In a move that is set to benefit consumers, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has mandated that all credit information companies (CICs) should provide one credit report free of cost to customers once a year.

The customer can access it from the company's website and the CICs need to start the service from 1 January 2017.

"We see the move by the RBI to introduce the free credit report in India as a positive step for consumers. Similar to other markets, we also believe that this will represent the next level in the Indian consumer's awareness and involvement in their individual credit information, the health of which has become critical to accessing credit," says Mohan Jayaraman, Managing Director, Experian Credit Bureau, India.

The credit report contains score based on one's credit history. This information is used by the banks and financial companies in giving approval to any loans you may apply for.