Here’s a conversation that happens in our WhatsApp community almost every week.
“I have an 800+ credit score in the US. But when I tried to get a home loan in India, the bank said I have no credit history. How is that even possible?”
It’s possible. And it’s one of the most frustrating things NRIs discover about India’s financial system.
Your US FICO score, UK credit rating, UAE credit history – none of it transfers to India. Zero. You could have perfect credit in three countries and still be invisible to Indian banks.
I’ve watched NRIs with net worths in crores get rejected for a simple credit card in India. Not because they’re not creditworthy. But because the system doesn’t know they exist.
After helping thousands of NRIs navigate this since 2017, I can tell you – this is fixable. It just takes understanding how the system works and a bit of planning.
This guide covers everything.
What CIBIL is. Why it matters even while you’re abroad.
How to check it from anywhere. How to build it. How to fix it.
And the specific strategies that work for returning NRIs.
What Exactly Is a CIBIL Score?
CIBIL stands for Credit Information Bureau (India) Limited. It’s now officially called TransUnion CIBIL, after the global credit bureau TransUnion acquired it.
Your CIBIL score is a three-digit number between 300 and 900.
It tells banks and lenders how creditworthy you are. The higher the number, the more likely you are to repay a loan on time.
Think of it as India’s version of the FICO score in the US or the credit score in the UK.
The score ranges and what they mean:
750-900: Excellent. Banks love you. Best interest rates, fastest approvals.
700-749: Good. Most loans and credit cards will be approved. Rates may not be the absolute best.
650-699: Fair. Approval is possible but not guaranteed. Higher interest rates.
600-649: Poor. Most banks will hesitate. You’ll need collateral or a co-applicant.
Below 600: Very poor. Most loan applications will be rejected.
“NH” or “-1”: No History. You have no credit records in India. Common for NRIs who’ve been abroad for years.
Here’s what catches NRIs off guard. “No History” is different from a low score. It means the system literally has no data on you. Banks can’t evaluate what they can’t see.
India Has Four Credit Bureaus (Not Just CIBIL)
CIBIL is the most popular, but India actually has four RBI-licensed credit information companies.
TransUnion CIBIL – The oldest and most widely used. When someone says “credit score” in India, they usually mean CIBIL score.
Equifax – Also operates in the US. Generates credit scores in India.
Experian – Another global player with Indian operations.
CRIF High Mark – Growing in importance, especially for microfinance and rural lending.
All four collect the same type of data from banks and lenders. But each uses a slightly different algorithm. So your score may vary across bureaus by 10-30 points.
For practical purposes, focus on CIBIL. It’s what 90% of Indian banks check first.
How Is Your CIBIL Score Calculated?
CIBIL uses a proprietary algorithm, but the approximate weightage of each factor is well understood.
Payment History – ~35% weightage
This is the single biggest factor. Have you paid your EMIs and credit card bills on time? Every time? Consistently?
Even one late payment can drop your score. A default or write-off can tank it for years.
Credit Utilization – ~30% weightage
This is the percentage of your available credit that you’re actually using.
If you have a credit card with a ₹1,00,000 limit and you regularly use ₹80,000 of it, your utilization is 80%. That’s too high.
Banks want to see this below 30%. Ideally under 20%.
This only applies to revolving credit (credit cards, overdrafts). Regular EMI loans like home loans and car loans don’t factor into utilization the same way.
Length of Credit History – ~15% weightage
How long have you been using credit in India? Older accounts with clean histories help your score.
This is why closing your oldest credit card is almost always a bad idea.
Credit Mix – ~10% weightage
Banks like to see a mix of secured loans (home loan, car loan) and unsecured credit (credit cards, personal loans). A healthy mix shows you can handle different types of credit responsibly.
Recent Credit Inquiries – ~10% weightage
Every time you apply for a loan or credit card, the bank checks your CIBIL report. This is called a “hard inquiry.”
Too many hard inquiries in a short period signals desperation to lenders. It drops your score.
Checking your own score is a “soft inquiry” and does NOT affect your score.
Why Should NRIs Care About CIBIL?
“I live in the US/UK/UAE. Why does an Indian credit score matter to me?”
Fair question. Here’s why.
If you plan to return to India (even someday):
You’ll need a CIBIL score for practically everything financial.
Getting a home loan in India? CIBIL check. Applying for a credit card? CIBIL check. Car loan? CIBIL check. Even some landlords and employers now check credit scores.
If you return with zero CIBIL history, you’re starting from scratch – as an adult with financial capability but no financial identity in India. That’s frustrating and time-consuming to fix.
If you own property or investments in India:
If you ever need a loan against your Indian property, or want to invest through Indian financial institutions, your CIBIL score matters.
If you’re managing finances for family in India:
Joint accounts, co-signed loans for parents – your CIBIL score is in play.
If you have old Indian credit cards or loans:
Here’s a scenario from our community. An NRI left India 12 years ago. Had a credit card he thought was closed. Turns out, there was an annual fee pending. ₹500. It compounded, went to default, and destroyed his CIBIL score.
He found out when he tried to buy property in India.
Old forgotten accounts are ticking time bombs. Checking your CIBIL helps you catch these early.
How to Check Your CIBIL Score from Abroad
You can check your CIBIL score from anywhere in the world. You don’t need to be in India.
Here’s the step-by-step process.
Method 1: Through the CIBIL Website (cibil.com)
Step 1: Visit www.cibil.com
Step 2: Click “Get Your CIBIL Score”
Step 3: Enter your details – name, email, PAN number, date of birth, mobile number
Step 4: Verify identity via OTP sent to your registered Indian mobile number
Step 5: View your score and download your full credit report
Important: You get one free CIBIL score and report per calendar year. Additional reports require a paid subscription.
The OTP catch: You need an Indian mobile number to receive the OTP. If your Indian SIM is deactivated, you’ll need to reactivate it first or use an alternative method.
Method 2: Through Your Indian Bank’s App
Many Indian banks offer free CIBIL score checks for existing customers.
Banks that offer this:
- HDFC Bank (through net banking / mobile app)
- ICICI Bank (through iMobile Pay / net banking)
- SBI (through YONO app)
- Axis Bank (through net banking)
If you have an active NRI bank account, log into your bank’s app or net banking portal. Look for a “Credit Score” or “CIBIL Score” section.
This is often the easiest method for NRIs because you’re already authenticated.
Method 3: Through Third-Party Platforms
Several fintech platforms offer free credit score checks.
- Paisabazaar
- BankBazaar
- CreditMantri
These pull your score from one or more credit bureaus. They’re free but may require Indian identity verification.
What You’ll Need to Check Your Score
Mandatory:
- PAN card number (this is the primary identifier)
- Active Indian mobile number (for OTP verification)
- Indian address (can be your family’s address)
Helpful:
- Any existing Indian bank account number
- Previous loan or credit card account numbers
No PAN card? You’ll need to get one first. Check our guide on applying for a PAN card.
What Your CIBIL Report Contains
Your CIBIL report is more than just a number. It’s a detailed record.
Personal Information: Your name, date of birth, PAN number, address, phone numbers, email. Check this carefully for errors.
Account Information: Every loan, credit card, and credit facility reported by Indian banks and NBFCs. This includes account type, ownership, date opened, amount, current balance, and payment history.
Enquiry Information: Every time a bank or lender has checked your CIBIL report. This shows who pulled your report, when, and for what type of credit.
Employment Information: This may show your employer details as reported by banks during loan applications.
Read your report carefully. Errors are more common than you’d think. CIBIL received nearly 23 lakh complaints in FY2025 alone. Many of these were about incorrect information on credit reports.
The Three NRI Scenarios
Every NRI falls into one of three situations. Your strategy depends on which one you’re in.
Scenario 1: You Have No Indian Credit History
What you’ll see: Score shows “NH” (No History) or “-1”
What it means: You’ve never taken a loan or used a credit card in India. Or it’s been so long that records have aged off.
Common for: NRIs who left India right after college, before taking any credit.
Good news: “No History” is better than “Bad History” in most banks’ eyes. You’re a blank slate, not a risky borrower.
Strategy: Start building credit now – even from abroad. More on this below.
Scenario 2: You Have Existing Indian Credit History
What you’ll see: A score between 300-900
What it means: You had credit cards, loans, or other credit products in India before leaving. The data is still on record.
Potential problems:
- Old credit cards you forgot about may have accumulated annual fees, gone to default
- Loans you thought were closed may show as “settled” instead of “closed” (these are different – settled is negative)
- Incorrect information from a bank error
Strategy: Check your report immediately. Fix any errors. Close any zombie accounts properly.
Scenario 3: You Had Credit But Defaulted Before Leaving
What you’ll see: Low score (below 600) with defaults, write-offs, or settlements marked
What it means: There are unpaid debts on record. These stay on your report for 7 years from the date of resolution.
Strategy: Contact the lenders. Repay in full (not settlement – full closure). Get a “No Dues Certificate.” Ensure the lender updates CIBIL. Then start rebuilding.
Important distinction: “Settled” means you paid less than the full amount. This appears as a negative mark. “Closed” means fully paid. Always aim for full closure.
Building CIBIL Score While Still Abroad
You don’t have to wait until you return to India. Start building credit now.
Here’s the month-by-month playbook.
Step 1: Open an NRE/NRO Account (If You Don’t Have One)
You need an Indian bank account as a foundation. An NRE account for foreign earnings. An NRO account for Indian income.
Choose a bank with strong NRI services. ICICI, HDFC, or Axis Bank are good options.
Step 2: Create a Fixed Deposit
Park ₹25,000-₹1,00,000 in an FD with the same bank. This will be the collateral for your secured credit card.
Step 3: Get a Secured Credit Card
A secured credit card is backed by your FD. The bank gives you a credit limit equal to 80-90% of your FD amount.
Since the FD is collateral, approval is almost guaranteed. No CIBIL score needed.
Banks offering secured credit cards to NRIs:
- HDFC Bank (FD-backed credit card)
- ICICI Bank (secured card against NRE FD)
- SBI (FD-backed card)
- Axis Bank (secured card)
- Kotak Mahindra Bank (secured card)
Minimum FD requirements range from ₹5,000 to ₹25,000 depending on the bank.
Step 4: Use the Card Regularly (But Smartly)
Set up a small recurring expense on the card. Netflix subscription, phone bill, any small recurring charge.
Keep utilization below 30% of your limit.
The golden rule: Pay the full balance every month. Not the minimum due – the FULL balance. Set up auto-pay so you never miss.
Step 5: Wait for the Score to Build
From January 2025, RBI mandated that credit bureaus update scores every 15 days (previously monthly). Good habits show results faster now.
Typical timeline:
Month 1-2: Card activated. Start using it.
Month 3-5: Activity starts showing on your CIBIL report.
Month 6-7: First CIBIL score appears. Usually 650-750 for perfect payment behavior.
Month 9-12: Score climbs to 750+ with consistent, on-time payments.
Month 12+: You qualify for unsecured credit cards, personal loans, and other products.
This is the single most effective strategy for NRIs. It works whether you’re in San Francisco, Dubai, or London. And it costs almost nothing since your FD continues earning interest.
Building CIBIL Score After Returning to India
If you’ve already returned and have zero credit history, here’s the accelerated approach.
Month 1: Foundation
- Convert your NRE/NRO account to a resident account
- Open an FD (₹25,000-₹50,000)
- Apply for a secured credit card against the FD
- Check your CIBIL report for any old surprises
Month 1-6: Build
- Use the secured card for daily expenses (groceries, bills, fuel)
- Keep utilization under 30%
- Pay full balance every month via auto-pay
- Do NOT apply for any other credit during this period
Month 6-8: First Score Appears
- Your first CIBIL score should be visible
- Should be 650-750 if you’ve been perfect
- If below 650, review your report for issues
Month 8-12: Strengthen
- Continue using the card responsibly
- Score should rise to 750+
- You can now apply for an unsecured credit card if desired
Month 12+: Full Access
- With 750+ score, you qualify for most financial products
- Home loans, car loans, premium credit cards – all within reach
- Consider adding a mix of credit (a small personal loan or car loan) to diversify your profile
The key lesson from our community: Those who start building credit 6-12 months BEFORE returning have a much smoother transition than those who wait until after.
If you’re planning to return to India, start the secured credit card process now.
How to Improve an Existing CIBIL Score
Already have a score but it’s not great? Here’s what moves the needle.
Quick Wins (Impact in 1-3 Months)
Pay down credit card balances.
If your utilization is above 30%, paying it down below 20% can improve your score within one reporting cycle (15 days).
Fix errors on your report.
Dispute incorrect information through CIBIL’s online portal. Errors are common and fixing them can boost your score.
Pay overdue amounts.
If you have any overdue payments, clear them immediately. The “overdue” flag damages your score every month it remains.
Medium-Term Actions (Impact in 3-6 Months)
Set up auto-pay for all credit products.
Never miss a payment. Payment history is 35% of your score.
Don’t close old accounts.
Your oldest credit account contributes to your credit history length. Keep it open, even if you don’t use it much.
Reduce hard inquiries.
Stop applying for new credit for a few months. Each application creates a hard inquiry that drops your score slightly.
Long-Term Habits (Ongoing)
Keep credit utilization consistently below 30%.
If your credit limit is ₹1 lakh, don’t use more than ₹30,000 at any time.
Maintain a healthy credit mix.
A combination of credit cards, a car loan, and eventually a home loan shows responsible management of different credit types.
Monitor your report regularly.
Check it at least every 6 months. Catch errors early.
How to Dispute Errors on Your CIBIL Report
Errors on CIBIL reports are surprisingly common. And they can seriously hurt your score.
Common errors include:
- Accounts that aren’t yours showing on your report
- Loans marked “open” or “overdue” when they’ve been fully paid
- Incorrect personal information (wrong PAN, name misspelling)
- Duplicate accounts (same loan showing twice)
- Old settled accounts not updated to “closed”
Here’s how to fix them.
Step-by-Step Dispute Process
Step 1: Log in to your CIBIL account at cibil.com
Step 2: Go to “Credit Reports” section
Step 3: Click on “Dispute Centre” and then “Dispute an Item”
Step 4: Fill in the dispute form. Select the specific field that’s incorrect.
Step 5: Provide a clear explanation and attach supporting documents (payment receipts, closure letters, No Dues Certificates)
Step 6: Submit. You can dispute multiple errors in a single submission.
What happens next:
- The disputed fields get marked “Under Dispute”
- CIBIL contacts the lender to verify
- You receive email updates every 7 days
- If the lender accepts the dispute, corrections are made
- Total process takes approximately 30 days
If the lender rejects your dispute:
- Contact the lender’s grievance redressal officer directly
- Provide your documentation and CIBIL dispute reference number
- If still unresolved, escalate to the RBI’s Credit Information Companies Ombudsman
Important: Only reports from the last 60 days are eligible for dispute. So check your report fresh and dispute immediately if you find errors.
Pro tip for NRIs: If you’re abroad and can’t easily visit the bank, email the bank’s NRI customer service team with your dispute details and documentation. Follow up every week.
CIBIL Score and Different Loan Types
Your CIBIL score requirements vary by what you’re applying for.
Home Loan Minimum: 700 (most banks) Ideal: 750+ Impact: A score of 750+ can get you 0.25-0.50% lower interest rate. On a ₹50 lakh home loan over 20 years, that’s lakhs in savings.
Car Loan Minimum: 700 Ideal: 750+ NRI-specific: Many banks allow car loans against NRE FD even without a CIBIL score. Check our NRI car loan guide for details.
Personal Loan Minimum: 720-750 These are unsecured loans, so banks are stricter about credit scores.
Credit Card Minimum: 700 for regular cards, 750+ for premium cards Secured cards: No minimum (FD is collateral)
Loan Against Property Minimum: 650-700 Since property is collateral, banks are slightly more flexible here.
CIBIL Myths NRIs Commonly Believe
Let me bust a few myths I hear regularly.
Myth: “My US credit score will help me get loans in India.”
Fact: Indian banks do not recognize foreign credit scores. At all. Some NRIs bring their US credit report to the bank and ask for consideration. Some sympathetic bank managers may look at it informally, but it has zero official standing.
Myth: “Checking my CIBIL score will lower it.”
Fact: Checking your own score is a “soft inquiry.” It has zero impact on your score. Check it as often as you like. Only bank/lender-initiated checks (“hard inquiries”) affect your score.
Myth: “I don’t have any loans in India, so my CIBIL score must be good.”
Fact: No loans means no history. Your score will show “NH” (No History). This isn’t good or bad – it’s simply invisible to lenders. And invisible is a problem when you need credit.
Myth: “Paying the minimum due on my credit card is enough.”
Fact: Paying only the minimum due keeps your account current (not “overdue”), but it means you’re carrying a balance. This increases utilization AND costs you 24-42% annual interest. Always pay the full balance.
Myth: “Once my score is bad, I can never fix it.”
Fact: Negative items like defaults and settlements stay on your report for 7 years from the date of resolution. But their impact decreases over time as you build positive history. Most people can go from a poor score to 750+ within 12-18 months of disciplined credit behavior.
Myth: “Closing credit cards improves my score.”
Fact: Closing cards reduces your total available credit limit, which can increase your utilization ratio. It also shortens your credit history if you close old accounts. Generally, keep old cards open.
Myth: “Having no debt means a high CIBIL score.”
Fact: Having no debt and no credit activity means having no score. CIBIL needs data to calculate a score. Some credit activity – managed well – is essential.
What About Your Credit Score in Other Countries?
A question from our community that comes up often.
“If I build credit in India, does it help my credit score in the US/UK/UAE?”
Short answer: No.
Credit scores don’t transfer between countries. Each country has its own credit bureaus, algorithms, and data sources.
However, there is a practical exception. If you bank with a global bank like HSBC that operates in both countries, they may internally consider your global relationship when making lending decisions. This is informal, not systematic.
For NRIs maintaining dual financial lives:
You need to build and maintain credit in each country separately.
If you’re in the US, keep your FICO healthy. If you have financial ties in India, keep your CIBIL healthy. These are parallel tracks that don’t intersect.
The same applies when you return. Your excellent US credit won’t help in India. And once you leave, your Indian credit won’t help in the US.
This is why the “start building CIBIL before you return” advice is so critical.
CIBIL and NRE/NRO Accounts
A question that confuses many NRIs. Does having an NRE or NRO account affect your CIBIL score?
Just having the account: No. A bank account alone doesn’t create a CIBIL record. Only credit products (loans, credit cards, overdraft facilities) generate CIBIL data.
Having an NRE/NRO FD: No impact on CIBIL by itself. But it can be used as collateral for a secured credit card, which then builds your CIBIL.
Taking a loan against NRE/NRO FD: Yes, this creates a loan record in CIBIL. Paying it on time builds positive history.
The connection: Your NRI bank account is the foundation. The credit products linked to it build your CIBIL score.
Tax Angle – CIBIL and Your Tax Obligations
Your CIBIL score itself has no direct tax implications. But some related things to keep in mind.
NRE FD interest used for secured card: NRE FD interest is tax-free in India. But if you’re a US tax resident, you must report it on your US return. Check our FBAR guide for reporting requirements.
Credit card usage doesn’t create tax liability. But if you’re making large transactions, they may trigger reporting under India’s Annual Information Statement (AIS) to the tax department.
Loan repayment is not income. But the interest paid on certain loans (home loan, education loan) may qualify for tax deductions.
For detailed tax guidance, check our NRI tax filing guide.
Protecting Your CIBIL Score – Security Tips
Identity fraud is a growing concern. Here’s how to protect your CIBIL from unauthorized activity.
Monitor regularly. Check your report at least every 6 months. Look for accounts you don’t recognize.
Set up CIBIL alerts. With a paid subscription, CIBIL sends you alerts whenever there’s a new inquiry or account change on your report.
Guard your PAN carefully. Your PAN is the primary identifier for CIBIL. Don’t share it casually. Be cautious about websites asking for PAN details.
Be careful with Power of Attorney. If you’ve given someone POA for financial transactions in India, ensure they’re not taking credit in your name.
Check after every financial event. After closing a loan, closing a credit card, or any major financial action, verify that CIBIL reflects it correctly within 45-60 days.
The 12-Month CIBIL Action Plan for NRIs
Let me put it all together in a simple timeline.
Right Now (Wherever You Are):
- Check your CIBIL score (use cibil.com or your bank’s app)
- Download and read the full report
- Identify any errors, old accounts, or surprises
- Dispute any errors immediately
Month 1-2:
- Open an NRE/NRO FD if you don’t have one (₹25,000-₹1,00,000)
- Apply for a secured credit card against the FD
- Set up auto-pay from your NRI account for full balance payment
Month 3-6:
- Use the card for small, regular transactions
- Keep utilization under 30%
- Pay full balance every month (auto-pay handles this)
- DO NOT apply for any other credit
Month 6-8:
- Your first CIBIL score should appear
- Check the report to ensure everything is being reported correctly
- Continue the same disciplined usage
Month 9-12:
- Score should be 700-750+
- You can now consider applying for an unsecured credit card
- If planning to return, you’re in a strong position for loan applications
Beyond 12 Months:
- Continue monitoring every 6 months
- Maintain credit discipline
- Consider adding credit mix (small loan, second card) to strengthen the profile
- Score should be solidly above 750
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do NRIs have a CIBIL score?
Only if they’ve had credit activity in India – a loan, credit card, or other credit product through an Indian bank or NBFC. If you’ve never had Indian credit, your score will show as “NH” (No History).
Q: Can I check my CIBIL score without a PAN card?
It’s very difficult. PAN is the primary identifier CIBIL uses. You can try with other documents (passport, voter ID), but PAN is strongly recommended. If you don’t have one, apply for a PAN card first.
Q: Can I check CIBIL without an Indian mobile number?
The CIBIL website requires OTP verification to an Indian mobile number. Some workarounds include using a family member’s number (if linked to your PAN) or checking through your bank’s app if international number login is supported.
Keep an Indian postpaid SIM active for situations like this. It costs ₹200-500/month.
Q: How often should I check my CIBIL score?
At minimum, once every 6 months. Before any major financial application (home loan, car loan), check it 2-3 months in advance so you have time to fix any issues.
Q: Does my NRE/NRO account affect CIBIL?
The account itself doesn’t. Only credit products (loans, credit cards) linked to it generate CIBIL data.
Q: What if I have outstanding dues from before I left India?
Contact the lender. Pay the full amount (avoid settlement). Get a No Dues Certificate. Ensure the lender updates CIBIL to show the account as “Closed.” The negative mark stays for 7 years from resolution date, but its impact reduces over time as you build positive history.
Q: Can my spouse or family check my CIBIL on my behalf?
Not directly. CIBIL verification requires your PAN and OTP to your registered number. However, if you share your login credentials (not recommended for security), someone else could access it. Better to check it yourself.
Q: Is there a fee to check CIBIL?
One free report per calendar year through cibil.com. Many bank apps offer free checks. Paid subscriptions (₹550-₹1,500/year) give you monthly updates and alerts.
Q: How long do negative marks stay on my CIBIL report?
Defaults, write-offs, and settlements remain for 7 years from the date of resolution. Hard inquiries remain for 2 years. Closed accounts in good standing remain indefinitely (and help your score).
Q: Can OCI card holders have a CIBIL score?
Yes. OCI card holders who have had credit activity with Indian banks will have a CIBIL score. The process for checking and building credit is the same.
Q: Does a high CIBIL score guarantee loan approval?
No. CIBIL score is one factor. Banks also evaluate your income, employment stability, existing debt, the specific loan amount, and other factors. But a high CIBIL score significantly improves your chances and gets you better terms.
Q: I filed an ITR in India. Does that help my CIBIL?
Filing an income tax return doesn’t directly affect CIBIL. But it helps with loan applications, as banks ask for ITR as income proof. Having ITRs filed demonstrates financial discipline.
The Bottom Line
Your CIBIL score is your financial reputation in India. It doesn’t care how wealthy you are, how much you earn abroad, or how perfect your credit is in other countries.
It only cares about what you’ve done – or haven’t done – with credit in India.
The good news? It’s one of the easiest problems for NRIs to solve. A secured credit card, 6-12 months of disciplined usage, and you have a functioning credit identity in India.
The bad news? Most NRIs don’t think about it until they’re standing in a bank in India, trying to get a loan, and finding out they’re invisible.
Don’t be that NRI. Start now.
Check your CIBIL today. Fix any issues. Get that secured card. Build the score. Future-you will be grateful.
Disclaimer: CIBIL scoring algorithms are proprietary, and the weightages mentioned are approximate based on publicly available information and industry understanding. Credit scores, policies, and requirements change frequently. Always verify current details with CIBIL and your bank directly. This is informational content, not financial advice.
If you’re navigating CIBIL, banking, taxes, or anything else about your India journey, join our WhatsApp community at https://backtoindia.com/groups – 20,000+ NRIs helping each other with real, lived experience. It’s free and volunteer-run.
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