Are You on the ‘Black List’? Check Your Credit History in HROK

Many citizens only discover they have creditworthiness issues when applying for a loan – whether due to irregular repayments, overdrafts on their current account, or old debts. This is why it is important to check in advance what is written about you in HROK (Croatian Register of Credit Obligations).

HROK is a central database that collects information about all credit obligations of citizens and legal entities in Croatia. Banks, savings banks, and other financial institutions use this data to assess whether to approve a new loan.

As explained by Željko Morović, a specialist in housing finance and financial consulting, timely checking of credit history is a crucial step in preparing for credit indebtedness:

– Citizens often come to the bank believing they are creditworthy, only to be surprised by information from HROK about delays in repayment or unpaid obligations. If you request a Personal Credit Report in advance, you will get a clear picture of your financial situation and have time to resolve any issues before applying for a loan. This is a simple but extremely important step – says Morović.

The Personal Credit Report contains an overview of all your active obligations, repayment regularity, and any delays. By reviewing the report, banks obtain information about:

• loans (housing, cash, auto loans),
• debts on credit cards,
• overdrafts on current accounts,
• any delays and unpaid obligations.

How to Request a Personal Credit Report?

1. Submitting a request – you can submit your request at your bank’s branch, by mail, or through an authorized service on the website www.hrok.hr.

2. Content of the report – displays all active obligations, repayments, and delays.

3. Issuance period – a few days from the submission of the request.

4. Fee – the report is issued for a small fee, depending on the method of request.

– The best time to check the HROK report is before you even start discussions with the bank. This way, you can avoid rejection of your application and know your realistic options in advance. Also, if you are planning a larger loan, such as a housing loan, good preparation can mean the difference between a positive and negative decision from the bank – says Morović, adding that if the report shows delays or unpaid obligations, it is best to start resolving them immediately. By settling debts and making regular payments, your credit history improves over time.

Checking your own credit history in HROK is a simple process, concludes Morović, which can have a significant impact on an individual’s financial future. Citizens who inform themselves in a timely manner, check their status, and take necessary steps have greater control over their personal finances and a more secure standing with banks.