Article 9 of the Saudi Credit Information Law

This is the most important article for the consumer in the Law, as it brings together his rights in his credit record:

1. Consent to creation: a credit record is not created for a consumer with the companies for the first time without his written consent.
2. Knowing the reason for refusal: if his credit dealing is refused and he asks to know the reason, the member must inform him of it.
3. A free copy on refusal: a consumer whose credit dealing is refused has the right to a free copy of his record, once only.
4. Copies at any time: he may obtain a copy of his record at any time on payment of the fee, and he has one free copy, once only, after the record is created.
5. Adding his viewpoint: he may add to his record information that explains his personal view of what it contains.
6. Requesting correction: if he discovers an error he may ask the company to correct it, after providing the documents supporting his request.
7. Complaint: if incorrect information is not corrected, or he notices that his record was requested for an unlawful reason, he may submit his complaint to the committee formed under this Law to issue the appropriate decision.

Note that being informed of the reason for refusal depends on the consumer's request, and that a request for correction needs documents supporting it. This article complements Article 8, which requires companies to set complaint-handling procedures and publish them after the Institution's approval.

If a consumer is harmed by incorrect information in his record or by his record being requested without right, he would do well to consult a lawyer specializing in banking and finance.