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Summary: SCHUFA is Germany’s largest credit reporting agency. Landlords, telecom companies and banks often ask for “credit information” for a rental, a mobile/internet contract or a loan. Under Article 15 of the GDPR every person has the right to receive a free copy of their data.
What does SCHUFA record?
Bank accounts, credit cards, loans and instalments, telephone contracts, and also unpaid debts or court judgments. Normal payments of bills and rent are usually not recorded. The base score (Basisscore) is shown as a percentage (0 to 100), and the higher it is the better.
How do I get a free report?
Request a “Datenkopie nach Art. 15 DSGVO” via the official website meineschufa.de; it is free and is usually sent by post or as a PDF. The paid “BonitätsAuskunft” (from a few euros to about €30) is only useful for presenting to a landlord. Beware of fake websites.
What if I have just arrived in Germany?
At first there is no history and you have no precise score, which can cause problems when renting a home. Opening a bank account, a mobile contract and paying regularly helps. Documents such as an employment contract, payslips and a confirmation of no rent debts (Mietschuldenfreiheitsbescheinigung) are also useful substitutes.
Correcting mistakes and deleting entries
If incorrect information has been recorded, submit a written complaint to SCHUFA and the creditor. Settled debts are usually deleted about three years after the settlement date.
Frequently asked questions
Does checking my own data lower my score?
No; a person’s own request for information has no effect on the score.
Is SCHUFA the only one?
No; other agencies such as CRIF also exist.
Sources: meineschufa.de and the consumer centre verbraucherzentrale.de. This article is general guidance and is not legal or tax advice; rules and amounts change, so check with the official authority before acting.
