Many borrowers in Singapore are surprised when they hear this:
“You may be rejected by a bank, but still qualify for a loan from a licensed moneylender.”
This often leads to confusion, frustration, and misinformation. The reason lies in how credit information is assessed. In Singapore, banks and licensed moneylenders rely on different credit bureaus — namely CBS and MLCB.

Understanding the difference between these two reports can help you:
Interpret loan rejections correctly
Choose the right borrowing path
Improve your credit profile more effectively

1. What Is CBS (Credit Bureau Singapore)?

CBS, managed by Credit Bureau Singapore, is the primary credit reporting agency used by:
Banks
Finance companies
Credit card issuers

What CBS Tracks
CBS focuses on banking and institutional credit, including:
Credit cards and limits
Bank personal loans
Renovation, education, and car loans
Repayment history and defaults
Restructured or written-off facilities

CBS places strong emphasis on credit utilisation, consistency, and long-term behaviour.

Why CBS Is Strict
Banks are conservative lenders. As a result:
Even a single missed payment can affect approval
High credit card utilisation can lower your score
Negative records may remain visible for years

📌 This is why borrowers with stable income may still fail bank loan assessments.

2. What Is MLCB (Moneylenders Credit Bureau)?

MLCB is the credit reporting system used exclusively by licensed moneylenders regulated by the Registry of Moneylenders under the Ministry of Law.
Licensed moneylenders operate under strict regulations set by the Registry of Moneylenders under the Ministry of Law and are required to submit borrower data to MLCB.

What MLCB Tracks
MLCB focuses specifically on licensed moneylender borrowing, such as:
Active loans with licensed moneylenders
Repayment consistency
Outstanding balances
Defaults or late payments

Unlike CBS, MLCB does not track bank credit cards or bank loans.

3. Key Differences Between CBS and MLCB

4. Why Borrowers Get Confused

A common misconception is that all loan rejections mean “bad credit”. In reality:
You may have a weak CBS record, but
A clean or improving MLCB record

This is why licensed moneylenders can legally and responsibly assist borrowers who are temporarily excluded from bank credit — without being illegal or unsafe.

5. Does a Poor CBS Score Mean You Shouldn’t Borrow?

Not necessarily.
If used responsibly, a licensed moneylender loan can:
Help manage urgent cash flow needs
Provide structured repayments
Allow borrowers to stabilise finances

However, borrowing should always be affordable and purposeful.

6. Can MLCB Records Be Improved?

Yes — and usually faster than CBS records.

You can improve your MLCB standing by:
Making repayments on time
Avoiding multiple concurrent loans
Borrowing within regulated limits
Communicating early if repayment issues arise
Consistent and prompt repayment behaviour is heavily weighted in MLCB assessments.

7. Should You Check Both Reports?

Ideally, yes — especially if you plan to borrow.

CBS helps you understand bank eligibility
MLCB reflects your standing with licensed moneylenders

Knowing which report applies prevents unnecessary applications and protects your credit profile.

8. Choosing the Right Path Forward

If your goal is:
Long-term financing (e.g. home or car loan) → Improve CBS
Short-term regulated assistance → Maintain a healthy MLCB record
There is no “one-size-fits-all” solution — only informed decisions.

Conclusion

CBS and MLCB serve different purposes in Singapore’s financial ecosystem. Understanding their differences empowers you to borrow responsibly, avoid misinformation, and make decisions that align with your current financial reality.
As a professional licensed moneylender in Singapore, Trillion Credit believes that transparency and education are just as important as lending itself. When borrowers understand how credit works, they gain control — and control leads to better financial outcomes.

Not sure which credit report applies to your situation? Contact us today for a confidential assessment and clear guidance on responsible borrowing options that suit your needs.

Walk into our branch or apply online anytime.
We’re here to provide fast, transparent, and legal cash loans.

📱 Call us at 65090111
📝 Or apply now at https://trillioncredit.com.sg/apply-for-loan/