What is BI Checking and How to Check It?

Did you know that all the loans you've applied for are recorded in a system? This system is called BI Checking, more commonly known as the Financial Information Service System (SLIK). BI Checking plays a crucial role when applying for loans from banks and pawnshops in Indonesia. Why is that? Let’s find out more:

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What is BI Checking?

BI Checking is a system that records all credit transactions made by everyone in Indonesia. The data stored in this system includes the customer’s identity, the collateral provided, and their payment history or credit collectibility.

Not just customers can access this system; banks and other financial institutions can also check the BI Checking of potential borrowers to determine the loan limit and assess their ability to repay the credit. If your credit history is smooth, it’ll be easier for you to get new credit.

For example, if you frequently use a credit card for shopping and always pay your bills on time, you will have a good credit history, and chances are you can access other credit programs. On the other hand, if you’re consistently late in paying your credit card or Paylater bills, your credit collectibility might not be so good.

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Credit Score Criteria in BI Checking

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Whether you pay your credit on time is reflected in your credit score. This score is divided into 5 categories:

• Score 1: Smooth Credit. This means you always pay off your credit installments on time.
• Score 2: Credit under Special Attention (DPK). This means you’ve been late on payments a few times within 1-90 days.
• Score 3: Unsmooth Credit. This means you’ve been late on payments for 91-121 days.
• Score 4: Doubtful Credit. This means you’ve been late on payments for 121-180 days.‍
• Score 5: Bad Credit. This means you’ve been late on payments for more than 180 days.

The higher your credit score (3-5), the harder it will be for you to get a new loan. The bank will consider you a higher risk for lending money.

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How to Check Your BI Checking

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So, how do you check your BI Checking credit score? There are two ways:

1. You can visit the nearest OJK office in person with the required documents from Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
2. You can check your BI Checking online from home by visiting idebku.ojk.go.id.

Here’s how to check your BI Checking online:

• Prepare the required documents. If you’re checking it yourself, you only need your e-KTP. But if someone else checks on your behalf, you’ll also need a power of attorney letter.
• Visit idebku.ojk.go.id.
• Click on the "Registration" menu.
• Enter your personal data and captcha code correctly.
• Click "Next."
• If the service quota is still available for that session, you’ll be asked to fill in your personal data again. If the service quota is full, you’ll receive a notification for the next available service schedule.
• After filling in your data correctly, you’ll be asked to upload the required documents and a selfie according to the instructions.
• Check the box confirming the accuracy of your data.
• After that, you’ll receive an email from OJK with your registration number.
• Your registration is complete. You’ll receive an email from OJK with your BI Checking results the next day (around 1 day).
• You can also check your registration status by visiting idebku.ojk.go.id and selecting the "Service Status" menu.

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Tips to Keep Your Credit Score in Good Shape

1. Pay Your Credit Bills on Time

The best way to maintain a good credit score is by paying your credit installments on time, whether it’s Paylater, credit cards, or bank loans. To ensure your credit status remains smooth, set aside money to pay off your credit or debt as soon as you receive your salary or income. For instance, if your monthly salary is Rp3,000,000, set aside at least Rp900,000 to pay off your debt installments.

If you’re an Honest credit card user and pay your bills on time, you can also save money. Honest credit cards offer 0% interest & fees if your bill is paid in full and on time.

2. Avoid Reckless Use of Credit

Another way to keep your credit score safe is by being mindful of how you use your credit card or Paylater. Ideally, credit cards should be used as a tool to manage cash flow. Besides emergencies, you can use your credit card for daily expenses, as long as they’ve been budgeted beforehand. For example, paying for an online motorcycle taxi from the station to the office. First, estimate the ride's cost, and try not to overspend.

3. Control Your Credit Spending

If you use a credit card or Paylater as one of your payment methods, it’s best to keep a record of your credit spending. This will help prevent overspending, which could lead to a huge credit bill.

To make things easier, you can use the Honest App. With its card and app combo, you can easily track your credit spending and stop it when you’ve reached your limit.

Want to get credit or a bank loan easily? Make sure your BI Checking is in good shape!

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