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Developing positive credit habits helps to uphold a strong credit score, reflecting your creditworthiness.

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Check Your Credit Score for Free

Your Credit Score is a snapshot of your financial health. Checking your credit score is free and won’t impact your credit health - Get your free credit score and report, understand the factors impacting it, and take control of your financial future.

Having a good credit score increases eligibility for credit cards and loans at better terms and lower interest rates. The higher the credit score, the better the chances of loan approval.

Banks and NBFCs grant good terms to borrowers with a low lending risk. The credit score is a magic number telling financial institutions about the lending risk associated with a borrower. A higher credit score depicts a low lending risk and a greater probability of loan repayment, and vice versa.

In fact, keeping an eye on your credit score can help you find ways to make it even better. There are two simple methods to check your credit score.

  • Check your credit score

    Check your credit score for free by visiting the Shriram Finance website.

  • Download Shriram One

    Download Shriram One app to check your credit score for free.

Steps to Check Credit Score for Free

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to check your credit score on Shriram Finance website:

  • Step 01
    Click "Check Credit Score" tab on the Shriram Finance website.
  • Step 02
    Enter your PAN number, Date of Birth and confirm your personal information.
  • Step 03
    Enter your pincode and press "Continue" to confirm your mobile number with the OTP sent.
  • Step 04
    After viewing your credit score on the screen, proceed to download your credit report.
check-credit-score-for-free

What is Credit Score and How it Works?

A credit score is a three-digit number indicating your credit health. It represents credit history thereby ascertaining creditworthiness. It provides information on all past borrowings and showcases the ability to make repayments. This information is useful for potential lenders.

A credit score in India can range anywhere between 300 to 900. However, a credit score of 700 and above is considered the ideal benchmark when applying for credit cards or loans.

How Does Credit Score Work?

Defaulting on EMI payments impacts the credit score negatively. Credit scores improve when good financial discipline is maintained and debts are cleared on time. Some other factors that impact credit score include

  • Repayment History
    Repayment history
  • Credit Card Utilisation
    Credit card utilisation
  • Portfolio Age
    Portfolio age
  • Portfolio Mix
    Portfolio mix
  • Inquiries
    Inquiries

Each of these factors carries a specific level of importance. The cumulative result of evaluating each factor with its assigned weight contributes to the calculation of a credit score. In essence, the credit score is derived from the combined impact of these individually weighted assessments.

The four credit bureaus (CRIF, CIBIL™, Equifax, Experian) collect and manage information provided to them by banks and NBFCs about your credit history. All four credit bureaus use their own algorithms to calculate your credit score.

What do Different Credit Score Ranges Signify?

A credit score falls within the range of 300 to 900. The higher your score approaches 900, the more favourable it is.

Credit Score RangeCategoryImplications
No HistoryNo Credit HistoryEstablishing a credit track record begins with obtaining a loan or credit card.
300 – 500PoorHigh default risk with likely higher interest rates and low approval chances.
501 – 700FairDifficulty in timely payments leading to potentially elevated interest rates.
701 – 850GoodIncreased loan approval chances but better negotiation power on loan terms.
850 and aboveExcellentHigher loan approval rates, lower interest rates and exclusive benefits

Importance of Credit Score

Credit score plays a vital role in the approval of credit requests. Here are a few other points that outlines the significance of a good credit score.

Prime Eligibility Criteria
Prime Eligibility Criteria

A lender or credit issuer checks a borrower's credit score first when they apply for a credit card, mortgage, or loan. Credit reports and scores are indicators for financial institutions to check the reliability of an individual or business concerning repayment of debts on time.

Individuals should keep building their credit score if they have a low score or have defaulted on their payments in the past. A good credit score will help you sail smoothly through the loan application process and get the best terms.

A good credit score can be helpful when a borrower applies for a personal loan, home loan, business loan, and more.

Grants Negotiating Power
Grants Negotiating Power

Many businesses and individuals today depend on credit to meet their financial needs in the short run or in emergency situations. The lenders like banks and NBFCs consider your credit score an important parameter while granting loans.

The entire system of credit – availability, time period, and interest rates – depends on your credit score.

A good credit score increases the bargaining power of the borrower to claim good interest rates, tenure, and favourable repayment terms from lenders.

Loans Get Approved Quickly
Loans Get Approved Quickly

Borrowers with a long credit history and good credit scores get their loans approved quickly by lenders. Many lenders offer pre-approved loans to their customers with higher credit score.

Also, the borrower doesn’t need to wait longer to get their loan application approved. Lenders grant quick approvals to borrowers with a good credit score and payment history.

Higher Limit on Your Credit Card
Higher Limit on Your Credit Card

Besides quick loan approvals, borrowers also get a higher loan amount sanctioned with a good credit score. Similarly, for credit cards, you can enjoy higher credit limits.

In contrast, lenders can lower credit card limits for people with a low credit score. A good credit score shows you can handle timely repayments.

Good for Your Visa Application
Good for Your Visa Application

Most countries consider your income tax records and credit history when approving your visa application. A healthy credit score adds more weightage to your visa application. It can influence the approval process.

How to Calculate Credit Score?

how-to-calculate-credit-score

In India, credit scores are primarily calculated by credit bureaus based on the information provided by banks and financial institutions. Here is a general overview of how credit scores are calculated:

Factors that influence your credit score:

  1. Repayment History (35%):This is the most critical factor. It tracks your repayment history for credit cards, loans, etc. On-time payments positively impact your score, while late payments or defaults can lower it.
  2. Credit Card Utilization (20%):This indicates how much of your available credit you are using. Keeping credit card balances low in proportion to your credit limit can positively impact your score.
  3. Portfolio Age (10%):A longer credit history demonstrates your experience in handling credit.
  4. Portfolio Mix (20%):Having a mix of different types of credit (like credit cards, loans, etc.) can positively impact your score, showcasing your ability to handle various financial responsibilities.
  5. Inquiries (15%): Opening multiple new credit accounts within a short period can negatively impact your score, as it might indicate financial stress.

What is a Good Credit Score in India?

Any score above 700 is considered a good credit score in India. Credit score above 850 is considered to be excellent.

There’s a lot you can achieve financially and credit-wise with a good credit score. There are many benefits of a good credit score.

  • Access to Loan
    Access to loans, including personal loans, home loans, etc
  • Eligible for Best Credit Card
    You become eligible for the best credit cards with multiple benefits
  • Loan Approval Process
    A good credit score speeds up loan approval processes
  • Flexible Tenure
    Enjoy affordable interest rates and flexible tenure on loans and credit
  • Affordable Loan Procurement
    More affordable loan procurement with lower processing fees and charges.
  • Credit Score Benefits
    Get personalised loan terms for your loan application

Why should I Check my Credit Score?

Knowing your credit score empowers you to make informed financial decisions. Planning for a major purchase like a house or car? A good credit score can significantly improve your chances of getting approved for a loan with favourable terms. By monitoring your score and taking steps to improve it if needed, you can pave the way for a financially secure future

Reasons for a Low Credit Score

There could be several reasons for a low credit score. A few reasons include:

  • High credit card balances hurt your score.

  • Failing to make loan payments lowers your credit score.

  • Applying for many loans quickly drops your score.

  • Unpaid card dues lead to bank deductions, harming your score.

  • Unaddressed card debt can be sold to collectors, hurting your score.

reason-for-low-credit-score
  • Maxing out a card reduces your score.

  • Closing old cards shortens history, impacting your score.

  • It's not ideal to stick to only one type of credit, like a credit card or a loan

  • Balance secured and unsecured loans for a good history.

  • Bankruptcy severely lowers your score.

  • Check your report often to fix errors and monitor your score.

How to Increase Credit Score Quickly?

If your credit score is low, consider improving it before you apply for a loan. A good credit score improves a borrower's bargaining power and helps them get the best loan terms and interest rates.

Here’s how you can increase your credit score instantly:

Clear All Your Outstanding Payments
Clear All Your Outstanding Payments

Timely bill payments are crucial for maintaining a positive credit score, as outstanding payments can have a detrimental impact. Consider opting for loan prepayment as an additional proactive measure to manage your financial obligations effectively.

Optimise Your Credit Utilisation
Optimise Your Credit Utilisation

Using too much credit makes lenders think you can't manage money well. Use only what you need, stay under your limit, and plan repayments wisely to show responsible financial behaviour.

Repay Your Instalments on Time
Repay Your Instalments on Time

Your credit score depends on your loans, credit cards and whether you pay instalments on time. Your credit report shows late payments. Set up automatic transfers to avoid delays and make sure you have enough money in your account for the transfer.

Maintain Healthy Credit Mix
Maintain a Healthy Credit Mix

Never rely on a single mode of credit to meet your expenses. Choose an optimum credit mix using credit cards, secured loans, unsecured loans, etc. A healthy credit mix favourably impacts your credit score.

Check Credit Score Regularly
Check Credit Score Regularly

Keep checking your credit score regularly to pick out any discrepancies in the credit report and score. Check your credit score for free by visiting the credit score page on Shriram Finance and report any discrepancies to the credit rating bureau.

How does Credit Score Impact Eligibility for Loans and Credit Cards?

A credit score is the most crucial number in your financial journey. 
Good credit score shows a borrower's creditworthiness and the ability to repay credit on time. Lenders grant approval to loan and credit card applications from borrowers with a high credit score. Borrowers can also claim good interest rates and favourable terms of payment if they have a good credit score

A credit score shows the payment and credit history of a borrower. It shows the reliability of the borrower when it comes to repayment and default risk. Therefore, the higher the credit score, the better are the chances of getting your loan approved.

List of Credit Information Bureaus in India

RBI has given licenses to 4 credit rating agencies in India. The list of credit information bureaus in India is as follows:

Note: the credit score from all the credit rating agencies in India ranges from 300 and 900. Any score above 700 is considered a good credit score. Also, you can check your credit score for free only once from the official website of any of the credit rating agencies for free.

  • CIBIL™
    CIBIL™

    It is India's oldest credit information bureau and was established in 2000. If you must check your credit score more than once a year, you can take a subscription of ₹550 for your credit score plus report.

  • Equifax
    Equifax

    Equifax got the license in 2010. You can get the credit report plus score from this agency at ₹400, excluding GST.

  • Experian
    Experian

    Experian was established in 2006 but obtained the RBI license in 2010. You need to pay ₹399 for your credit report and score.

  • CRIF Highmark
    CRIF Highmark

    CRIF Highmark received its license in 2010 and charges ₹399 (including GST) for your credit report and score.

What is Credit Report?

A credit report summarises your credit history. It contains details concerning your credit cards, loans, delayed payments, and bankruptcies. It also contains your credit score and personal details.

Banks, NBFCs, and lenders collect your credit information and send it to credit rating agencies. Once the agencies receive the information from banks and NBFCs, they start collecting more details about your credit habits and repayment habits. This information is compiled as a credit report.

The RBI authorises four credit rating agencies in India to collect information and calculate credit reports and scores on your behalf.

Credit Reports Uses

Your credit report can be put to several uses. Some of them include

  • It acts as proof and marker of your creditworthiness 

  • It contains all the details and information of your credit cards, loan accounts, credit limits, late payments, defaults and bankruptcies, if any.

  • Banks and NBFCs refer to your credit report to check your eligibility for a credit card or a loan

Credit Reports
  • The credit report helps to analyse the entire credit history of a person in one go

  • It also lets you discover the reasons impacting your credit score 

  • Lenders use the credit report information to approve loans and to fix the credit limits for all eligible customers

  • The information present in a credit report also affects the ability to get a car, rent a house, or take a home loan.

Difference between a Credit Score, Credit Rating, and a Credit Report

A credit report is a summary of all your credit dealings and repayments. It compiles information on all your credit cards, loans, outstanding payments, etc. You can get a copy of your credit report for free from any of the credit rating agencies or by visiting Shriram Finance.

A credit score, on the other hand, is a three-digit number ranging from 300 to 900. It measures your creditworthiness. Credit scores are derived from your credit report. A credit score measures the repayment capability of individuals.

A credit rating is somewhat different from a credit score. The score measures the ability of the businesses to repay a loan or financial obligations. The rating is calculated by looking at the past credit history of such businesses.

Why Credit Reports are Important for Businesses?

Positive credit reports can favourably impact the prospects of your business in many ways.

  • Building trust between the company and its suppliers, creditors, and associates

  • Gives proof of reliability of the business in its dealings

  • Makes accessing and procuring credit easy for businesses 

  • Contains an in-depth analysis of the financial history and credit standing of a corporation 

  • Lowers lending costs and secures more favourable interest rates, tenure, and other loan terms

  • Helps in identifying the shortcomings and the need to address the issues that might be hampering a business’s credit score

  • Access to new opportunities through constant vigilance and financial planning.

Key Details Included in Credit Report

A credit report contains all the important information about your credit history and payment discipline. Your credit report doesn’t include data on investments, savings, or Indian utility bill payments. It contains important details related to your financial history, including.

  • Your credit score and personal details.

  • Information about your credit cards and loans.

  • Balances and limits on your credit cards and loans.

  • Details on late payments, defaults, and credit inquiries.

  • A record of institutions checking your credit report and why.

Understanding the Credit Reports Through Key Terms

It is important to have a clear understanding of your credit report. Some of the key terms included in the credit report are.

  • Standard (STD): Repayments made within 90 days.

  • Non-Performing Asset (NPA): Repayments pending for over 90 days.

  • Credit Limit: The maximum credit that can be extended to you on a credit card or overdraft.

  • Sub Standard Account (SUB): An account that has delayed payments or remained an NPA for over a year.

  • Enquiry: It shows a list of loans and credit card applications and their details. Banks and NBFCs provide the information to the credit rating bureau.

  • Repayment tenure: The time involved or the duration of the repayment of a loan(s).

  • Control Number: Unique 9-digit code credit bureaus use to track your credit report.

  • Account status: It shows whether an account is open or closed. It also shows your payment behaviour at the time of your last update.

  • Revolving Account: A credit account similar to a credit card having a set credit limit. It allows you to carry a balance for which you must pay interest.  Monthly payments are based on the outstanding balance due.

  • Annual Percentage Rate (APR): APR is the yearly interest rate on unpaid dues and payments.

  • Charge-Off: A charge-off in your credit report implies that a lender has marked your debt as uncollectible. Charge-offs can negatively impact your credit score for up to 7 years.

  • Principal Balance: The amount outstanding on your loans and credit cards, excluding interest rates and fees. A credit debt gets cleared when the principal amount with interest rates gets paid.

Improving your credit health

Ranging from 300 to 900, a higher score signifies better creditworthiness. Factors like repayment history, credit utilization, credit mix, and credit inquiries influence the score. Regular score checks can help rectify errors. Strategies to enhance the score include timely payments, optimized credit utilization, and maintaining a healthy credit mix. By following these insights, individuals can proactively improve their financial prospects and secure favourable opportunities for loans and credit.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How to Check Credit Score for Free?

Check credit score for free on a credit rating agency's official website once a year. You can visit Shriram Finance website and check your credit score for free by entering a few personal details and verifying your mobile number and OTP.

What is the credit score range?

A credit score can range anywhere between 300 to 900. A credit score of 300 denotes the least creditworthiness, while 900 denotes the highest creditworthiness. A score of 700 or above is considered the ideal credit score for any person in India.

How is my Credit Score determined?

Credit rating agencies use different formulas and algorithms for calculating credit score. Credit rating agencies consider several factors for calculating a credit score:

  • Payment history
  • Credit history
  • Credit mix
  • Amount owed
  • New credit

Who calculates credit scores?

Four credit bureaus in India calculate credit scores. These bureaus are CRIF, CIBIL, Equifax and Experian. Each bureau has a different formula and algorithm to measure credit scores. Therefore, your credit score can vary from one credit agency to another

Does having too many credit cards affect a credit score?

Having too many credit cards doesn’t impact your credit score. But you must refrain from applying too many credit cards at once. Lending institutions consider multiple credit inquiries as unfavourable. Multiple credit inquiries can also adversely impact your credit score.

Also, non-management and poor management of multiple repayments may lead to a lower credit score. But your credit score improves if you successfully manage multiple credit cards over time.

How do credit scores change?

Credit scores usually gets updated at least once a month. But if you conduct some credit activity, lenders send the information to credit bureaus. In that case too, your score gets updated. Your credit score may change more frequently with multiple credit accounts or financial products.

Why don't I have a credit score?

You may not have a credit score because you never took credit. Even if you had previously taken credit, and there’s no recent related activity, you may still not have a credit score. Sometimes, lenders and banks don’t report your credit information to the credit bureaus. In that case, you may have no credit score for lack of information.

How can I improve my Credit Score?

Consistently pay bills on time to boost your credit score. Keep old credit cards active and pay them promptly. Manage your credit limit wisely to control spending and raise your score. Opt for longer loan terms to reduce monthly payments and decrease the risk of default.

Do late payments affect a credit score?

A single late payment has a mild credit impact, fixable by maintaining discipline. But delaying over 30 days could drop your score by 100 points. Past 90 days damages credit significantly, affecting it for 7 years. Beyond 120 days, it's sold, further reducing your score when reported.

Does anyone have a 900 credit score?

A credit score of 900 shows maximum creditworthiness. It is almost impossible for someone to get a score of 900 as many factors are involved in calculating a credit score. However, a person can have a credit score very close to the 900 mark.

Why is a PAN card required for checking the credit score?

PAN is necessary to check credit scores as all your financial transactions are recorded against your PAN card. If you don’t have a PAN card, you haven’t accessed any credit in the past. It also means you may not have any credit score at all.

What is the minimum Credit Score to get any loan?

A credit score of 700 or higher is considered a good credit score. Any credit score above 750 is considered ideal for getting any unsecured loan. You can get a secured personal loan if you have a credit score in the range of 600-700.

Do finance companies have a negative impact on credit scores?

Applying for a credit card or loan with a finance company invites a hard query regarding your credit. A hard query can drop your credit score by five points. Soft inquiries into your credit don’t impact your credit score.

Is an 800 credit score easy?

It might be hard to get a credit score of 800 unless you have a credit mix of several kinds of credits. This means a person may have a car loan or mortgage and use credit cards simultaneously. If they can manage their debts well in the long term, they may get a score of 800 or more.

Is 600 a good credit score?

A credit score of 600 is considered a below-average score. It implies that you don’t have a healthy credit history. Most lenders and banks may not approve your loan or credit card applications.

What is the minimum credit score to get a credit card?

The minimum credit score to get a credit card is 750. Any score below 750 doesn’t make you eligible for a credit card.

Can I get a 50K loan with a 650 credit score?

If you have a credit score of 650, it may be very difficult to get a personal loan. If you get a loan of 50k or higher, you would have to pay higher interest rates. You would also have to repay the loan within a shorter term.

How to get an 800 credit score in 45 days?

Getting a credit score of 800 in 45 days is possible by diligently following a healthy credit discipline. Check your credit score and set your targets. Start paying off your debts instead of transferring them.

Always keep your credit card outstanding balances low. Make the payment for bills which are past the due date. Have a good credit mix of multiple kinds of credit to achieve an 800 credit score.

What is a bad credit score?

A credit score ranging from 300 to 550 is considered bad. If your credit score falls in this range, you need to improve your credit score.

What happens if I don't pay the dues of my credit card for 5 years? 

Non-payment of credit card dues for a period of 5 years can invite late fees, increased rates of interest, and a reduction in your credit score. The bank puts your debt in the default category. Your credit cards are frozen. Your debt is sold to a third-party collection agency.

Do credit scores expire?

Credit scores expire when you no longer have a credit history or use credit cards for a considerable period of time. A default on your payments for more than 90 days can negatively impact your credit score. The impact remains for a period of 7 years.

Is credit score affected by age?

Your age does not impact your credit score. But the length of your credit history or the age of your credit profile does impact your credit score. The longer the credit history, the more favourable will be your credit score.

Is there a 0 credit score?

There is no 0 credit score even if they have defaulted on their payments several times or have a poor credit history. The credit scores range from 300 to 900. 300 is the minimum credit score a person could have.

When a person starts using credit responsibly, their starting credit score range between 500 to 700.

Does renting or leasing a home affect a credit score in any way?

Paying your rent doesn’t directly impact your credit score. But if you use a credit card to pay your rent, it will be a part of your credit history and help build your credit score.

Do inquiries affect a credit score?

A hard credit inquiry impacts your credit score negatively. It can cause your credit score to fall by 5 points or less. Persons with good credit scores are even less impacted by hard queries. Soft queries don’t impact your credit score at all.

What is Credit Repair?

A Credit repair involves rebuilding your credit health to a level where you become eligible for loans.

If I am a guarantor to a loan, does that show up on my credit report?

Yes, your role as a guarantor shows up on your credit report and if the primary applicant cannot pay off the loan, you will have to make the balance payments. Your credit score will be adversely impacted if you cannot repay the loan.

Why do loan providers/lenders check my Credit Score before approving a loan? 

The Credit Score measures your creditworthiness and lenders check it for reasons like: 
• To check your credit history & record 
• To determine your capacity to repay the loan 
• To review your credit balance and judge the risk level of your profile 
• To identify if you meet the loan provider eligibility criteria 
• To offer you the best interest rate and loan amount

How many days does it take to update a customer's payment status? 

The customer’s account information is sent once every month. It generally takes 45 to 60 working days to update this information. 

If a loan is denied to a customer by one bank on the grounds of the Credit report, will it be denied by other banks too? Approval or rejection of a credit application depends on the credit policies of respective banks and financial institutions. Rejection of a credit application by one bank on the grounds of the credit report might not attract the same result from another bank.

Can a customer's repayment track be overwritten in the credit bureau's database?

Member banks and financial institutions send their customer data to Credit Score every month. In the case of a delinquent customer, if all the outstanding payment has been made in the current month, the same will be reflected in subsequent reporting to Credit Score. However, the Credit Score records for the previous months will continue to show the payment behaviour shown by the customer.