What is a CIBIL score?
A CIBIL score is a three-digit number from 300 to 900 that summarises your credit history: how much you have borrowed, and how reliably you have repaid. TransUnion CIBIL is the best-known credit bureau in India; Experian, Equifax and CRIF High Mark calculate similar scores.
| Score range | What it means for a loan |
|---|---|
| 750 – 900 | Excellent. Best chance of approval and the lowest rates |
| 700 – 749 | Good. Approval is likely; rates may be slightly higher |
| 650 – 699 | Fair. Fewer lenders, higher rates, more checks |
| Below 650 | Weak. Approval is difficult; improve the score first |
| NA / NH | No credit history yet. Some lenders still approve |
How to check your CIBIL score for free
Under RBI rules, every credit bureau must give you one free full credit report each year. You can get it from the bureau's own website by verifying your PAN and mobile number. Many banking and payment apps also show your score free. Checking your own score is a soft enquiry and does not reduce it.
What lowers your score
- Late or missed EMIs and credit card payments (the biggest factor)
- Using more than about 30% of your credit card limits
- Many loan or card applications in a short time (hard enquiries)
- Settling a loan instead of closing it in full
- Too much unsecured credit and no secured loans
- Errors in your credit report that you haven't disputed
8 steps to improve your CIBIL score
- Pay every EMI and card bill on time; set up auto-debit so you never miss a date.
- Keep card usage below 30% of the limit, or ask for a higher limit and keep spending the same.
- Clear overdue amounts first, then small outstanding balances.
- Don't apply to many lenders at once; we check eligibility first so you apply only where approval is likely.
- Keep old credit cards open; a longer history helps.
- Maintain a healthy mix of secured (home, car) and unsecured (personal, card) credit.
- If you settled a loan in the past, pay the remaining amount and get it marked 'closed'.
- Check your report every few months and raise a dispute with the bureau for any error.
Most people see a meaningful improvement within 4 to 6 months of consistent on-time payments and lower card usage.
Frequently asked questions
Most lenders prefer 750 or above. Some approve from around 700, usually at a higher rate. Below 650, it is better to improve the score first.