Curated By: Business Desk
Last Updated: September 04, 2023, 19:12 IST
Credit scores have become a vital part of the lending ecosystem.
Before applying for loans in India, it’s essential to consider key factors, including credit scores, and the country’s four major credit bureaus play a significant role in evaluating creditworthiness.
Applying for a loan, whether it’s for your dream home, launching a business, or furthering your education, can be a daunting process. In today’s financial landscape, banks and lending institutions have made loans and credit cards more accessible. However, there are several essential considerations to keep in mind before embarking on your loan journey.
One crucial factor that often plays a pivotal role in loan applications is your credit score. Credit scores have become an integral part of the lending ecosystem, providing lenders with valuable insights into an applicant’s creditworthiness. These scores are calculated based on credit reports compiled by specialized organizations known as credit bureaus.
Each bureau employs its proprietary algorithm to compute credit scores. In India, there are four prominent credit information companies (CICs) or credit bureaus:
TransUnion CIBIL
Equifax
Experian
CRIF High Mark
TransUnion CIBIL Limited, formerly known as the Credit Information Bureau, is renowned as one of India’s most trusted credit bureaus. It maintains credit information for nearly a billion individuals and businesses worldwide and boasts a member list comprising major banks and financial institutions. TransUnion CIBIL plays a crucial role in assessing creditworthiness and generating credit information reports (CIR) for consumers.
A crucial aspect that significantly influences your credit score is your payment history, carrying a substantial weightage of approximately 35% in the calculation. Timely repayments of loans, credit card dues, and other financial obligations can positively impact your credit score. Credit scores typically range from 300 to 900, and not having a positive credit score can hinder your prospects of securing future loans.
Equifax, Experian, and CRIF High Mark also offer credit score calculation services. It’s advisable to regularly check your credit score, as doing so can enhance your loan approval chances and potentially secure lower interest rates. Maintaining a credit score above 650 is generally recommended. Before applying for loans, it’s essential to explore multiple options and compare interest rates. It’s prudent to thoroughly understand the terms and conditions of your loan agreement and conduct comprehensive research.
