Credit Score Ranges: Overview
The credit score is a three-digit numerical value that represents a borrower’s creditworthiness and repayment capacity as well as the attitude they have towards credit. In India, four credit information bureaus are authorised by the Reserve Bank of India to assign credit ratings to borrowers. These are Equifax, Experian, CRIF High Mark and TransUnion CIBIL. Of these four, lenders mostly use TransUnion CIBIL. The credit score it assigns to borrowers is known as the CIBIL Score.
TransUnion calculates an individual’s CIBIL score based on the information related to their credit history registered in their Credit Information Report (CIR) or CIBIL Report. The report contains detailed information on all the loans you have as well as any other form of credit you may be using. The CIBIL score ranges between 300 and 900 and borrowers can check the CIBIL score by going to the Accounts or Enquiries section of the CIBIL report.
Check the following table to know the CIBIL score range and what it signifies:
| Your CIBIL Score | Rating | What it signifies |
|---|---|---|
| 800 - 900 | Excellent | An excellent score range that Indicates that you have never defaulted on your EMI and credit bills payment. |
| 750 - 800 | Very Good | A very good CIBIL score. You can now negotiate and bargain on your interest rate. |
| 625 – 750 | Fair | You have a decent credit history with very few irregularities. You may get a loan but at a higher interest rate. |
| 300 – 625 | Low | This score indicates high frequencies of defaults and irregularities. You may find it very difficult to get a loan unless you improve your CIBIL score. |
Understanding Different CIBIL Score Ranges and Their Impact
As mentioned before, the credit score ranges between 300 and 900, with 300 being the lowest and 900 being the highest. Borrowers who desire to avail themselves of lucrative loan deals must maintain a good CIBIL score. Let us understand different credit score ranges and what they mean for a borrower.
800 and Above
If your CIBIL score is above 800, you have an excellent credit score. Borrowers who pay their credit bills and EMIs on time, do not clear only the minimum due but the entire balance due on their credit card each month and who borrow money only when they need it and pay it back responsibly have such a CIBIL score. The impact of CIBIL score ranges is such that an excellent CIBIL score ensures quick approval, high negotiating power, and in general, lucrative loan terms and conditions.
750- 800
Such a CIBIL score is considered a good credit score. Borrowers who are financially responsible and have only made one or two mistakes in the past regarding repayment, fall under this category. A good credit score ensures quick approval and favourable loan terms and conditions. Lenders may offer good deals to such borrowers.
625-750
Such a score is a fairly decent CIBIL score. It indicates that the borrower is average with his money and can be trusted with loan repayment by considering other factors. Lenders may offer slightly higher interest rates or higher repayment tenor.
300-625
If your CIBIL score ranges between 300 and 625, you have quite a low CIBIL score. Lenders are wary of such people and do not extend them credit. One way such people can avail themselves of credit is by adding a financial co-borrower with an excellent score or a guarantor of great social and financial standing to their application.
Anything under 625 is considered a low score and if your CIBIL score falls in this range, you may find it difficult to avail of a loan. In this case, your only option is to increase your CIBIL score by practising strict financial discipline and then apply for a loan.
If you are planning to apply for a loan in the near future, check your CIBIL score and make sure it is at least 750 before beginning the loan application process. If your credit score is below 750, work on improving it and then apply for a loan. Improving your credit score would require you to develop an understanding of the factors that affect it. Our next section deals with this.
Factors that Affect a Borrower’s CIBIL Score and Tips to Improve It
Payment History
Your payment history makes up 35% of your credit score and is, therefore, important. Many borrowers do not know this but even a single missed EMI payment can push down your credit rating by almost 100 points. So, borrowers must always clear all payments on time. Set up reminders for your due dates or register for auto-payments if you want to increase your CIBIL score.
Credit Utilisation Ratio
The credit utilisation ratio is the ratio of the balance used to balance available. The credit utilisation ratio is important as it tells lenders how a borrower uses their credit cards. Ideally, borrowers should never exhaust their credit cards and maintain a low credit utilisation. When borrowers pay only the minimum due on their credit cards for months, their credit utilisation ratio decreases.
Credit Mix
Borrowers who want to maintain a healthy CIBIL score should maintain a healthy mix of credit. This means borrowers should never take the same kind of loans or credit cards. They should try to find a balance between secured and unsecured loans as this convinces a lender of a borrower’s ability to handle all kinds of credit.
The Length of Your Credit History
The length of your credit history also impacts CIBIL score ranges; the longer your credit history, the better your credit score. It is for this reason that borrowers are advised to maintain all old loan accounts. Closing old loan accounts erases one’s credit history.
*Terms and conditions apply.
CIBIL Score Range: FAQs
If you are planning to apply for a loan, you must maintain a good CIBIL score. For loans and credit, lenders consider anything between 750 and 900 good.
If you are planning to apply for credit anytime soon, you should avail of your credit report. You can have CIBIL send you your credit report on a monthly or six-monthly basis by opting for a plan and paying them a small fee.
If your CIBIL score is in the low range, do not worry. An individual’s CIBIL score is not absolute. By practising proper financial discipline, you can push your credit score to an excellent score. Remember to pay all your credit bills on time, maintain a low credit utilisation ratio, borrow money only when needed and maintain a healthy mix of different types of credit. Do this for a few months diligently and you will see a change in your CIBIL score.
If you want the most reliable CIBIL score and CIBIL report, you should apply to TransUnion CIBIL. However, if you want to check your credit score without paying any CIBIL score charges, you can do so by going to one of the many websites that offer this facility for free. You will be required to enter your Aadhaar or PAN details. This will help the website identify your credit profile. However, rest assured that the information provided with stay safe with the website you are using.
