How to Remove an Enquiry from Your CIBIL Credit Report

A credit enquiry on your CIBIL report can impact your score, especially if it's a hard enquiry made without your consent. Whether it's a case of identity theft or a data error, unauthorised enquiries can hurt your creditworthiness. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to identify and remove such enquiries from your CIBIL report, helping you safeguard your financial profile and maintain a healthy credit score. Read on!

Steps to Remove an Incorrect Enquiry from Your CIBIL Report
 

Here’s a breakdown of each step:

1. Understanding Which Enquiries Can Be Removed

You need to understand what kind of enquiry is eligible for removal before starting the process. Typically, you receive two types of enquiries:

●    Hard Enquiry: This takes place when you formally apply for a credit product, such as a Personal Loan or a credit card, where you give the lender your consent to check your credit history. These enquiries are visible to other lenders and can temporarily lower your CIBIL score.

●    Soft Enquiry: This shows up when you check your own credit report or the financial institution conducts a background check for a pre-approved offer. Soft enquiries do not influence your CIBIL score.

When Can You Remove an Enquiry From Your CIBIL Report?

You can only remove an enquiry from your report in two cases: when it’s an unauthorised enquiry (someone has accessed your credit history without your knowing or consent) and when the credit bureau or banks have made an error or a mismatch. 

Also Read: How to Check & Download CIBIL Credit Report Online

2. Review Your Credit Report for Errors

Now that you know what enquiries can be disputed, you need to conduct an exhaustive review of your credit report for any inaccuracies. This is particularly important if fraudulent activity has been undertaken, since there could be more than one error. 

You are entitled to one free full credit report every calendar year from each of the four credit bureaus in India, including CIBIL, or you can download your CIBIL report for free with Poonawalla Fincorp. After you have downloaded the report, go to ‘Enquiry Information.’ Look at each entry individually, checking the name of the lender and the date of the enquiry.

3. Raise an Online Dispute with CIBIL

Once you spot an unauthorised enquiry, a dispute must be filed with CIBIL. This is facilitated online for the sake of convenience and to track the dispute that has been raised. Before you begin, ensure your credit report is not more than 60 days old. 
Follow these steps:

1.    Log in to the CIBIL website and view your report. 
2.    Go to “Raise a Dispute” and select “Enquiry Information” and the relevant queries.
3.    Click on “Raise a Dispute”. 

You can also directly contact CIBIL at +912261404300 (Mon - Sat: 10:00 a.m. to 06:00 p.m.) or via email at CIBILinfo@transunion.com. Keep your credit report ready; you will need the nine-digit ECN (Enquiry Control Number) for reference.

Also Read: Good CIBIL Score Range, Meaning, Steps, and Its Impact

4. Tracking the Dispute and Verifying the Correction

After you submit the dispute, the tracking phase begins. Here is a clear breakdown of what happens next:

●    Lender Verification: CIBIL forwards your dispute to the concerned lender, who then checks their records to verify the changes.
●    Resolution Timeline: The entire process to investigate and resolve the dispute is typically completed within a maximum of 30 days as per RBI’s guidelines.
●    Tracking Your Request: You will receive a dispute ID from CIBIL. Use this ID on their official portal to monitor the status of your case online.
●    Outcome: CIBIL will inform you of the final decision via email once the investigation is complete. If the lender confirms it was an error, the enquiry will be removed.

Also Read: Does checking your CIBIL score frequently lower it?

To Conclude

Your credit report is what lenders primarily refer to when assessing your credit applications, and undue enquiries on the report stay on for years, impacting your creditworthiness. Use the steps mentioned above in the guide to dispute any unauthorised enquiries and keep your financial records error-free.
If you’re looking for transparent financing options, Poonawalla Fincorp offers a Personal Loan with minimal documentation and at competitive interest rates. 

FAQs

How many points does my CIBIL score decrease after an inquiry?
In most cases, one hard inquiry lowers the CIBIL score by a few points, typically ranging between 3 and 5 points. The effect on the score is minor and temporary; however, several hard inquiries in a short period can have a more noticeable adverse impact on your score.

How long does a hard inquiry reflect upon your CIBIL report?
Hard enquiries stay on your credit report for a period of 24 months from the date when the enquiry was made. Although it remains in effect for two years, the impact of the enquiry generally fades away within the first year.

Can a rejected loan application be erased from CIBIL?
No, a rejected loan application cannot be erased from your CIBIL report. It only mentions the hard enquiry you authorised the lender to make and not the outcome of the application. The enquiry is regarded as legitimate and stays on the report.

What is the distinction between a hard and soft inquiry in CIBIL?
A hard inquiry occurs when a lender checks your credit report after you have applied for credit; it may have a slight impact on your credit score. A soft inquiry occurs when you check your own score or a lender pre-approves the check; it will not affect your CIBIL score.