Luottotietohistoria

Luottotietohistoria, often translated as credit history or credit report, is a record of an individual's past borrowing and repayment behavior. This history is compiled by credit bureaus, which are companies that collect and maintain detailed information on consumers' creditworthiness. In Finland, the primary credit bureaus are Suomen Asiakastieto Oy and Bisnode Oy.

The information contained in a luottotietohistoria typically includes personal identification details, such as name and social security number, as well as a comprehensive list of all credit accounts. This encompasses loans, credit cards, mortgages, and other forms of credit that an individual has held. For each account, the report details the original loan amount, the current balance, payment history (including any late payments or defaults), and the date the account was opened and closed.

Furthermore, a luottotietohistoria may also contain information about public records, such as bankruptcies, court judgments related to debt, and tax arrears. It's important to note that positive payment behavior, meaning timely and full repayment of debts, is also a significant part of one's credit history.

Lenders, such as banks and other financial institutions, use this history to assess the risk associated with lending money to an individual. A strong luottotietohistoria, characterized by responsible credit management, generally leads to easier access to credit and potentially better interest rates. Conversely, a poor credit history can make it difficult to obtain loans or may result in higher borrowing costs. Individuals have the right to access their own luottotietohistoria and can request corrections if they find inaccuracies.