Banking
Mexico — Banking: Credit History
Mexico's credit system centers on two bureaus, Buró de Crédito (founded 1995, the largest) and Círculo de Crédito, which each compile a credit file (expediente crediticio) from banks, retailers, telecoms, and other lenders — showing payment history, outstanding balances, and public records like bankruptcies. Buró de Crédito scores range from 400-850, reflecting the probability of meeting payment obligations over the next 12 months; the bureau itself doesn't issue one universal score, as many lenders derive their own proprietary rating from the underlying file. Consumers are entitled to one free credit report from each bureau every 12 months, accessible online using CURP, passport number, or RFC.
Key facts
- Two main bureaus: Buró de Crédito (largest, est. 1995) and Círculo de Crédito.
- Buró de Crédito score range: 400-850, reflecting 12-month payment-obligation probability.
- No single universal score — many lenders compute their own proprietary rating from the bureau's underlying file.
- One free credit report per bureau every 12 months, accessible online with CURP, passport, or RFC.
Timelines
- Free credit report entitlement: once per bureau every 12 months
Common mistakes
- Assuming a single unified national credit score exists — Mexico has two separate bureaus and no single official score.