Credit scores in Ireland and the Central Credit Register

Last reviewed October 23, 2026

How it works in Ireland

The Central Credit Register (CCR), run by the Central Bank of Ireland, holds information on loans of €500 or more: credit cards, personal loans, car finance, mortgages, and loans from credit unions. For each one it records the amount, the repayments and whether you’ve paid on time.

Unlike the US, UK or Australia, the register doesn’t give you a score. Each lender reads your report and decides for itself.

What the Central Credit Register records By the size of the loan, and after it's repaid

Under €500 Not recorded on the register. A lender may still see it in your bank statements.
€500 or more Your lender reports it: the amount, your repayments and any missed payments.
€2,000 or more The lender must check your report before agreeing the loan.
Paid off The loan, and how you repaid it, stays on your report for 5 years.

What lenders look at

Your repayment record on the register: missed or late payments count against you.
How much you already owe compared with your income.
Your bank statements, especially for a mortgage: a steady savings record, bills paid on time, no regular overdraft, and little or no gambling.
Your income and job.

Information stays on the register for five years after a loan is repaid, so missed payments follow you for a while.

How to keep a good credit history

Never miss a repayment. Set up direct debits for at least the minimum.
Keep credit card balances low and avoid living in your overdraft.
Save regularly into an account in your name, especially before applying for a mortgage.
Borrow only what you need. Several new loans in a short time can concern lenders.
Check your report for mistakes, and ask the lender to correct them.

Small buy now, pay later plans usually aren’t on the register, but they show in your bank statements. See buy now, pay later.

For a step-by-step plan, see how to build a credit history in Ireland.

Get your report for free

You can ask for your credit report from the Central Credit Register free of charge, online or by post. Checking your own report doesn’t affect any application. It’s worth doing before you apply for a mortgage, so you have time to fix anything that’s wrong.

If you’re struggling with repayments

Talk to your lender early: they must follow the Central Bank’s rules on helping borrowers in arrears. MABS offers free, confidential money advice on 0818 07 2000. See help with debt.

Frequently asked questions

What is a good credit score in Ireland?

There isn’t one. The Central Credit Register doesn’t give you a score. Each lender reads your report and your bank statements and decides for itself, so a clean repayment record matters more than any number.

How do I get my credit report in Ireland?

Ask the Central Credit Register, online or by post. It’s free, and checking your own report doesn’t affect any application you make.

How long do missed payments stay on my record?

Information on a loan stays on the register for five years after the loan is repaid, including any missed or late payments.

Are credit union loans on the Central Credit Register?

Yes, if they’re €500 or more. Credit unions report loans to the register in the same way as banks and other lenders.

What if there’s a mistake on my report?

Ask the lender that reported it to correct it. If they won’t, you can ask the Central Credit Register to look at it, and you can add a short statement to your report explaining the problem.