Short guides: what to check before a loan, how CBU rules work, and how not to fall for scammers.
How to check your credit history
Your credit history is a file on all your loans and instalment plans. Banks use it to decide whether to lend to you. Check it at least once a year, and always before a large loan.
Read 3 minutesHow much credit you can take: the 50% burden and the 8× / 5× limit
The Central Bank limits what share of income can go to banks and how much you can owe in total. Banks must check this, so it's useful to know your limit in advance.
Read 3 minutesHow to check an MFI or pawnshop before borrowing
Only banks, microfinance organisations and pawnshops licensed by the Central Bank may lend. The check takes a minute and protects you from fly-by-night "lenders".
Read 3 minutesHow not to become a money mule
A money mule is someone whose card scammers use to move stolen money. Often they don't even realise they're part of a crime. But the card owner is the one held responsible.
Read 3 minutes0% instalments: where the overpayment hides
"0% overpayment" in instalment ads doesn't always mean you pay the product's price. The overpayment can be hidden in the price, and you can find it in a minute.
Read 3 minutesThe rate isn't the price of the loan yet
Two loans with the same rate can cost different amounts. Compare not the rate, but how much you'll repay to the bank in total.
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