If you wish to understand how to increase credit score, you must develop an understanding of the various factors that affect credit scores. A borrower’s credit history is the key factor that determines their credit rating. It shows whether a borrower can be trusted with timely repayments or not. A borrower’s credit history accounts for 35% of their credit score. Further, if you want to improve your CIBIL score, you must also reduce your credit utilization ratio to below 30% as one’s credit utilization ratio accounts for 30% of a borrower’s credit score. 15% of a borrower’s credit score depends on one’s length of credit history and 10% depends on the credit mix that one has in their kitty. In this article, we focus on how one can use knowledge about credit mix for CIBIL score increase.
What is Credit Mix?
In very simple words, credit mix refers to the different types of credit accounts one has. These can include loans, credit cards, mortgages, etc. When it comes to loans, borrowers can avail of two different types of loans – secured and unsecured. Secured loans are backed by collateral and therefore, do not carry much risk for the lender. On the other hand, unsecured loans do not involve collateral or security. Secured loans draw a lower rate of interest than unsecured loans.
Let us look at the different types of credit accounts that borrowers can have.
Different Types of Credit Accounts
Instalment Accounts
Instalment loans are loans that are repaid in the form of instalments. These instalments comprise a principal component and an interest component. Once the loan has been repaid in full, the loan account is closed. Car loans are an example of instalment loans.
Mortgage Accounts
Mortgage loans are quite similar to instalment loans. However, in the case of mortgage loans, the borrower can choose to go with either the fixed rate of interest or the floating rate of interest.
Revolving Debt Accounts
In the case of revolving debt, the borrower borrows only a part of the credit available to them and pays interest on the amount they have borrowed from their credit limit. They can also choose to pay the minimum due amount. However, they should refrain from doing so if they want to increase their credit score. Credit cards are an example of revolving debts.
Also Read Ways to Improve Your Credit Score with a Credit Card
Open Accounts
In the case of credit cards, most of the time, borrowers can repay the minimum due and continue using the card. However, in the case of some credit cards, one must pay the entire balance in full if one wants to be able to continue using the card. The same goes for certain collection accounts. These accounts are known as open accounts.
Lenders offer their best loan deals to borrowers who have a good credit mix. This is because a good credit mix assures lenders of a borrower’s ability to handle all kinds of credit. However, this does not mean that to boost your credit score, you should open different types of loan accounts. However, if you have had different types of loan accounts, do not make the mistake of closing them. Closing an account leads to your loan history being deleted. This is not good for your credit score.
Why is Credit Mix Important for Your Credit Score?
When you have a mix of credit types, it says a lot about your ability and experience to handle various credit instruments. Each credit has a different meaning. A revolving credit indicates your ability to borrow varying amounts of money each month and yet repay it.
A loan displays your ability to honor a long-term commitment until you have fully repaid the debt. Such a diverse profile makes the lenders’ decision easier especially when you have displayed discipline in repayment for all the types of debts.
How to Boost Your CIBIL Score through Credit Mix?
There’s a famous saying that goes, “Don’t put all your eggs in one basket” which really means don't risk everything on the success of one venture. This also holds true in case of credit – do not put all your stakes on that credit card of yours or the student loan that you took once upon a time in the hope that they alone would pull your credit score. In reality, however, a good credit score is the result of a good credit mix.
Balance is important in finance and a diverse blend of credit provides a steadiness to your financial waters. CIBIL places a good weightage on credit mix when calculating your credit score. As such, you can diversify your credit accounts into revolving and installment credit. An ideal credit mix should include – a credit card, a loan (Home Loan, personal loan, student loan, etc.).
Evaluate your credit mix - If you already use a credit card and have a Home Loan on your name – you already have a credit mix.
Diversify your credit accounts – If you don’t have any active credit line, you may consider applying for a credit card and making a high-ticket purchase such as a vehicle or even a house - using a secured loan.
Monitor your credit utilisation – When using a credit card, keep a low credit utilisation ratio. This will help you improve your CIBIL score.
Keep your accounts open – When you have successfully repaid your debts, do not rush to close your loan account. If you have a credit card that has long been unused, do not close it – instead start using it. Vintage accounts add great value and weightage to your credit score.
Common Credit Mix Mistakes to Avoid
While one takes utmost care to make sure that their credit score and mix are optimum, there are some common pitfalls to take care of. Here’s a list of common mistakes one can make regarding their credit mix:
Closing credit accounts
An open account contributes more to your credit score than a closed one, even so, closing an account may result in lowered credit score. This is because a closed credit account with a good repayment history would be contributing to your credit score, although the share won’t be as good as a live account.
Applying for too much credit at once
Each time you apply for a credit, an enquiry is run by the lenders to pull your credit report. This type of enquiry is termed as a hard enquiry and it impacts your credit score. Secondly, applying for too many credits indicates a credit hungry behaviour with the lenders eventually discouraging them to grant you a credit.
Focusing on one type of credit account
A good credit mix requires you to have a credit card and a secured loan. As such, focus should be divided equally on both these credit sources.
Final Words
If you want to boost your credit score, following the above-mentioned tips will certainly help. However, borrowers must know that it is not possible to raise their credit score immediately. If you want to increase your credit score, you must learn to be patient. Learn to practice financial discipline and be disciplined for at least a few months. It will take at least six months for the changes to reflect in your credit report. Follow the tips mentioned above: clear off dues on time, reduce your debt and credit utilization ratio, and maintain a good credit score and credit mix. These things will certainly get better with time.
FAQs
Credit mix affects around 10% of your credit score, although the exact percentage may vary with credit scoring models with different agencies and may get updated with time.
The credit mix of a revolving credit such as a credit card and installment credit such as a Home Loan or a Personal Loan is an ideal credit mix for a good credit score.
No. However, opening multiple credit accounts and having debts on all of them can be detrimental to your credit score.
DISCLAIMER:
While care is taken to update the information, products, and services included in or available on our website and related platforms/websites, there may be inadvertent errors or delays in updating the information. The material contained in this website and on associated web pages, is for reference and general information purposes, and the details mentioned in the respective product/service document shall prevail in case of any inconsistency. Users should seek professional advice before acting on the basis of the information contained herein. Please take an informed decision with respect to any product or service after going through the relevant product/service document and applicable terms and conditions. Neither Bajaj Housing Finance Limited nor any of its agents/associates/affiliates shall be liable for any act or omission of the Users relying on the information contained on this website and on associated web pages. In case any inconsistencies are observed, please click on contact information.
Trending Articles

[N][T][T][N][T]
Smart Ways to Fund and Plan Your Summer Home Renovation2025-06-09 | 4 min

[N][T][T][N][T]
How Economic Shifts Affect Home Loan Rates2025-06-09 | 3 min

home+loan Home Loan
[N][T][T][N][T]
Smart Ways to Understand and Use a Home Loan EMI Calculator2025-06-09 | 3 min

home+loan Home Loan
[N][T][T][N][T]
Home Loans: Smart Financing with Long-Term Benefits2025-06-09 | 3 min

[N][T][T][N][T]
Benefits of Home Loan Interest Rate Conversion: Explained2025-06-09 | 4 min

[N][T][T][N][T]
Understanding Home Loan Subsidies2025-06-06 | 3 min

home+loan Home Loan
[N][T][T][N][T]
Is Prepaying Your Home Loan the Right Move?2025-06-06 | 3 min

loan+against+property Loan Against Property
[N][T][T][N][T]
Loan Against Property vs. Personal Loan: Which Should You Choose?2025-06-06 | 3 min

home+loan Home Loan
[N][T][T][N][T]
Factors to Consider Before Opting for Home Loan Balance Transfer2024-06-21 | 5 min

home+loan Home Loan
[N][T][T][N][T]
Five Important Factors to Keep in Mind When Prepaying Your Home Loan2023-01-17 | 6 min

[N][T][T][N][T]
How Is a Loan Against Property Processed?2024-02-05 | 6 min

cibil Cibil
[N][T][T][N][T]
Tips to Maintain Your Business CIBIL Score Above 7002024-02-02 | 5 min

tax Tax
[N][T][T][N][T]
How to Avail of Tax Benefits on a Loan Against Property2024-06-13 | 5 Min

tax Tax
[N][T][T][N][T]
8 Different Ways to Avail of Tax Benefits on Home Loans2023-03-03 | 4 min

home+loan Home Loan
[N][T][T][N][T]
ITR Filing for Home Loan – Know the Right Process to File Your Income Tax Returns2024-02-16 | 5 min

home+loan Home Loan
[N][T][T][N][T]
10 Factors That Affect Your Home Loan Eligibility2024-05-21 | 7 min

home+loan Home Loan
[N][T][T][N][T]
Understanding CIBIL MSME Rank: What it Means for Your Business Loan Application2025-05-30 | 3 min

home+loan Home Loan
[N][T][T][N][T]
Rising Home Loan Interest Rates: Impact on First-Time Homebuyers2025-06-03 | 3 min

home+loan Home Loan
[N][T][T][N][T]
Know About CTS Number When Buying a Property in Mumbai2025-03-04 | 5 min

home+loan Home Loan
[N][T][T][N][T]
Estimating Your Monthly Outgo on a Rs.1 Crore Home Loan2025-05-30 | 3 min

home+loan Home Loan
[N][T][T][N][T]
How Can You Get a Place of Your Own When Living in a Metro City?2025-05-30 | 3 min

[N][T][T][N][T]
Home Loan ROI Explained: What it Means2025-05-30 | 5 min

[N][T][T][N][T]
What are Tranche Disbursement and Tranche EMI in Home Loans?2025-03-14 | 5 min

home+loan Home Loan
[N][T][T][N][T]
How to Top Up your Home Loan2025-03-04 | 3 min

[N][T][T][N][T]
7 Smart Ways to Optimise Your Home Loan Interest Repayments2025-04-03 | 3 min

home+loan Home Loan
[N][T][T][N][T]
Understanding Home Loan Processing Time: What to Expect and How to Prepare2025-04-14 | 3 min

home+loan Home Loan
[N][T][T][N][T]
5 Great Ways Women Can Benefit from Taking a Housing Loan2024-01-16 | 5 min

home+loan Home Loan
[N][T][T][N][T]
Tips to Secure Quick Home Loan Approval2025-03-03 | 2 min

home+loan Home Loan
[N][T][T][N][T]
Consider These Factors Before Foreclosing Your Home Loan2024-04-16 | 3 min

home+loan Home Loan
[N][T][T][N][T]
Pre-EMI or Full EMI: Understanding Home Loan Repayment Options2025-01-16 |

home+loan Home Loan
[N][T][T][N][T]
How Much Home Loan Can I Get? A Guide for First-Time Borrowers2025-04-07 | 4 min

home+loan Home Loan
[N][T][T][N][T]
Home Loan for Self-Employed Individuals2025-03-03 | 2 min

[N][T][T][N][T]
Smart Ways to Pay Off Your Home Loan Faster2025-04-01 | 6 min

home+loan Home Loan
[N][T][T][N][T]
Home Loan Prepayment: Everything You Need to Know2025-04-07 | 3 min

home+loan Home Loan
[N][T][T][N][T]
Smart Home Loan Planning After 45: Tips and Strategies2025-05-13 | 2 min

home+loan Home Loan
[N][T][T][N][T]
Need More from Your Home Loan? Here’s How You Can Optimise I2025-05-07 | 3 min

home+loan Home Loan
[N][T][T][N][T]
Understanding How Home Loan Interest Rates Are Determined2025-05-12 | 5 min

home+loan Home Loan
[N][T][T][N][T]
An Essential Guide to Refinancing a Home Loan2024-04-22 | 5 Min

home+loan Home Loan
[N][T][T][N][T]
Understanding RERA in Real Estate: Meaning, Full Form, and Benefits2025-02-16 | 2 min

home+loan Home Loan
[N][T][T][N][T]
MPIGR Madhya Pradesh: A Guide to Property Registration and SAMPADA Services2025-04-14 | 2 min

home+loan Home Loan
[N][T][T][N][T]
A Guide to Applying for DTCP Approval for Patta Land Online2025-01-13 | 6 min

home+loan Home Loan
[N][T][T][N][T]
Khasra Number Explained: How to Find It2025-01-03 | 2 min

home+loan Home Loan
[N][T][T][N][T]
Gift Deeds: A Comprehensive Guide to Registration and Documentation2025-01-29 | 2 min

home+loan Home Loan
[N][T][T][N][T]
Understanding Bigha in India: Convert 1 Bigha to Square Feet, Acres, and Hectares2025-01-31 | 2 min

home+loan Home Loan
[N][T][T][N][T]
Home Loan Pre-Closure: Is it the Right Step for You?2025-05-29 | 3 min

home+loan Home Loan
[N][T][T][N][T]
Understanding APF Number and Its Role in Home Loan Applications2025-01-07 | 2 min

loan+against+property Loan Against Property
[N][T][T][N][T]
Understanding Repayment Terms for Loans Against Property2025-05-29 | 3 min

home+loan Home Loan
[N][T][T][N][T]
Smart Steps for Purchasing Property from an NRI: A Guide2025-05-29 | 3 min

home+loan Home Loan
[N][T][T][N][T]
What Does It Mean to Be a Guarantor? Understanding Roles and Responsibilities2025-05-28 | 3 min

home+loan Home Loan
[N][T][T][N][T]
Understanding Home Loan Fees and Charges in India2025-05-28 | 3 min

[N][T][T][N][T]
Understanding EMI Allocation Within Your Salary2025-05-28 | 3 min

[N][T][T][N][T]
Is a Down Payment Mandatory for a Home Loan in India?2025-05-27 | 3 min

[N][T][T][N][T]
How to Buy a Home Securely under MahaRERA2025-05-27 | 4 min

home+loan Home Loan
[N][T][T][N][T]
Valuation of House: A Comprehensive Guide for Homeowners in India2025-05-27 | 2 min

[N][T][T][N][T]
Factors That Affect Your Loan Against Property Eligibility2025-05-26 | 3 min

[N][T][T][N][T]
Why Loan Against Property Can Be an Ideal Choice for Funds2025-05-27 | 4 min

home+loan Home Loan
[N][T][T][N][T]
Freehold vs. Leasehold Property: What You Need to Know2025-05-27 | 2 min

home+loan Home Loan
[N][T][T][N][T]
Transferable Development Rights (TDR): Understanding the Concept2025-02-12 | 2 min

home+loan Home Loan
[N][T][T][N][T]
Buying a Home: Understanding the 'No EMI till Possession' Scheme2025-03-19 | 2 min

home+loan Home Loan
[N][T][T][N][T]
PMAY Urban 2.0: Guidelines for Affordable Housing in India2025-01-29 | 2 min

home+loan Home Loan
[N][T][T][N][T]
Ways to Check RERA Registration Status of Real Estate Projects2025-03-20 | 2 min

loan+against+property Loan Against Property
[N][T][T][N][T]
A Guide to Calculate Loan Against Property EMI2025-01-08 | 2 min

[N][T][T][N][T]
Relinquishment Deed: Meaning, Format, and Documents Required2025-03-19 | 3 min

home+loan Home Loan
[N][T][T][N][T]
How to Get a Top-Up Loan After Transferring Your Home Loan2025-05-23 | 3 min

home+loan Home Loan
[N][T][T][N][T]
Floor Space Index (FSI): Meaning, Calculation, and its Importance in Real Estate2025-03-20 | 2 min

home+loan Home Loan
[N][T][T][N][T]
BBMP: Full Form, History, and Role in Bangalore’s Governance2025-03-20 | 2 min

home+loan Home Loan
[N][T][T][N][T]
Everything You Need to Know About a Co-Applicant in a Home Loan and Tax Benefits2025-03-14 | 2 min

home+loan Home Loan
[N][T][T][N][T]
Should You Take a Home Loan Even If You Have Enough Money to Buy a House?2024-01-30 | 3 min

home+loan Home Loan
[N][T][T][N][T]
Property Search Guide for First-Time Homebuyers2025-05-20 | 3 min

loan+against+property Loan Against Property
[N][T][T][N][T]
Loan Against Property: A Balanced Approach to Financing2025-05-20 | 3 min

tax Tax
[N][T][T][N][T]
How to Reduce the Loan Against Property Interest Rate?2023-12-11 | 3 min

home+loan Home Loan
[N][T][T][N][T]
Making the Shift: Benefits of Moving from Pre-EMI to Full EMI in a Home Loan2025-05-20 | 4 min

cibil Cibil
[N][T][T][N][T]
Loan Rejection Impact on CIBIL Score2024-12-23 | 3 min

home+loan Home Loan
[N][T][T][N][T]
How to Pay Off Your Home Loan Quicker2024-03-11 | 4 Min

[N][T][T][N][T]
NRI Home Loans: 5 Things to Keep in Mind Before Applying2024-02-15 | 4 min

[N][T][T][N][T]
7 Benefits of Taking a Home Loan in India2024-06-19 | 3 min

cibil Cibil
[N][T][T][N][T]
Everything You Should Know About Your CIBIL Score2024-02-09 | 7 min

home+loan Home Loan
[N][T][T][N][T]
How to Calculate Home Loan EMIs2022-06-14 | 5 Mins

home+loan Home Loan
[N][T][T][N][T]
How to Pick the Best Home Loan Tenure that Suits Your Budget2023-06-29 | 5 min

cibil Cibil
[N][T][T][N][T]
Does CIBIL Score Affect Loan Against Property Eligibility?2023-02-15 | 7 min

home+loan Home Loan
[N][T][T][N][T]
Secured vs Unsecured Loan - Know the Difference2023-08-24 | 2 min

loan+against+property Loan Against Property
[N][T][T][N][T]
5 Important Reasons to Opt for a Loan Against Property to Start Your Own Business2023-02-10 | 2 min

cibil Cibil
[N][T][T][N][T]
Ways You Can Improve your Credit Score for a Small Business2023-03-01 | 5 min

home+loan Home Loan
[N][T][T][N][T]
Home Loan for Self-Employed: Three Steps to Improve Your Approval Chances2025-03-12 | 5 min

loan+against+property Loan Against Property
[N][T][T][N][T]
Everything You Wanted to Know About Loan Against Property2023-12-16 | 5 Min

loan+against+property Loan Against Property
[N][T][T][N][T]
Step-by-Step Process How to Apply for a Loan Against Property2024-03-05 | 4 Min

loan+against+property Loan Against Property
[N][T][T][N][T]
Understanding the Fees and Charges on Your Loan Against Property2024-02-16 | 8 min

loan+against+property Loan Against Property
[N][T][T][N][T]
Top Benefits of a Loan Against Property Over Collateral-Free Loans2024-01-09 | 4 min

home+loan Home Loan
[N][T][T][N][T]
Understanding the Benefits of a Home Loan EMI Calculator2023-07-12 | 5 min

cibil Cibil
[N][T][T][N][T]
Minimum CIBIL Score for Business Loans2023-04-17 | 5 min

cibil Cibil
[N][T][T][N][T]
Reasons to Maintain a Positive Credit Profile and a High CIBIL Score2023-03-01 | 5 min

loan+against+property Loan Against Property
[N][T][T][N][T]
Why Professional Loans Against Property Are Financially Beneficial?2023-03-03 | 5 min

home+loan Home Loan
[N][T][T][N][T]
Home Loan EMI Calculator Benefits and It’s Features2024-02-21 | 4 min

[N][T][T][N][T]
What is the Purpose of CIBIL Score?2023-03-25 | 4 min

cibil Cibil
[N][T][T][N][T]
Importance of CIBIL Score & Tips To Improve It2023-02-21 | 5 min

home+loan Home Loan
[N][T][T][N][T]
Smart Things to Consider Before You Apply for a Home Loan2022-12-14 | 5 min

loan+against+property Loan Against Property
[N][T][T][N][T]
Why Loan Against Property Can be a Good Credit Option for a Startup Business?2023-12-22 | 5 Min

home+loan Home Loan
[N][T][T][N][T]
Understanding Sale Deed in Home Loans: Why It Matters2025-05-12 | 2 min

home+loan Home Loan
[N][T][T][N][T]
Reasons Why a Housing Loan Application May Be Rejected2024-02-14 | 3 min

home+loan Home Loan
[N][T][T][N][T]
Top 5 Home Loan Benefits for First-time Woman Buyers2024-05-14 | 5 min

home+loan Home Loan
[N][T][T][N][T]
How to Choose the Best Home Loan?2023-08-09 | 4 min

home+loan Home Loan
[N][T][T][N][T]
Tips to Avoid Rejection of Your Home Loan Application2023-08-01 | 3 min

home+loan Home Loan
[N][T][T][N][T]
Home Loan for Rs.70,000 Salary: How Much Can You Borrow?2025-03-18 | 3 min

home+loan Home Loan
[N][T][T][N][T]
Home Loans for Salaried Employees: Eligibility, Documents, and Application Process2025-03-18 | 3 min

[N][T][T][N][T]
Home Loan for Pensioners: Eligibility and Benefits2025-03-11 | 3 min

tax Tax
[N][T][T][N][T]
How Much Tax Can be Saved Under Sections 80C, 80D, and 80G?2024-05-15 | 5 min

home+loan Home Loan
[N][T][T][N][T]
What is the Ideal Age to Buy a House?2025-03-19 | 2 min

tax Tax
[N][T][T][N][T]
Difference Between Old vs. New Tax Regime2024-08-22 | 5 min

loan+against+property Loan Against Property
[N][T][T][N][T]
Understanding the Mortgage Loan Underwriting Process: What You Should Know2025-05-12 | 3 min

[N][T][T][N][T]
5 Benefits of Availing of a Home Loan at an Early Age2024-05-10 | 3 min

home+loan Home Loan
[N][T][T][N][T]
Benefits of a Home Loan2023-02-20 | 4 min

cibil Cibil
[N][T][T][N][T]
Here’s What You Can Do to Improve Your CIBIL Score