTOS’s database. It ranges from 300 to 850.
4. What are the benefits of knowing your credit score?
It is always good for you to know your credit score even though you are not buying properties. There are several benefits of knowing your score:
- Your credit score will give you a good idea of how lenders, banks and financial institutions view you. It indicates whether you are higher or lower risk borrower.
- Checking your credit score will alert you if lenders have listed a late payment on existing facilities in error, or if you forgot to make a payment. It will alert you to that and allow you to rectify it early.
- Regular score checks can also be a good fraud prevention tool as any unexpected changes in your credit score can be investigated to see if any unauthorised credit facilities have been applied for or taken out in your name.
5. How do I get my CTOS report?
There are three types of CTOS report for you to choose from – MyCTOS Basic Report, MyCTOS Score Report and CTOS SecureID. The basic report is free while MyCTOS Score Report and CTOS Secure ID are RM 25/ report and RM 99/ year (exclusive of Service Tax) respectively.
Also, here are the three methods to do CTOS self-check:
- Online registration at www.ctoscredit.com.my
- Download the CTOS Mobile App
- Walk into any of seven CTOS Service Centres nationwide – Kuala Lumpur (Bangsar South), Klang, Penang, Johor Bahru, Kuantan, Kuching and Kota Kinabalu
For the basic report, all you need to do is to sign up for CTOS ID account. It will provide an overview of your credit score.
6. What information is in a CTOS report?
A CTOS report will include the following, depending on which CTOS report you to sign up to.
- CTOS Score
A rating of creditworthiness and it is indefinite, unlike the 12 months duration of a CCRIS report
- Personal Information
Data from the National Registration Department (NRD).
- CCRIS
Data from Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM).
- Dishonoured Cheques
Data from Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM).
- PTPTN loan
It is included in CCRIS report from Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM).
- Directorship & Business Interest
Data from the Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM).
- Litigation and Bankruptcy
From the Malaysia Department of Insolvency (MDI), courts, government gazettes.
- Trade Referee Listings
From subscribers/creditors (example: utility companies, telco, Astro, etc.)