By The Ledger desk · Last verified 28 September 2026
Credit Bureau Singapore (CBS) gives you a score between 1000 and 2000 and a risk grade from AA, the best, to HH, the worst. The score estimates how likely you are to default within the next 12 months, based on your repayment record, how much credit you have and how often you apply for more. You can buy your report online for a few dollars, or get it free within 30 days of applying for credit with a member bank.
Quick facts
- Scores run from 1000 to 2000; higher is better.
- Grades run from AA (1911–2000) to HH (1000–1723).
- The score reflects the chance of default in the next 12 months.
- Late payments, defaults and frequent applications pull it down.
- Your report is free within 30 days of a credit application.
- Banks also use their own internal scoring.
What do the grades mean?
| Grade | Score | Risk | Probability of default |
|---|---|---|---|
| AA | 1911–2000 | Low | 0.27% or less |
| BB | 1844–1910 | Low | 0.27–0.67% |
| CC | 1825–1843 | Low | 0.67–0.88% |
| DD | 1813–1824 | Medium | 0.88–1.03% |
| EE | 1782–1812 | Medium | 1.03–1.58% |
| FF | 1755–1781 | Medium | 1.58–2.28% |
| GG | 1724–1754 | High | 2.28–3.48% |
| HH | 1000–1723 | High | 3.48% or more |
Some people get a non-scored grade instead. For example, HX indicates public records such as litigation or bankruptcy.
What moves the score?
- Repayment record: late or missed payments count against you, and defaults most of all.
- Applications: many credit enquiries in a short time lower the score.
- How much credit you hold: too many open facilities can weigh on it.
- History: not having enough clean history can also count against you.
How do I check mine?
Buy your report online from Credit Bureau Singapore for a small fee; one guide puts it at S$8, including GST. If you’ve recently applied for credit with a CBS member, you’ll get a letter about the outcome, and with it you can get a free report within 30 calendar days.
Why does it matter?
Lenders check it before approving cards and loans. In Singapore, a weak record more often means a smaller loan or a rejection than a higher interest rate. Some employers, especially in finance, may also ask to see your credit report.
The WahLiao Verdict
Pay every bill on time, don’t apply for five cards in a month for the sign-up gifts, and check your report once a year for errors. The best time to look is before you apply for a home loan, not after it’s declined.
Questions people ask
What’s a good score?
AA, 1911 to 2000, is the top grade. BB and above is generally considered good.
Why is my bank’s view different from my CBS score?
Banks have their own internal models, which can weigh factors such as income, and may be working from slightly older data.
Does checking my own report hurt my score?
No. It’s credit applications that count as enquiries.
What if my report has an error?
Raise it with CBS and the lender concerned.
Sources: SBO on CBS scores and grades; SingSaver on credit score ranges; Dollars and Sense, understanding your credit report; Funding Societies on how grades affect borrowing; Redbrick on what affects your score. The Ledger explains; it does not advise.
Read next: Deposit Insurance in Singapore · The Shared Responsibility Framework · Back to The Ledger
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