Credit Assessment in Switzerland: How It Works

A credit assessment (also known as a creditworthiness check) is a process in which a lender evaluates the financial reliability of an applicant. The goal is to determine whether the borrower will be able to repay the loan according to the contract terms.

The following factors are considered in the credit assessment: your monthly income and employment situation, existing loans and leasing contracts (ZEK inquiry), entries in the debt collection register, your monthly fixed costs and expenses, your residence status and residence permit, and the stability of your employment.

The Zentralstelle für Kreditinformation (ZEK – Central Office for Credit Information) stores data on active consumer loans and leasing contracts in Switzerland. A ZEK inquiry is made for every loan application. It checks whether you already have active loans and whether payment issues have occurred in the past.

Always pay existing bills on time. Reduce existing debts before applying for a new loan. Avoid multiple simultaneous loan applications. Ensure your application details are correct and complete. A stable employment relationship has a positive effect.