ECN Number in CIBIL Report: How to Get It?

One of the things that lenders check about borrowers before assigning them a loan is their credit score or CIBIL score. The CIBIL score is a three-digit number that indicates a borrower’s creditworthiness and repayment capacity. An individual’s credit score ranges between 300 and 900; the closer a person’s CIBIL score is to 900, the better their chances of loan approval and availing of a loan on better terms and conditions. Credit information bureaus in India assign credit scores to individuals based on their credit reports. So, what is an ECN Number in CIBIL? Read on to know more.  

What is an ECN Number?

Before we continue, let us define ECN. ECN stands for Enquiry Control Number. The ECN number is a nine-digit number that helps lenders and credit information bureaus identify a borrower’s credit profile. In other words, it is with the help of the ECN number that all financial institutions that are a part of the CIBIL network can access a borrower’s credit profile and assess it to understand their attitude towards credit.  

How to Get an ECN Number in CIBIL?

Here are the different ways in which a borrower can get their Enquiry Control Number in CIBIL:

• Firstly, if you want your ECN number, you can request CIBIL to share with you your ECN number. However, keep in mind that to be able to do so, you will have to buy a subscription plan under which CIBIL will send you your credit report. You will find your control number in the right-hand corner of your CIBIL report.  
• Secondly, a borrower can also access their ECN number by calling CIBIL’s customer care number and requesting their credit report. If you opt for this method, you will be required to pay a fee. 

Can Two Borrowers Have the Same ECN Number?

The answer is no. When a lender enquires about a borrower, an Enquiry Control Number is generated. Every enquiry generates a different ECN number and therefore, two borrowers cannot have the same ECN number. 

Why is the ECN Number Important?

• Lenders sanction loans and grant credit only when they are convinced of a borrower’s repayment capacity and creditworthiness and to check a borrower’s repayment capacity, the first thing that lenders check is their credit report and CIBIL score. Lenders sanction loans to borrowers who have a clean repayment history. Borrowers with a CIBIL score of 750 or above stand a better chance to avail of better loan terms. The ECN number helps lenders identify a borrower’s credit profile, which helps them decide whether to extend the concerned borrower a loan or not. Thus, in a way, the ECN number connects borrowers with lenders. 
• The ECN number is also important because it helps CIBIL maintain the credit records of millions of customers around the world in such a way that the credit information bureau can access any borrower’s credit report at any time without any confusion. Thus, the concept of ECN number helps CIBIL keep things organised. 
• Lastly, the ECN number helps CIBIL store a borrower’s credit history and payment details in a secure manner. 

Final Words

To summarise, ECN or enquiry control number is a 9-10 digit number unique to a borrower or credit account. The number is important as it helps lenders assess a borrower’s credit report and use the information in the report to assess a borrower’s creditworthiness and repayment capacity. The ECN number helps CIBIL store information on millions of credit users in a systematic and organised manner.