Understanding What a Credit Score Is and How to Interpret the Data

Once you obtain a credit score, there are typically three possible situations:

• Unable to Provide a Score Temporarily
• Fixed Score Assigned
• Actual Score Provided

Each scenario represents a different meaning, which will be explained below.

If the report shows Unable to Provide a Score Temporarily, it means the individual’s credit cannot currently be assessed. Common reasons for this include insufficient credit history, ineligibility for credit scoring, disputed credit records, the presence of negative credit events during the disclosure period at the Joint Credit Information Center (JCIC), absence of active credit transactions, debt negotiation history, applicability of the Debt Clearance Act, or if the person only holds student loans within the past year. If any of these conditions apply, the credit report will indicate that the score cannot be provided at this time.

If a Fixed Score is given, this means that the individual has records of past negative interactions with financial institutions, though there are still some normal transactions present. Typically, a fixed score is set at 200 points, which is considered a very low score. In cases where the score is below 500 points, the report may present the result as a percentile range — for example, "25-30%," meaning the individual’s credit falls within the bottom 20-30% of all evaluated subjects.

When an Actual Score is provided, it will fall within a range of 200 to 800 points, and the precise score will be clearly stated in the report.

Regularly checking your own credit report helps you stay informed about your financial standing and enables you to plan future loans more effectively. If your credit is insufficient, timely adjustments can be made, preventing emergencies from turning into irreparable financial situations.

What Information Is Included in a Personal Credit Report?

A personal credit report contains a wide range of reference information, including:

• Basic personal information
• Bank loan information
• Overdue, collection, or default records
• Debt transfer information
• Guarantor information
• Joint, subordinate, and other debt transfer information
• Returned check records
• Blacklisted account information
• Credit card details
• Credit card account balance information
• Reassignment and settlement information for credit card receivables
• Inquiry records by financial institutions
• Self-inquiry records
• Additional remarks

How to Check Your Personal Credit Report

Checking your credit report is simple. There are two main methods:

• Online Application and Inquiry
• In-person Application at the Joint Credit Information Center (JCIC)

On the JCIC official website, you can apply using a citizen digital certificate or a software financial certificate issued by banks, securities firms, or insurance companies. Alternatively, you can use the "TWID Investor Mobile Web" app on your smartphone or tablet for convenient access.

For paper reports, you can apply at a post office counter or directly at the JCIC service desk. If you wish to authorize someone else to act on your behalf, applications must be handled at the JCIC counter — post offices will not accept proxy applications.

Credit Report Inquiry Fees

Regarding fees:

• Whether applying online or for a paper report, you are entitled to one free credit report per year.
• Starting from the second inquiry (and any subsequent ones), the fees are as follows:
  • Online inquiry: NT$80 per report
  • Paper report: NT$100 per Chinese version, NT$200 per English version
  • For each additional copy of the same report version: NT$50 per extra copy

Certain individuals are eligible for free reports at any time, including:

• People with disabilities
• The unemployed
• Low-income households
• Seniors aged 65 or older
• Indigenous persons aged 55 or older
• Individuals covered by the Special Situations Family Assistance Act
• Patients with major illnesses
• Victims of major natural disasters

For these exemptions, relevant supporting documents must be provided when applying.