A credit report is a summary of financial information about an individual or a company. It is used by banks, lenders, landlords, and other businesses to assess payment ability and creditworthiness.
What can a credit report include?
A credit report may contain information such as:
Personal details: name, address, civil status, registration details
Income: declared/taxable income
Loans and credits: current loans, credit cards, and credit lines
Payment defaults: missed payments that have resulted in records of default
Debts with enforcement authorities (e.g., Swedish Enforcement Authority)
Property ownership
History: previous credit reports requested on you
Credit reporting agencies in Sweden
In Sweden, UC (Upplysningscentralen) is the most well-known credit reporting agency. Other agencies include Creditsafe, Bisnode/Dun & Bradstreet, and Safenode.
When a bank or company requests a credit report on you, you will always receive a copy by mail or digitally, showing the information shared and who requested it.
Why is a credit report taken?
A credit report may be required when you:
Apply for a loan or credit card
Make purchases on installment or invoice
Sign a contract for utilities or subscriptions (e.g., mobile phone, electricity)
Apply for a rental agreement
The purpose is to reduce the risk of unpaid debts.
Does a credit report affect me?
No, the report itself does not affect your finances.
Yes, multiple reports in a short period may impact your creditworthiness, especially through UC, since lenders may interpret this as higher risk.
Some companies use “micro-checks” or “internal credit reports” that are not visible to other lenders.
Your rights
You are always informed when a credit report is taken on you.
You have the right to see what information is shared.
If any details are incorrect, you can request a correction directly from the credit reporting agency.