Credit Score, also known as CIBIL Score, is used by lenders as an indicator of an individual’s creditworthiness to repay their debt. Simply put, a good Credit Score means that the person has paid all their credits/loans on time and thus, should be eligible to avail loans quickly and generally at lower interest rates. Credit Scores play a crucial role in the approval or rejection of your loan application. Although you may get approved for loans despite having a low Credit Score, low-interest rates and quick approval cannot be ensured. Hence, it is best that you apply for a loan only with a good credit score (700+ on CIBIL) or after improving your Credit Score if it is poor (below 700 on CIBIL).
If you want to enhance your Credit Score, adopting the right strategies can significantly improve your credit health. Here are five practical tips that can set you on the right path to boosting your score.
1. Make Your Payments on Time
Even if you have a bad Credit Score (less than 700) currently, ensure that you are extra careful about paying your credit card, loan and other utility bills on time. This will ensure that the Credit Score report does not show any major defaults. Make note of the time your transaction might take while making online payments. If you are paying by cheque, ensure that the cheque reaches the organisation a few days before the bill’s due date. This way, even if there is any delay, you will be able to make your payment on time.
2. Avoid Too Much Credit
These days, one tends to receive a number of calls and emails from multiple banks or financial institutions about their credit card and loan offerings. You might feel that owning a few credit cards or loans will make life a lot easier. The many benefits these products provide, including the advantage of balance transfer, may help you lead a financially flexible life. That being said, having too many credit cards/loans can be an indicator that you are hungry for more credit and this can tamper your chances of receiving additional credit when you actually need it. Moreover, if you have multiple such cards or loans, you are also likely to miss due dates for bill payments and this could result in a drop in your score.
3. Use Your Credit Cards Wisely
There is no doubt that credit cards are an incredible financial tool to own. They allow you to have sufficient credit to spend and also provide different benefits in the form of air miles and reward points. Additionally, with credit cards in hand, you can roam anywhere without having to worry about making a stop at ATM shops for cash withdrawals. However, you can benefit from all these services only if you know how to make wise use of your credit cards. Avoid going beyond 40% of your credit limit. Also, closing a credit card suddenly is considered a bad move unless you have received an NOC from your credit provider. Talk to us before you close a card or loan.
4. Borrow a Mix of Secured and Unsecured Loans
Availing unsecured loans like personal loans can hurt your Credit Score. On the other hand, secured loans such as home loans can positively impact Credit Scores since they are invested towards the creation of an asset. Thus, limit the unsecured element of your credit portfolio to improve your Credit Score.
5. Stop Applying for too Many Loans
When you apply for loans like home or vehicle loans and reach out to several banks, each bank checks your Credit Score. This frequent checking can make it seem like you’re urgently seeking credit, which might affect your score. Whenever a bank makes an inquiry with CIBIL, it will directly reflect on your credit report. The more the number of inquiries made, the more your Credit Score falls. To positively influence your creditworthiness, keep these inquiries to a minimum and obtain a copy of your Credit Score personally. Once you learn your credit standing is below expectation, be prepared to pay higher interest rates on loans. Rather than visiting multiple banks for loans, approach the banks that will provide loans at affordable rates.
In conclusion, always try to make optimal and wise use of credit to maintain a good Credit Score. Once you start following these tips, it will take around 6-12 months for your CIBIL score to show improvement. With the right financial partner, such as Oolka, you can improve your Credit Score effectively and quickly.