The Credit Information Bureau (India) Ltd, better known as CIBIL, is the premier agency for providing credit reports and scores pertaining to individuals. CIBIL sources financial data of individuals such as loan and credit card information from leading banks and other financial institutions in India. This data is then presented in the form of a CIBIL credit report, also known as a Credit Information Report (CIR).
CIBIL was incorporated in 2000 and has continued to expand its presence throughout the country. It is backed by TransUnion International and Dun and Bradstreet, which are major global credit bureaus and agencies.
The Credit Information Bureau (India) Ltd, popularly known as CIBIL is a Reserve Bank of India (RBI) authorised credit agency. It offers CIBIL scores and CIBIL reports for individuals. A CIBIL score is generated by the bureau after considering an individual’s detailed credit information. The agency also offers credit report services to the banks and other NBFC (Non-banking financial companies). A CIBIL score is a three-digit number between 300-900, 300 being the lowest, that represents an individual’s credit worthiness. A higher CIBIL score suggests good credit history and responsible repayment behavior. CIBIL scores are calculated on the basis of at least 6 months of historical financial data of an individual. The data is fed into an algorithm with 258 different variables; each with a different weightage.
A CIBIL Score is a numeric summary of credit history that is calculated based on the following factors:
Track Record of Past Payments |
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Previous Settlements, Defaults, Write-offs |
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Loans as Proportion of Income |
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Secured Loans vs. Unsecured Loans and credit cards |
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Loan Equities |
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A CIBIL score of 750 and above is considered as ideal. It is important to have a high CIBIL score as it is useful when you are applying for a loan or a credit card. Keeping your CIBIL score on track since the beginning of the year can help you increase the chances of getting a loan approved easily. Maintaining a healthy CIBIL score is extremely important. Here are some important tips to have a great CIBIL Score.
It is important to have a high CIBIL score as it helps banks decide whether to extend a certain amount of credit to you or not. A good CIBIL score increases your chances for an easier credit approval. Here are five simple and effective ways that will help you improve your CIBIL score.
A CIBIL score ranges from 300 – 900, 900 being the highest. Generally, individuals with a CIBIL score of 750 and above are considered as responsible borrowers. Here are the different ranges of a CIBIL score.
NA/NH: If you have no credit history, your CIBIL score will be NA/NH which means it is either “not applicable” or no history”. If you have not used a credit card or have never taken a loan, you will have no credit history. You might want to consider taking credit, as it will help you in building a credit history and get access to credit products.
350 – 549: A CIBIL score in this range is considered as a bad CIBIL score. It means you have been late in paying credit card bills or EMIs for loans. With a CIBIL score in this range, it will be difficult for you to get a loan or a credit card as you are at a high-risk of turning into a defaulter.
550 – 649: A CIBIL score in this range is considered as fair. However, only a handful of lenders would consider offering you credit as this is still not the best CIBIL score range. It suggests you have been struggling to pay the dues on time. The interest rates on the loan could also be higher. You need to take serious measures to improve your CIBIL score even further for better deals on loan.
650 – 749: If your CIBIL score is in this range, you are on the right path. You should continue displaying good credit behaviour and increase your score further. Lenders will consider your credit application and offer you a loan. However, you may still not have the negotiation power to get the best deal on the rate of interest for loan.
750 – 900: This is an excellent CIBIL score. It suggests you have been regular with credit payments and have an impressive payment history. Banks will offer you loans and credit cards as well considering you are at the lowest risk of turning into a defaulter.