You can easily find yourself blacklisted in Kenya by the Credit Reference Bureau Kenya (CRB). With your name on their list, getting a loan from any financial institution is nearly impossible. In this article, we focus on how to get the CRB clearance certificate online and pay through M-Pesa.
Having a good credit report in the current era is highly significant and that’s where CRB comes in to make sure they create this record. In Kenya, there are three CRB agents mandated with the collection of data concerning loans given by lenders and coming up with reports.
The three agents include Trans Union, Creditinfo, and Metropol. The three agents are licensed to operate and are regulated by the Central Bank of Kenya and clearance certificate from any of the three you are good to go.
However, if you have been listed as a loan defaulter then getting the clearance certificate will be a little bit complicated since you have to first settle your arrears with the institutions that have forwarded your name to these agents.
After settling your debts, it usually takes two to three days for your new credit score to reflect on CRB systems. Please note the CRB clearance certificate is valid for the day of issuance. This is because of the day-to-day borrowing so you can’t use the same certificate for a longer period.
How to Get CRB Status for Trans Union
Before you apply for the certificate it’s better to check your listing status with your preferred CRB agent. For Transunion follow these steps,
- Send an SMS to 21272 starting with your full names
- Enter your ID number
- Select CC (Credit Status)
- You’ll get an SMS with your status, “negative” or “good” Check your status with Transunion they have one free time after that you will be charged 650. This amount will be expected to be paid via their paybill number 212121, account number enter your ID number.
CRB Status for Metropol
For Metropol, you have to use a USSD code to register with them first.
- Dial *433# using a Safaricom sim card
- Enter your national ID number
- Confirm the details to complete the transaction
- Send Ksh 50 to their paybill number 220338
- Enter your ID as the account number
- You’ll get an SMS with a unique pin, reference number, and special link for other services
- Dial the *433# again and enter the pin and wait for an SMS with full details about your status.
CRB Status for Creditinfo
Creditinfo has a simpler way of doing things all you need is an internet connection and follow the steps.
- Visit the Creditinfo website
- Sign up and request for credit report
- An email will be sent with the full report
- As a new member, you’ll receive a one-year free credit report and monitoring of financial services.
- After one year you’ll have to pay a fee of 350 per year.
How to get CRB Clearance Certificate via Metropol.
- On your browser visit the Metropol website
- Log in using the mobile number that you registered with
- Enter the pin you received on the SMS
- Once you log in choose the “Clearance Certificate” option
- Then go to your m-pesa menu
- Lipa na Mpesa
- Paybill
- Enter 220388
- Enter your ID number
- Pay 2,200 Sh
- Enter pin and complete the transaction.
- Go back to the website and follow the instruction on how to download the certificate.
Clearance certificate via Trans Union
Using Trans Union is somehow simpler compared to others.
- Using Mpesa pay 2200 Ksh via their Paybill, 212121.
- Enter your ID number as the account number
- Once the transaction is complete forward the M-Pesa payment message to cert@transunion.co.ke
- You’ll receive an email with how to get the certificate.