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If you're moving to Switzerland from the US or another country, you're probably used to a system based on a single credit score. In Switzerland, things work differently and that can be confusing at first.
Rather than relying on a single credit score, Swiss banks and lenders assess creditworthiness using multiple data sources. ZEK (Central Office for Credit Information), IKO (Consumer Credit Information Office), debt registers, and private credit agencies evaluate how reliable someone is as a payer.
For expats, this means: your foreign credit score won’t help. You’ll need to build up your creditworthiness from scratch in Switzerland. This article explains how the Swiss credit system works, which institutions are important, and how to build a strong credit profile.
Table of Contents
How does the Swiss credit system work?
Switzerland doesn’t use a unified score but relies on codes and records. The ZEK stores all credit data – from credit cards and leasing contracts to rejected applications. IKO, on the other hand, focuses specifically on consumer loans and leasing, aiming to prevent over-indebtedness.
A clean record (e.g. code 00) means there are no negative entries and credit is generally possible. Worse codes indicate arrears or defaults. Your creditworthiness is based on the overall picture. Timely payments improve your profile, while unpaid debts damage it.
Who collects your credit data?
Several organisations in Switzerland collect credit and debt information. The key ones are:
ZEK (Central Office for Credit Information): ZEK maintains a central database of credit information, logging all credit applications and contracts reported by its members. Banks report both positive data and any payment issues. The ZEK database isn’t public – it exists mainly to protect lenders from over-indebting their customers.
IKO (Consumer Credit Information Office): IKO collects data on consumer loans and leasing for personal use. All Swiss lenders (including credit card providers) must report to IKO and check its data before granting a loan. IKO helps prevent over-indebtedness by monitoring, for instance, how many active loans a person has.
Private credit agencies: Companies like CRIF, Intrum Justitia, Dun & Bradstreet and Creditreform collect credit data on individuals for a range of purposes. In addition to credit history, this often includes collection cases, bankruptcies and even positive behaviours like on-time payments. These agencies often assign their own credit scores (e.g. numerical scores from CRIF), which companies like online retailers and telecom providers use to assess your likelihood of paying.
Debt collection offices (Betreibungsämter): A unique Swiss element is the debt register (Betreibungsregister). Every canton or district keeps a record of official debt enforcement actions. If you fail to pay a bill and a creditor initiates proceedings, it will be recorded. Landlords almost always request an extract from this register when you apply for a flat – it’s essentially your “credit passport” as a tenant. A clean extract builds trust. Banks and companies also use these records: a clean history means you’ve settled your debts. Multiple entries, however, hurt your credit profile.
When is your creditworthiness checked?
Typically whenever you take on a financial commitment where the other party carries risk. Common situations include:
Applying for credit products: Before issuing a loan, credit card, or mortgage, banks are required by law to assess your creditworthiness. The Consumer Credit Act ensures loans don’t lead to over-indebtedness. Your income and expenses are reviewed, and the bank checks ZEK, IKO, and private credit data. A failed check means no credit. Good creditworthiness improves your chances – and your interest rate.
Leasing and hire purchase: As with loans, your credit is checked when leasing a car or buying expensive goods in instalments. If your ZEK record shows past defaults, you’ll likely be rejected.
Signing contracts (e.g. phone or internet): Your credit history can affect everyday matters too. When applying for a mobile or internet contract or paying by invoice, the provider may check your reliability. A bad record might mean you must pay upfront or provide a deposit. Online retailers often use services like CRIF to automatically assess risk.
Renting a flat: As mentioned, landlords nearly always require a debt register extract. Just one unpaid bill leading to enforcement can cause a rejection. No entries mean you’re seen as reliable. That’s why it’s crucial to take reminders seriously and avoid enforcement – especially when apartment-hunting.
How to check your own creditworthiness
In Switzerland, you’re entitled to see what’s on file about your credit history. The three main ways are:
ZEK report
This shows all credit cards, loans and inquiries in your name. You can request it via zek.ch by filling in a form online or sending it by post. The report lists your active commitments, payment delays, and credit request codes.Credit score from private agencies
Agencies like CRIF, Intrum or IKO may provide their own scores (CRIF’s ranges from 1 to 600). You can request these from crif.ch, intrum.ch or iko-info.ch by completing a form and uploading a copy of your ID. This is typically free once a year.Debt register extract
Often required when renting a flat, this document shows if any debts have been legally enforced. You can request it from your local debt office (Betreibungsamt), online, by post or in person. It usually costs 17 to 20 francs.
Tip: If you notice incorrect entries, you can request a correction. Checking once a year is a good habit – especially if you’re new to Switzerland.
How can your creditworthiness evolve?
The foundations for maintaining a good credit profile in Switzerland are similar to those in other countries: payment behaviour, debt levels and stability are key.
Pay on time: Even a single missed payment can lead to reminders and, in the worst case, a debt enforcement procedure. That can leave traces in your ZEK and debt register record – with consequences for future credit decisions. Paying on time generally keeps your record positive.
Keep debt under control: A high level of debt or several loans running in parallel can negatively affect your creditworthiness. The same applies to credit cards: a permanently maxed-out limit is not always seen as a sign of financial stability.
Be strategic with credit applications: Every application is recorded in the ZEK database – even quote requests. Submitting multiple applications at once can give the impression of financial distress. Many lenders prefer clients who act in a targeted and structured way.
Keep an eye on your credit data: Self-checks from ZEK, IKO or CRIF let you see what’s on file. Errors or outdated entries do happen – but you can request corrections. Knowing your record helps you stay in control.
Show stability: Statistically, stable housing and employment situations are seen as signs of reliability. Frequent job or address changes aren’t always avoidable, but they may be perceived as a risk. Keeping your address up to date and your CV consistent helps build trust.
Does your foreign credit score count?
No, Swiss lenders usually don’t accept foreign credit reports to assess your creditworthiness. Each country uses different scoring systems that can’t be directly compared. When you move to Switzerland, you’re starting from scratch. Even an excellent US credit score or a spotless German Schufa won’t be automatically considered. For expats, this has both advantages and disadvantages:
Advantage: If you had a negative Schufa entry or missed payments abroad, they won’t follow you to Switzerland. Your credit profile here starts clean – as long as you handle your finances responsibly.
Disadvantage: On the other hand, you won’t benefit from a good reputation abroad either. You’ll need to earn local trust by using financial products responsibly in Switzerland.
Conclusion: creditworthiness instead of a credit score
There’s no universal credit score in Switzerland like in the US. But your creditworthiness is still assessed – and it determines your access to loans, rental housing and contracts. If you manage your finances well, there’s little to worry about. Check your data regularly, act early when problems arise, and gradually build your financial reputation in Switzerland.
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