Check Free Credit Score

A Credit Score Checker is an online tool or service, often provided by credit bureaus or third-party websites, that allows individuals to view their credit score. The checker requires certain personal and financial details to fetch the score. Some platforms also provide insights into the factors influencing your score.

Navigating the financial realm today demands a keen awareness of one's credit score. With banks and lending institutions often utilizing this score as a barometer for creditworthiness, the ability to check free credit scores has become essential for everyone. This guide offers a comprehensive insight into understanding, accessing, and optimizing your credit score without any cost.

A credit score is a 3-digit number that shows how well you have managed credit in the past, like a personal loan, home loan, or credit card. It is a measuring tool to know your ability to borrow funds from any lender. CIBIL Score Calculation is based on your past credit history and behaviour.

Simply put, your credit score tells lenders whether you are a reliable or a risky borrower and how likely you will repay a new loan responsibly. While applying for any kind of credit, such as a loan or a credit card, the lending bank or Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) checks your credit score and the history maintained in your credit report.

The credit score is calculated out of 900, and the higher your score, the more your chances are of getting approval for a new credit. Usually, a CIBIL score of 750 or above is considered preferred by lenders for any kind of unsecured loan or credit card. For secured funding, the criteria could be a little relaxed.

If you tend to miss paying your loan Equated Monthly Instalments (EMIs) often or timely credit card bill payments, your credit score is likely to be impacted negatively. Being disciplined with the EMIs and credit card bills payment and not displaying any credit-hungry behaviour by applying for credit frequently will help in improving your credit score.

Credit Information Bureau (India) Limited (CIBIL) is a credit bureau of India that maintains and calculates the credit score of individuals. It is the oldest bureau for maintaining the credit records of people. Apart from CIBIL, three other credit rating agencies in India provide credit reports viz. Experian, CRIF High Mark, and Equifax.

Be it Experian credit score, Equifax credit score, or CRIF Highmark credit score, a credit score is calculated independently by each credit bureau based on your credit information provided to them by banks and Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) regularly.

If you want to check a free credit score from CIBIL, according to CIBIL’s credit policy you can access 1 free credit report in a year. Follow the steps mentioned below to get free credit score for free from CIBIL’s website:

• Go to CIBIL’s official website https://www.cibil.com/freecibilscore.
• Click on the ‘Get Your Free CIBIL Score’ tab.
• Create your account by providing the following information:
  • Email address
  • Password
  • First Name
  • Last Name
  • ID Type: Passport Number, Voter ID Number, Driver’s License Number, Ration Card Number, or you can also check credit score by PAN Card (Income Tax ID Number).
  • ID Number
  • Date of Birth
  • Pin Code
  • Mobile Number
• Click on the ‘Accept & Continue’ button.
• Enter the OTP received on your mobile number.
• Choose whether you want to pair your device or not.
• Select the appropriate answers to the 3 displayed questions.
• Provide your City, Income Type, and Income if you would like to know more about customized loan and credit card offers available basis your CIBIL Score and Report.
• Your credit score will be displayed on the screen along with all the important information about your credit report.

Below are 4 leading credit bureaus in India:

1. TransUnion CIBIL Limited

CIBIL is a complete credit bureau that provides credit analysis for individuals as well as organisations. The CIBIL Score ranges from 300 to 850, with 720 or above being an excellent score. TransUnion CIBIL members include all major financial institutions, lenders, banks, and NBFCs. The bureau provides one free credit report each year.

2. Equifax

Equifax gives portfolio scores as well as risk scores, with credit scores usually ranging from 1 to 999 for individuals. Since 2010, it has been working as an approved credit rating agency. Equifax provides different reports such as industry diagnosis, portfolio management, credit fraud, or risk management reports for companies.

3. Experian

Experian was established in the year 2010. It analyzes the credit reports of companies as well as individuals. Their credit score ranges from 300 to 900. You can get your report in just 20 days.

4. CRIF High Mark

Approved by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), CRIF High Mark analyzes the credit rating of corporates as well as individuals. Their credit rating ranges from 300 to 850.

Each bureau might have a slightly different scoring model, but the core components remain similar.

While the exact formula used by credit bureaus is proprietary, the following components usually influence the calculation:

• Payment History (35%): Regular and timely payments boost the score.
• Credit Utilization (30%): It's the ratio of your credit card balances to their respective credit limits. Lower utilization is preferable.
• Length of Credit History (15%): A longer history can be beneficial.
• New Credit and Inquiries (10%): Multiple new accounts or numerous hard inquiries in a short time can be detrimental.
• Credit Mix (10%): A diverse mix of credit types can be favorable.

To calculate Credit score for free:

• Use official credit bureau websites or trusted third-party platforms.
• Enter the required details.
• The tool or platform will use the above components to provide a near-accurate estimate of your score.

• Favorable Loan Terms: Those with higher scores are often rewarded with lower interest rates and better loan terms.
• Higher Credit Limits: Financial institutions might offer larger credit limits to individuals with a good score.
• Quicker Approvals: Good scores can fast-track loan and credit card application processes.
• Rental & Housing Benefits: Landlords might prefer tenants with a higher score, associating it with financial reliability.
• Employment Opportunities: Some employers check credit scores, especially for roles involving financial responsibilities.

The definition of 'good' or 'bad' can vary slightly across credit bureaus, but generally:

• 300 - 549: Poor: It might be challenging to secure loans, and if approved, interest rates could be high.
• 550 - 649: Fair: You can obtain credit, but not under the most favorable terms.
• 650 - 749: Good: Demonstrates responsible credit management, leading to standard loan terms and decent rates.
• 750 - 850: Excellent: Reflects stellar financial behavior, ensuring the best terms and rates.

While a lower score isn’t the end of the road, it does make financial processes more challenging. On the other hand, maintaining a higher score paves the way for financial flexibility and advantages.

Your credit score is like a financial passport. The better it looks, the smoother your financial journey. Regularly checking and understanding it, especially through free means, can be a game-changer, ensuring that you remain on top of your financial game. It's more than just a number; it's a reflection of your financial discipline.

Below are some tips to keep your finances and credit score in good shape:

• Pay loan EMIs on time: This is the easiest yet crucial way to maintain a healthy credit score. Paying your EMIs on a personal loan, home loan, car loan, or other credit type can help in maintaining your creditworthiness. Keep track of the EMIs’ due dates and also make sure that your savings account has sufficient funds to avoid late payment penalties and interest. Missing or delaying the credit payment for a long period will impact your credit score negatively.
• Pay credit card bills diligently: Credit card bills are often given the least priority when faced with a financial crisis. However, paying at least the minimum due on unsecured debt is critical for maintaining a healthy credit score. Therefore, contact your credit card company and check if they can restructure your payments so that the amount goes towards the principal balance amount minus any fees and interest.
• Keep track of your credit score: You can check your free credit score once a year from any credit rating agency. However, if you have availed of more debt recently, it is advised to get a fresh credit report to see if there is any change in your credit score and, if there is, by how much. If you notice any error, notify the credit bureau immediately so that the error can be rectified immediately.

Below are the tips you can follow to improve your credit score:

• Pay your credit card bills and loan EMIs on time. Do not delay or miss payments at any cost.
• Do not depend on credit excessively. 
• Try to decrease your credit utilization ratio if you often max out your credit card limit.
• Do credit score check-free online, and in case of any error in your credit report, notify to the credit bureau and get it rectified at the earliest.
• Avoid frequent applications for loans or credit cards. At least wait for 6 months from availing the recent credit before you apply for a new credit again.
• Keep a good mix of secured and unsecured credit in your profile.
• Avoid closing your old credit cards, as a longer credit history helps lenders make credit-related decisions easily.
• Seek expert advice from MyMoneyMantra’s credit experts to improve your credit score immediately.
• Understand various credit score risk factors such as payment history, length of credit history, the amount owed, new credit, types of credit in use, etc.

Most banks and NBFCs consider a minimum credit score of 750 or above to approve a personal loan application. A higher CIBIL score makes you a less risky borrower for lenders as they think you will be less likely to turn into a defaulter. A high credit score can help you get a higher loan amount at better interest rates and affordable tenure.

For home loan approvals, most lenders require borrowers to have a credit score of a minimum 650. A score between 650 and 749 is considered good for housing loans as these are secured loans. Scores below 649 are considered average and need to be worked on.

The credit score requirement for obtaining credit cards may be different for each credit card issuer. However, a credit score of 750 or above is usually considered good for getting approved for a credit card.