What is an Enquiry Control Number (ECN) in a CIBIL Report?

An Enquiry Control Number (ECN), also commonly known as control number, is a unique nine-digit number assigned to an individual’s credit report that is saved in CIBIL’s database. You can acquire the control number by requesting the lender for your CIBIL report, where the number is listed at the top right corner. Note that the control number is generated every time a credit report is pulled out. Thus, TransUnion CIBIL requires the ECN to get the exact details a lender views or refers to, when the credit report is accessed.

The below-mentioned points highlight the importance of an ECN:

• ECN helps banks and financial institutions acquire a borrower's credit information from CIBIL
  

• The control number helps keep the CIBIL reports organised and easy to track

As per the Credit Information Companies (Regulation) Act, 2005, you have the right to acquire your control number from TransUnion CIBIL. You can do the same by -

• Requesting the lender for the control number
  

• Logging in to CIBIL’s official website and generate your CIBIL report
  

• Contacting the CIBIL helpline by dialling +91 2261404300

Here are some reasons why the ECN is important and beneficial:

Easy credit checks

The ECN simplifies the process of credit checks. Using this number, loan providers and credit card issuers can quickly access your credit report. This helps speed up the processing of your loan and credit card applications.

Accurate credit evaluation

With ECN, accurate credit information of the correct individual is provided to the lender. This reduces the chances of discrepancies and errors in your credit assessment.

Identification

The ECN helps in the authentication of your identity. This ensures that fraudsters and scammers do not misuse your credit information.