The Credit Reference Bureau (CRB) is a corporation that gathers data on loans made by lending institutions like banks or loan apps. The credit bureau then creates credit reports for the borrower’s current and previous debts. Based on the information obtained on credit reports, the Credit Reference Bureau can establish each borrower’s repayment history. Lenders will get your credit report and utilize repayment information to decide whether or not to give you a loan. This article dives deeper into how you can check your CRB status online using your phone.
Kenya has three CRBs, all of which are licensed and regulated by the Central Bank of Kenya. There are;
- Transunion Kenya CRB
- CreditInfo CRB
- Metropol CRB
How to check CRB status online in Kenya
Transunion Kenya CRB
- SMS your full names to 21272
- Next, enter your ID number
- Choose the CC option (Credit Information)
- Wait for the confirmation SMS
If your status comes back as “GOOD” it means your credit score is good and you’re not on the blacklist. If your status comes back as “Default” it means you cant be granted loans and you’re a defaulter
CreditInfo CRB
This firm is owned by Creditinfo International, a division of the Creditinfo Group. Creditinfo Group operates credit bureaus in Europe, Central Asia, the Caribbean, the Middle East, and Sub-Saharan Africa.
Credit Info only provides information based on the emails they receive.
- To obtain your clearance certificate, complete the credit request form.
- To avoid having to fill out a Credit Report Dispute Form. Make sure your credit report contains the correct information.
Metropol CRB
Metropol CRB is a licensed and reputable credit referencing company in Kenya. Metropol also provides credit management, credit rating, and consultations in addition to credit referencing.
You can access Metropol CRB services by dialing *433# or by downloading the app.
To Register with Metropol and check your CRB status;
- Go to the M-Pesa menu on your sim tool kit or app
- Proceed to Lipa na M-Pesa
- Enter pay bill number 220388
- Pay Ksh 50 as the amount
- The account number is your ID
- A confirmation message containing a unique code, a Reference Number, and a specific URL will be sent to you.
- After you complete the registration dial *433#
- Enter your ID Number
- Lastly, you will receive an SMS confirmation with your CRB status
Another way to check Metropol CRB status is to go to the Metropol Website. This is only possible after completing the registration payments described above. Or use the Metropol Crystobol app on your phone.
Metropol assigns a credit score ranging from 200 to 900. If your credit score is less than 400, you are a defaulter and cannot obtain loans from lenders. Scores above 400 indicate that you are a responsible borrower, and lenders will lend you money with caution. Good scores near 900 indicate that you are correct, and repaying loans and lenders can quickly provide you with cash.
After clearing your loans, you must pay Ksh.2200 to obtain a clearance certificate and Ksh.50 to check who Metropol forwarded you to the CRB.
How do you check if you are in CRB for free?
Transunion provides a free credit report once a year. You can, however, access multiple reports after paying Ksh.650 to PayBill 212121 and entering your phone ID number as the account number.
To obtain a clearance certificate from Transunion, pay a fee of Ksh. 2,200 to PayBill number 212121 and enter your ID number as the Account Number. To claim your certificate, send your Mpesa message to cert@transunion.co.ke after you have paid.
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