IKO
The IKO (Informationsstelle für Konsumkredit) is the information office set up under the Consumer Credit Act (KKG, Art. 23). Lenders must report every consumer credit they grant, and payments in arrears that reach 10 % of the net amount. Leasing contracts and cards with a credit option are reported too (KKG, Art. 25 to 27).
The IKO stores running contracts only: when a contract ends, it is deleted within 14 days.
What it means for your loan
Before granting a consumer credit, a lender must ask the IKO about you. The credits it finds there count in the check of what you can afford (KKG, Art. 28). You can order your own extract, free of charge, and it comes by post.
Explained in full
ZEK and IKO explained
ZEK and IKO are the two Swiss credit databases lenders use. What each one records, how long entries stay and how to order your free extract.
Sources
- Bundesgesetz über den Konsumkredit (KKG), SR 221.214.1, Art. 23 to 28Swiss Confederation, Fedlex, read on
- Kredit- und LeasingnehmerIKO Informationsstelle für Konsumkredit, read on
- AufbewahrungsfristenIKO Informationsstelle für Konsumkredit, read on