Everything You Need to Know About CCRIS and CTOS in Malaysia

If you’ve ever applied for a credit card or a bank loan in Malaysia, chances are you’ve heard the terms CCRIS and CTOS thrown at you. 

You may be wondering, what on earth does this mean?! 😵‍💫  

We know how confusing financial jargon can be sometimes, but don’t worry, we’ve got your back! This guide will break down everything you need to know about CCRIS and CTOS in Malaysia. 

What is CCRIS?

First things first, what does CCRIS stand for? 

CCRIS is short for Central Credit Reference Information, and is managed by the Credit Bureau of Bank Negara Malaysia. It collects credit-related information and provides credit reports to banks and financial institutions in Malaysia.

In other words, it’s a tool that helps banks and financial institutions determine your creditworthiness and decide whether to approve your loan or credit card application. 

However, unlike CTOS, CCRIS doesn't assign you a specific score - instead, it provides a credit report that shows your credit accounts, repayment history, applications for credit, and outstanding debts.

So, why should you care about your CCRIS report? 

Well, if you ever want to apply for a credit card, buy a house, get a job, or even apply for a personal loan, your creditworthiness will single handedly affect your ability to do so. 

Creditworthiness refers to a borrower's ability to repay debts or credit obligations on time and in full. It's a measure of how likely a borrower is to meet their financial commitments, based on factors such as their credit history, income, employment status, and other financial obligations. 

A person who is considered creditworthy is more likely to be approved for loans, credit cards, and other financial products, and may also be offered more favourable terms and interest rates. 

On the other hand, someone with poor creditworthiness may have difficulty getting approved for credit, or may be charged higher interest rates and fees to compensate for the increased risk.

What is CTOS? 

CTOS might sound like the name of a robot from a sci-fi movie, but it's actually a private credit reporting agency permitted by Bank Negara Malaysia. Just like CCRIS, CTOS keeps track of your credit history.

So, what is a CTOS score? It's basically a number that summarises your creditworthiness based on your credit history (AKA your credit health report card). Think of it like a grade point average (GPA) for your credit.

The score will be given in the range of 300 to 850. The higher the score, the lower your credit risk value; which means it’s easier for your loan to be approved.

CTOS collects information from various sources, such as banks, financial institutions, and even legal firms, to create your credit report. 

This report includes things like your personal details, credit accounts, repayment history, and outstanding debts. It also includes bankruptcy status, legal action and case statuses, and business ownership. 

So what’s the difference between CCRIS and CTOS? 

While both CCRIS and CTOS provide credit reports and scores in Malaysia, they have some key differences:

• Created by different organisations: CCRIS is created by Bank Negara Malaysia’s (BNM) Credit Bureau, while CTOS is created by CTOS Data Systems Sdn Bhd, a private credit reporting agency.
  
  

• Information collected: CCRIS collects credit-related information from financial institutions such as banks, while CTOS collects credit-related information from a wider range of sources, including legal firms, government agencies, and telecommunications companies.
  
  

• How it’s compiled: CCRIS provides factual data which will then be used by financial institutions, while CTOS provides a score that summarises your creditworthiness. 

How do I check my CCRIS score? 

You can request for your CCRIS report in 3 ways: 

1. Online — View your report online through the eCCRIS website. The service is free, but you must first register in person at any BNM Malaysia branch.
   
   

2. In person — You can request for a copy of you CCRIS report at the BNM Head Office and BNM Regional Offices or through a kiosk at participating BNM branches.
   
   

3. By correspondence — Mail, e-mail, or fax your request for a report to BNM TELELINK, Bank Negara Malaysia.

How do I check my CTOS score? 

Head over to the CTOS website and pick your package (MyCTOS Basic Report, MyCTOS Score Report, and CTOS SecureID). 

Verified users get two free MyCTOS Basic Reports per year, in January and July. 

For a fee, you can get a more detailed and comprehensive report, and for a limited time you can get RM5 OFF using the code 5BIGPAY*!

Click here to get your CTOS report.

*Terms and conditions apply.

How do I improve my CCRIS and CTOS score? 

Improving your CCRIS and CTOS score may take time, but it's definitely achievable with some effort and good financial habits. 

Here are some tips that can help improve your credit scores:

Pay your loans on time 

Late payments can have a negative impact on your credit score. Be sure to pay your loans and credit card balances on or before the due date. Set reminders or automate payments to avoid missing any deadlines.

Reduce your credit card balances 

High credit card balances can negatively affect your credit score. Try to pay off as much of your credit card balance as possible each month, and avoid using your credit card for unnecessary purchases.

Limit your loan applications

Every time you apply for a loan or credit card, it creates an inquiry on your credit report which may negatively impact your score. Limit the number of loan applications you make and choose the best option for your needs.

Close unused credit accounts 

Having too many credit accounts open may make you appear as a risky borrower, even if you're not using all of them. Close any credit accounts that you're not using.

Check your credit report regularly

Errors and inaccuracies in your credit report may affect your credit score. Regularly check your credit report with both CCRIS and CTOS to make sure all the information is correct.

The Bottom Line 

Your CCRIS and CTOS scores are important aspects of your financial health that can greatly impact your ability to get loans, credit cards, and other financial products. 

While it may seem daunting, with the right mindset and financial habits, you can achieve a good credit score.

So, take control of your finances today and start building a brighter financial future!