Why is a CIBIL score important?

Regular tracking can help you improve your CIBIL score, thereby helping you get loans at affordable interest rates.
 

When lenders evaluate your loan or credit card application, they look at specific parameters to ensure less risk of non-repayment. One such parameter is your credit score. TransUnion CIBIL Limited is a credit information company that provides this data. They prepare a credit report and assign a score to it. It is called a CIBIL score, synonymous with a credit score in India. Read on to find out what CIBIL score is and how important it is for getting access to credit.

What is the CIBIL score?
 

CIBIL score is your credit score, published by the TransUnion CIBIL. It ranges from 300 to 900 and reflects your credit behaviour, repayment history, credit utilisation, and credit health. A higher credit score reflects you are cautious with your credit, and there is less risk of non-repayment with your application. It can make you eligible for more loans, and banks may also offer customised interest rates.

What is a good CIBIL score?

Your CIBIL score can range from 300 to 900. The higher the score, the better it is. A CIBIL score below 600 means your credit profile needs immediate attention. You may be defaulting on some loans or delaying your payments. A low credit score reduces your chance of getting approval for a loan and may even lead to a high interest rate.

A credit score between 600 and 649 isn't great either and the chances of approval stay low. Meanwhile, a credit score between 650 and 699 is considered satisfactory, and there is a higher possibility of getting loan approvals. Credit scores between 700 and 749 are considered even better, with high chances of loan approval.

How to check the CIBIL score?
 

You can check your CIBIL score from the official CIBIL website at https://www.cibil.com/freecibilscore. This version is free and offers a detailed credit report. You can also subscribe to the premium version to check your score daily and take more control over your credit profile.

How to improve your credit score?
 

Building your credit score is easy yet requires consistent effort. Here are a few ways to improve your credit score.

1. Start building trustworthiness
 

If your credit score is low due to a lack of credit history, making one is the best way to go about it. One way to do that is by taking a credit card and making the repayments on time. IDFC FIRST Bank credit cards come with affordable interest rates, and you can quickly grab one online through a simple procedure. But if your low score prevents you from getting a credit card, you could try getting an FD credit card from IDFC FIRST Bank. Such cards are issued against your FD, so banks have less risk.

2. Decrease credit utilisation
 

Credit utilisation is one of the main reasons for decreased credit scores. If your profile suffers from the same, try reducing your credit utilisation by reducing excessive use of your credit card.

3. Never miss due dates
 

From your No Cost EMI to your personal loan, every missed due date can affect your credit score. Hence, ensure you make your payments on time, and it will increase your creditworthiness and, thus, your credit score.

4. Solve discrepancies
 

If your credit score has discrepancies, contact CIBIL and solve the same to improve your credit score. The faster you solve the differences, the less it can hurt your profile.

A healthy credit score is vital to avail yourself of loans at a nominal interest rate. Ensure you keep an eye on your profile to keep your score healthy.

Disclaimer

The contents of this article/infographic/picture/video are meant solely for information purposes. The contents are generic in nature and for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for specific advice in your own circumstances. The information is subject to updation, completion, revision, verification and amendment and the same may change materially. The information is not intended for distribution or use by any person in any jurisdiction where such distribution or use would be contrary to law or regulation or would subject IDFC FIRST Bank or its affiliates to any licensing or registration requirements. IDFC FIRST Bank shall not be responsible for any direct/indirect loss or liability incurred by the reader for taking any financial decisions based on the contents and information mentioned. Please consult your financial advisor before making any financial decision.