Your credit score
Your credit score is your financial reputation in a single number. It decides whether you get a loan, and at what rate.
What the score is
Credit bureaus such as CIBIL, Experian, Equifax and CRIF High Mark score you between 300 and 900 based on your repayment history. Above about 750 is generally considered good and gets you the best rates.
- Payment history35%
- Credit utilisation30%
- Length of history15%
- Credit mix10%
- Recent enquiries10%
Approximate weights, as commonly described by bureaus. Exact models are proprietary.
What moves it
Payment history matters most: a single missed EMI or card payment can drop your score sharply and stays on record. Credit utilisation: using more than about 30% of your card limit signals stress. Credit mix and age of accounts matter a little. Many recent loan applications in a short time can pull it down.
Checking your own score doesn't hurt it. You're entitled to a free report from each bureau once a year.
Building it
Pay every bill in full and on time, with auto-debit. Keep card usage low relative to the limit. Don't close your oldest card without reason. Check your report yearly for errors and dispute any you find.
Key takeaways
- 1Scores run 300–900; aim for 750+.
- 2On-time payment and low utilisation matter most.
- 3Checking your own score doesn't lower it.
Try it with your own numbers
Finish this lesson
Reaching the end marks it complete. You can also mark it yourself.
Educational content, not investment advice. Figures are illustrative.