Checking your credit report twice a year for free helps spot any loans or cards you didn’t apply for.

9. Checking your credit report twice a year for free helps spot any loans or cards you didn’t apply for.

Cost: It costs nothing. You can complete the check online in just ten minutes.

In plain terms: Laws give you the right to check your own credit report twice a year at no charge, and you can finish the process online in ten minutes. Negative entries stay on the report for five years from the date they’re resolved; after that they must be removed. If you dispute any information, the credit agency or data provider must respond to you in writing within 20 days. To check your report, use the official website of the People’s Bank of China’s Credit Information Center or your mobile banking app — avoid third‑party “credit check” apps, as they collect your personal data.

Benefit: Regulatory rules state that “individuals have the right to obtain their own credit reports twice a year free of charge,” meaning you can check your report twice annually at no cost. Negative records are kept for five years after the underlying issue is resolved; any older entries must be deleted. When you raise a dispute, the credit agency or source of the data must reply in writing within 20 days.

Evidence grade: A

Sources: State Council of China (2013). Regulations on the Administration of Credit Reporting Industry (National Order No. 631, Article 16, Article 17, Article 25). <https://www.gov.cn/zhengce/zhengceku/2013-01/29/content_2303.htm>

Notes: Identity theft leading to unauthorized loans or credit cards often goes unnoticed until a person is denied a mortgage years later. The proper channels for checking your report are the People’s Bank of China Credit Information Center website or mobile banking apps. Steer clear of third‑party “credit check” apps, as they harvest your personal information.