When you apply for a loan, the bank looks first not at your salary but at your credit history. It decides whether to approve you and at what rate. Here is what the history contains, how to check it and what to do if it is damaged.
What a credit history is
A credit history is a record of all your debt obligations: loans, microloans, pawnshop loans and guarantees. It shows:
- which loans you had and have now, amounts and terms;
- whether you paid on time, and how long any delays lasted;
- who requested your history and when (every loan application leaves a trace);
- whether debts were fully closed.
Anyone who has borrowed through a bank or microfinance organisation has a credit history. If you have never borrowed, there is no history — which can also make a first loan harder to get.
Who keeps it: KATM
In Uzbekistan credit histories are collected by the credit bureau Credit Information Analytical Center (KATM, "Kredit-axborot tahliliy markazi"). Banks, microfinance organisations and pawnshops send it data on loans and payments and request a report before lending.
From 1 January 2027, installment (nasiya) data, except small purchases, must also be reported to the credit bureau.
What a credit score is
A score is a number calculated from your history. The higher it is, the lower the risk for the bank and the better your chances of approval and a lower rate. KATM provides a report with a score, and every bank also has its own scoring model — which is why one bank may approve you and another may not.
How to check your credit history
Channels and prices change, so check current terms on the service’s site first.
| Channel | How | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| KATM portal (infokredit.uz) | Log in, request a report | Once a year free, then paid |
| KATM mobile app | Report and extra services | KATM tariffs |
| my.gov.uz | "Credit history" service, OneID login | Small fee per portal tariff |
Check at least once a year and always before applying for a large loan or mortgage.
If you see a loan you did not take
- Contact the lender immediately and state in writing that you did not take it.
- Report it to law enforcement.
- Protect yourself from repeats (below).
How to protect yourself from fraudulent loans
- Credit ban. Through my.gov.uz you can set a ban on loans in your name; banks will not lend while it is active, and you can lift it when needed.
- Freeze. Blocks lenders’ access to your credit history, so they cannot assess an application.
- New-loan alerts. Since 2026 the KATM app offers a paid service that notifies you instantly when a new loan contract is registered in your name.
What damages a credit history
- Late payments — even 5–10 days are recorded; months-long arrears are the worst.
- Many applications in a short time — it looks as if you urgently need money and are being refused.
- Many small loans in a row — signals a constant cash shortage.
- High debt burden — near 50% of income, banks must refuse under Central Bank rules.
- Guarantees — if the person you guaranteed stops paying, it can affect you.
- Forgotten small balances — an unclosed credit card still counts as debt.
How to repair it
There is no quick fix — only new good data "overwrites" the old. Services promising to "clean" your history for money are scams.
A 6–12 month plan
- Clear current arrears, starting with those accruing penalties. If you cannot pay, ask the lender for restructuring before the case goes to court.
- Stop applying for new credit for a few months.
- Pay everything on time — set autopay for the day after payday.
- Lower your debt burden by prepaying the most expensive debts.
- Check the report again in six months to make sure closed debts show as closed.
If there is an error
For example, a loan is repaid but the report shows arrears. Write to the lender that sent the wrong data and attach proof of repayment. If it is not corrected, contact KATM and the Central Bank through its appeals system.
Getting a first loan with no history
Start with a small, interest-free installment for something you really need and pay strictly on time; receive your salary into a bank account; avoid applying to several banks at once; and save a larger down payment for big loans.
Next step
Add all your debts to the ONPUL Debts tool and set payment dates, so you never miss a payment and your credit history keeps improving.