Credit Score & Reports

How to Check Your Credit Score Online (JCIC e-Report)

The most convenient way to check your credit score in Taiwan is through the JCIC’s online portal. The process requires a Taiwanese National ID (or Alien Resident Certificate for foreigners) and a mobile phone number registered in your name. Here is the step-by-step procedure:

1. Visit the JCIC website: Go to www.jcic.org.tw and click on the “個人信用報告” (Personal Credit Report) section.
2. Choose verification method: You can verify your identity using a digital certificate (自然人憑證) from the Ministry of the Interior, an online banking account at one of the partner banks (including Bank of Taiwan, CTBC Bank, Cathay United Bank, and others), or a one-time password (OTP) sent to your registered mobile phone.
3. Select report type: You can request a free annual report (one per calendar year) or pay NT$80 for an additional report. The report includes your credit score and full credit history.
4. Download the PDF: After verification, the system generates a PDF report. It is password-protected; the password is your National ID number (or ARC number) in uppercase, followed by your date of birth in YYYYMMDD format. For example, if your ID is A123456789 and your birth date is 1990-01-15, the password is A12345678919900115.
5. Review your score: The first page shows your credit score (信用評分) on a scale of 200 to 800. The report also lists your credit accounts, payment history, and any negative records.

If you do not have a digital certificate or online banking, you can use the OTP method. You will need your National ID and a mobile phone number that is registered under your name with a Taiwanese telecom provider (Chunghwa Telecom, Taiwan Mobile, FarEasTone, or T Star). The OTP is sent via SMS, and you enter it on the website to proceed.

Important Notes for Foreigners

Foreigners holding an Alien Resident Certificate (ARC) can also check their credit score online. The process is the same, but you must use your ARC number instead of a National ID. If you do not have a Taiwanese mobile phone registered in your name, you may need to visit a JCIC service center in person. For more details on borrowing as a foreigner, refer to our Credit Loan Requirements Taiwan article.

How to Check Your Credit Score In Person

If you prefer a physical visit or cannot complete the online verification, you can check your credit score at any JCIC service center. There are offices in Taipei, New Taipei, Taichung, Tainan, Kaohsiung, and other major cities. The Taipei main office is located at 100, Section 1, Chongqing South Road, Zhongzheng District, Taipei City (台北市中正區重慶南路一段100號).

To check in person, follow these steps:

1. Bring your identification: National ID card (or ARC for foreigners) and your National Health Insurance card (optional but helpful).
2. Fill out the application form: Available at the counter. You will need to provide your ID number, date of birth, and contact information.
3. Pay the fee: The first report each calendar year is free. Additional reports cost NT$80. Payment can be made in cash or by EasyCard (悠遊卡).
4. Receive the report: The staff will process your request and hand you a printed report. It usually takes 10-15 minutes.

Service center hours are generally Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, excluding public holidays. Some centers also offer Saturday morning hours by appointment. It is advisable to call ahead to confirm.

How to Check Your Credit Score by Mail

You can also request your credit report by mail. This method takes longer (7-14 business days) but is useful if you cannot visit in person or use the online system. To request by mail:

1. Download the application form from the JCIC website (under “下載專區”, Download Area).
2. Fill out the form with your personal details, including your ID number, date of birth, and daytime phone number.
3. Attach a copy of your ID (National ID or ARC). If you are a foreigner, include a copy of your ARC and passport.
4. Enclose a NT$80 postal money order payable to “財團法人金融聯合徵信中心” (Joint Credit Information Center). If it is your first request of the calendar year, you can mark “免費” (free) on the form and omit the payment.
5. Mail the envelope to: 100, Section 1, Chongqing South Road, Zhongzheng District, Taipei City (台北市中正區重慶南路一段100號). Mark the envelope with “申請個人信用報告” (Request for Personal Credit Report).

Once received, JCIC will process your request and mail the report to your registered address. Make sure your address is current; otherwise, the report may be delayed or returned.

How to Check Your Credit Score via Mobile App

As of 2025, the JCIC does not have its own mobile app, but you can access your credit report through the mobile web browser using the same online portal. Some banks in Taiwan, such as CTBC Bank and Cathay United Bank, offer a feature within their banking apps that allows you to view your JCIC credit score. If you have an online banking account with a partner bank, you can log in to the bank’s app and look for the “信用評分” (Credit Score) or “聯徵查詢” (JCIC Inquiry) option. The score displayed is the same as the one from the JCIC report. Note that some banks charge a small fee (usually NT$80) for this service, while others offer it free to premium customers.

Understanding Your Credit Score Report

Your JCIC credit report contains several sections. Here is what each part means:

Personal Information

This section lists your name, ID number, date of birth, address, and phone number. Check that all details are correct. Errors can cause problems when applying for credit. If you find a mistake, you can request a correction by contacting JCIC or the bank that reported the data.

Credit Score (信用評分)

The score is a three-digit number between 200 and 800. The JCIC calculates it based on your payment history, credit utilization, length of credit history, types of credit, and recent inquiries. The score is grouped into four risk levels:

• 200-599: High risk. You may have missed payments, high debt, or a short credit history. Most banks will reject loan applications or charge high interest rates.
• 600-699: Medium risk. You have some positive history but also some negative items. Approval is possible but with higher rates.
• 700-749: Low risk. You manage credit well. You are likely to receive favorable terms on loans and credit cards.
• 750-800: Excellent. You have a long, clean credit history. Lenders will compete for your business with the best rates.

Credit Accounts (信用資料)

This section lists all your credit accounts, including credit cards, mortgages, car loans, personal loans, and any other credit lines. For each account, the report shows the lender name, account type, date opened, credit limit or loan amount, outstanding balance, payment status (e.g., “正常” for normal, “逾期” for overdue), and payment history for the last 12 months. Check that all accounts listed are yours. If you see an account you do not recognize, it could be a sign of fraud.

Negative Records (負面記錄)

This includes any defaults, delinquencies, foreclosures, or bankruptcy filings. Negative records can stay on your report for up to three years after the debt is settled (or up to ten years for bankruptcy). Even after you pay off a default, the record remains for the full period. This is why it is important to avoid late payments and resolve disputes quickly.

Inquiries (查詢紀錄)

Every time a lender checks your credit report (for a loan or credit card application), it is recorded as a “hard inquiry.” Multiple hard inquiries in a short period can lower your score slightly. Your own inquiries (when you check your report) are “soft inquiries” and do not affect your score.

How to Improve Your Credit Score in Taiwan

If your credit score is lower than you would like, there are concrete steps you can take to raise it. Improvement takes time, usually 6 to 12 months of consistent positive behavior. Here are the most effective strategies:

• Pay all bills on time: Payment history is the most important factor. Set up automatic payments for your credit card and loan installments. Even one late payment can drop your score by 20-50 points.
• Reduce credit card utilization: Try to keep your credit card balances below 30% of your credit limit. For example, if your total credit limit is NT$200,000, keep your outstanding balance under NT$60,000. High utilization signals risk.
• Avoid applying for multiple credit products at once: Each application triggers a hard inquiry. If you are shopping for a loan, do it within a short window (e.g., two weeks) so that multiple inquiries are treated as a single event by the JCIC scoring model.
• Keep old credit accounts open: The length of your credit history matters. Closing old credit cards shortens your average account age and can lower your score. Even if you do not use a card, keep it active by making a small purchase every few months.
• Diversify your credit mix: A mix of revolving credit (credit cards) and installment loans (personal loans, car loans) can improve your score, as long as you manage them responsibly. For guidance on choosing the right loan, see our article on how to Compare Best Credit Loans Taiwan.
• Dispute errors: If you find incorrect information on your report, contact the JCIC or the bank that provided the data. Provide supporting documents (e.g., payment receipts) and request a correction. Errors can be fixed within 30 days.

For more detailed advice on managing debt and improving your financial standing, read our Credit Loan Repayment Tips.

Common Misconceptions About Credit Scores in Taiwan

There are several myths about credit scores that can cause confusion. Let us clarify them:

• Checking your own score lowers it. False. Personal inquiries (soft inquiries) do not affect your score. Only hard inquiries from lenders when you apply for credit can lower it slightly.
• You need a credit card to have a score. Not necessarily. Any credit product, such as a mobile phone contract, a student loan, or a utility account, can generate a credit history if the lender reports to JCIC. However, having a credit card helps build a score faster.
• Paying off a loan early always helps. It can help by reducing your debt, but if you close the account, your credit history length may shorten. If you pay off a loan early, consider keeping the account open (if there is no annual fee) to maintain your credit history.
• Your score is the same across all banks. Banks may use the JCIC score but also apply their own internal scoring models. However, the JCIC score is the standard benchmark used by most lenders in Taiwan.

What to Do If You Have No Credit Score

If you are new to Taiwan or have never used credit, you may have no credit score at all. This is common for students, fresh graduates, and foreigners who have recently arrived. Without a score, you may find it difficult to get a credit card or a loan. To build a score from scratch:

1. Apply for a secured credit card from a bank like CTBC or Cathay United. You deposit a sum (e.g., NT$30,000) as collateral, and the bank gives you a credit card with a limit equal to your deposit. Use the card for small purchases and pay the balance in full each month. After 6-12 months, the bank may convert it to an unsecured card.
2. Take out a small credit loan from a bank and repay it on time. For example, a NT$50,000 personal loan with a 12-month term can establish a positive payment history. See our guide on How to Apply for a Credit Loan for the application process.
3. Get a mobile phone contract in your name with a monthly payment plan. Telecom companies like Chunghwa Telecom report payment data to JCIC.

Building a credit score takes patience, but it is essential for accessing better financial products in the future.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to check my credit score?

The first report each calendar year is free. Additional reports cost NT$80 each. If you check through your bank’s app, the fee may vary (usually NT$80, sometimes free for premium customers).

Can I check my credit score if I am a foreigner?

Yes. Foreigners with an Alien Resident Certificate (ARC) can check their score online (using the OTP method or digital certificate) or in person at a JCIC service center. You will need your ARC number and a Taiwanese mobile phone registered in your name.

How long does it take for a credit score to update?

Banks report data to JCIC monthly. Your score can change within 30 days after a payment or a new account is opened. However, negative records like defaults may take longer to appear.

What is a good credit score in Taiwan?

A score above 700 is considered good. Scores above 750 are excellent and qualify you for the best interest rates on loans and credit cards.

Can I check my spouse’s credit score?

No. Credit reports are individual. You cannot check another person’s score without their explicit authorization and a power of attorney. Joint accounts appear on both individuals’ reports, but each person must request their own report.

Next Steps After Checking Your Score

Once you have your credit score, you can make informed decisions about borrowing. If your score is high, you can confidently apply for loans and negotiate for the best rates. If your score is low, focus on improving it before applying. When you are ready to borrow, compare offers from multiple lenders to find the most favorable terms. For example, if you need a car, read our Vehicle Loan Interest Rates guide to understand current market rates. If you are considering a motorcycle loan, see our Motorcycle Loan Taiwan article for specific advice. And for a broader perspective on financing options, including asset-backed lending, our Asset Financing Taiwan article explains how secured loans differ from unsecured ones.

Regularly checking your credit score is a simple habit that pays off in lower interest rates, faster loan approvals, and greater financial security. Make it a part of your annual financial routine.

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• Credit Loan Requirements Taiwan
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• Credit Loan Repayment Tips
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