How to Check Your CRB Status in Kenya (Free & Paid Methods)
Step-by-step guide to checking your credit report from TransUnion, Metropol, and Creditinfo Kenya. Includes free annual report, USSD codes, and what your CRB score means for loan eligibility.
By PesaMarket Research Team · Last updated February 2026
You can check your CRB status for free once per year from each of Kenya's three credit bureaus: TransUnion (www.transunionkenya.co.ke), Metropol (www.metropolcorporation.com), or Creditinfo (www.creditinfo.co.ke). Metropol also offers instant checks via USSD by dialing *433#.
Kenya's Three Credit Reference Bureaus
Kenya has three CBK-licensed credit reference bureaus. All licensed lenders report to at least one of them. Your credit history may differ slightly between bureaus depending on which lenders report where.
| Bureau | Free Report | USSD Check | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| TransUnion | 1 per year | No | transunionkenya.co.ke |
| Metropol | 1 per year | *433# (KES 100) | metropolcorporation.com |
| Creditinfo | 1 per year | No | creditinfo.co.ke |
How to Get Your Free Annual CRB Report
By law, each bureau must provide one free credit report per year. Here's how:
1. Visit the bureau's website
2. Register with your National ID number
3. Verify your identity (SMS OTP)
4. Download your credit report PDF
The free report includes your credit score, all reported loans, payment history, and any defaults or negative listings.
Instant CRB Check via Metropol USSD (*433#)
Metropol offers the fastest CRB check in Kenya via USSD:
1. Dial *433# from any phone
2. Select 'Credit Score'
3. Enter your National ID number
4. Pay KES 100 via M-Pesa
5. Receive your score via SMS within minutes
This gives you a numerical score but not the full report. For details on individual loans and listings, use the free annual report.
Understanding Your CRB Score
CRB scores in Kenya range from 200 to 900. Here's what the ranges mean:
| Score Range | Rating | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| 750-900 | Excellent | Best loan terms and lowest rates |
| 650-749 | Good | Most loans approved at competitive rates |
| 550-649 | Fair | Approved with higher rates or conditions |
| 400-549 | Poor | Limited options, high rates or collateral required |
| 200-399 | Very Poor | Most applications rejected, negative listings likely |
How to Clear a Negative CRB Listing
If you have a negative listing:
1. Pay the outstanding debt in full
2. Get a clearance letter from the lender
3. The lender must notify the CRB to update your record
4. CRB updates within 30 days
5. Request an updated report to confirm
Negative listings remain on your record for 5 years from the date of default, even after payment. However, showing the debt as 'settled' significantly improves your score.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is checking your CRB score free in Kenya?
- Yes, once per year per bureau. You are entitled to one free credit report annually from each of Kenya's three CRBs (TransUnion, Metropol, Creditinfo). That's 3 free reports per year total.
- Does checking my CRB affect my credit score?
- No. Checking your own credit report is a 'soft inquiry' and does not affect your score. Only loan applications (hard inquiries from lenders) can temporarily lower your score.
- What is a good CRB score in Kenya?
- A score of 650 or above is considered good by most Kenyan banks. Scores above 750 qualify for the best rates. Scores below 400 will result in most loan applications being rejected.
- How long does a negative CRB listing last?
- Negative listings remain for 5 years from the date of default. Paying off the debt changes the status to 'settled' but doesn't remove the listing. After 5 years, it drops off automatically.
- Can I get a loan with a negative CRB listing?
- Some lenders like the Hustler Fund don't check CRB. Zenka and some microfinance institutions may approve small loans despite negative listings, but at higher interest rates. Most banks will reject applications with active negative listings.
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