Your credit score plays a crucial role in accessing loans, credit cards, and various financial opportunities. Knowing how to improve your credit score can help you secure better interest rates, higher credit limits, and quicker approvals. This guide outlines practical steps to strengthen your score and improve your overall financial health.
What is a credit score, and why does it matter?
A credit score is a three-digit number that represents your creditworthiness. In India, it usually ranges from 300 to 900, with a score above 750 considered excellent. The most widely used credit bureau is TransUnion CIBIL, which is why it is commonly referred to as a CIBIL score.
Core features:
- Repayment ability: Reflects how reliably you repay loans and manage credit
- Lender evaluation: Used by banks and financial institutions to approve or reject loan applications
- Better loan benefits: A higher score improves your chances of getting lower interest rates and higher credit limits
Why does your credit score matter when borrowing?
Your credit score is one of the most important factors lenders assess when you apply for a loan or credit card.
- Low score: Indicates higher risk and may result in rejection or higher interest rates
- High score: Reflects responsible credit behaviour and improves your chances of approval
- Loan terms: A higher score can help you secure lower interest rates and higher credit limits
How does credit score calculate?
CIBIL score is calculated by assessing 4 major factors of your financial profile. They are as follows:
- Credit utilisation ratio
- Credit portfolio mix
- Repayment track record
- Amount of existing loans or credit
Factor |
Weight |
Description |
Repayment Track Record |
30% |
Timely payments of EMIs, credit cards, and loans |
Credit Portfolio Mix |
25% |
Variety of secured and unsecured credit accounts |
Credit Utilisation Ratio |
25% |
Amount of credit used vs. available credit |
Number of Loans / Applications |
20% |
Frequency of new credit inquiries or existing loans |
How to increase credit score?
Here are 7 proven ways to improve your credit score:
- Clear outstanding dues: Pay off overdue EMIs, credit card balances, and existing loans to reduce financial burden
- Pay on time: Ensure all bills and EMIs are paid before the due date to avoid penalties and negative marks
- Check for errors: Review your credit report regularly and report any inaccuracies to the credit bureau immediately
- Maintain low utilisation: Keep your credit usage within 30 to 35 percent of your total limit to show responsible behaviour
- Avoid frequent applications: Limit multiple loan or credit card applications within a short period
- Balance your credit mix: Maintain a combination of secured and unsecured credit to strengthen your profile
- Track your score: Monitor your credit score regularly and adjust your financial habits accordingly
Benefits of improving credit score
Improving your credit score offers numerous financial advantages. A higher credit score demonstrates financial responsibility and creditworthiness, making it easier to access loans and financial products. Here are key benefits:
- Easier loan approvals: A good credit score increases the likelihood of loan approval, as lenders view you as a reliable borrower.
- Lower interest rates: With a higher credit score, you can qualify for loans at reduced interest rates, saving money over time.
- Higher credit limits: Lenders are more likely to offer higher credit limits to individuals with strong credit scores, providing financial flexibility.
- Better housing options: Landlords and housing agencies often check credit scores, and a higher score can improve your chances of renting or securing housing.
- Quick approvals: Improved credit scores speed up loan and credit card application processing times.
- Financial security: A strong credit score allows better preparedness for emergencies and unexpected expenses by ensuring easier access to credit.
Tools to monitor and improve your credit score
Using the right tools can help you track your credit health and make informed financial decisions.
- CIBIL score check: Access official credit reports and detailed insights into your credit profile
- Bajaj Finserv credit monitoring: Track score changes regularly and receive actionable tips to improve it
- EMI and loan calculators: Plan repayments efficiently to maintain a healthy credit profile
- Credit utilisation trackers: Monitor usage levels to ensure you stay within an optimal credit limit
How to borrow money with bad credit
In order to get a loan with bad credit, you can employ alternate measures like showing substantial financial backup or pledging an asset as collateral. The latter has a higher chance of success and secured borrowing options also offer larger sanctions along with better repayment terms.
Opt for the Bajaj Housing Finance Limited Loan Against Property by pledging any residential or commercial property that you own as security. This will help you get access to a sizable sanction of up to Rs. 10.50 crore*. Further, thanks to the lenient eligibility criteria, you can qualify for this loan even with a less than ideal CIBIL score, so long as other aspects of your finances are in good standing. You can also choose to repay over a flexible tenure up to 15 years and get access to your funds within 72 hours* of the approval.
Check your eligibility for a loan against property with bad CIBIL score, and to get quick access to funding, check your pre-approved offer. This will help you get a tailored deal and enjoy a hassle-free approval online.
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Common mistakes that can lower your credit score
A few common habits can negatively impact your credit score if not managed carefully:
- Late payments: Even a single missed EMI or credit card bill can bring your score down
- High credit utilisation: Using a large portion of your available credit may indicate a higher risk
- Multiple credit applications: Applying for several loans or credit cards in a short period can affect your score
- Ignoring credit reports: Errors or discrepancies can go unnoticed without regular checks
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