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Help on enquiry reasons

The National Credit Act no. 34 of 2005 ("NCA") requires that you indicate the enquiry reason or prescribed purpose for which you require the credit report/credit information. For ease of use we have provided the keywords that you select on the left hand side and the full explanation of the meaning of those keywords on the right hand side. If you are unsure about whether your purpose is allowed please consult a legal professional for advice.

Please note that not all of the prescribed purposes as allowed by the NCA are individually listed here. If you can't find the purpose that you require the credit report for, and that purpose is allowed by the legislation, please click on "Other reason as per the NCA".

Please note that you may not request a credit report on yourself using the Credit Data Online web site. If you want to get a credit report on yourself please feel free to get your FREE credit report once a year directly from the credit bureauxs. 
* The consumer’s consent is required in these instances

List of Enquiry Reasons/Prescribed Purposes


CodeKeywordsFull Description
32 Credit Application*Undertaking a credit assessment in respect of a consumer, as required by Section 81 (2) of the Act;
33 Credit Limit ManagementUndertaking a credit assessment in respect of a consumer, as required by Section 81 (2) of the Act;
34 Insurance Application*Assessing an application for insurance, provided that the consent of the consumer has been obtained prior to the report being requested; (Regulation 18(4)(f) of the National Credit Act’s Regulations)
35 Employment & Educational Check*Considering a candidate for employment in a position that requires trust and honesty and entails the handling of cash or finances, provided that the consent of the consumer has been obtained prior to the report being requested; OR Verifying educational qualifications and employment provided that the consent of the consumer has been obtained prior to the report being requested; (Regulation 18(4)(g) of the National Credit Act’s Regulations)
38 Fraud, Corruption, or Theft InvestigationAn investigation into fraud, corruption or theft, provided that the South African Police Service or any other statutory enforcement agency conducts such an investigation; (Regulation 18(4)(a) of the National Credit Act’s Regulations)
39 Fraud Detection and Fraud PreventionFraud detection and fraud prevention services; (Regulation 18(4)(b) of the National Credit Act’s Regulations)
40 Setting a limit for goods/services/utilities*Setting a limit in respect of the supply of goods, services or utilities, provided that the consent of the consumer has been obtained prior to the report being requested; (Regulation 18(4)(e) of the National Credit Act’s Regulations)
42 Unclaimed funds distributionObtaining consumer information to distribute unclaimed funds, including pension funds and insurance claims; (Regulation 18(4)(h) of the National Credit Act’s Regulations)
43 Affordability / Financial Means assessmentUndertaking a credit assessment in respect of a consumer, as required by Section 81 (2) of the Act;
44 Propensity to repayUndertaking an affordability assessment in respect of a consumer, as required by Section 79 of the Act;
48 Debt Counseling