A good CIBIL score is crucial when applying for loans, as it reflects your creditworthiness to lenders. If your loan has been refused due to a low CIBIL score, don’t despair. Here are 20 practical ways to raise your CIBIL score and improve your chances of loan approval.
1. Check Your Credit Report Regularly
Obtain your CIBIL report and check it for errors. Any discrepancies should be reported and corrected promptly to ensure accurate scoring.
2. Clear Outstanding Dues
Pay off any overdue balances on credit cards and loans. This immediate action can have a significant positive impact on your score.
3. Avoid Late Payments
Set up reminders or automate payments to ensure you never miss a due date. Timely payments are key to maintaining a good score.
4. Reduce Credit Card Balances
Keep your credit card utilization ratio below 30%. High balances relative to your credit limit can hurt your score.
5. Increase Your Credit Limit
Request an increase in your credit limit from your credit card issuer. A higher limit with the same spending will lower your utilization ratio.
6. Diversify Your Credit Mix
If possible, maintain a mix of credit types (e.g., credit cards, loans) to show you can manage different types of debt responsibly.
7. Avoid Applying for New Credit Frequently
Multiple loan or credit card applications in a short period can signal financial distress, which may negatively affect your score.
8. Use Secured Credit Cards
If you have a poor score, using a secured credit card can help you rebuild your credit. Ensure you make timely payments to benefit from this.
9. Maintain a Long Credit History
Keep old accounts open. The longer your credit history, the better it is for your score.
10. Avoid Closing Credit Accounts
Closing credit accounts can reduce your available credit and increase your credit utilization ratio, potentially lowering your score.
11. Negotiate With Creditors
If you’re struggling to pay, contact your creditors to negotiate terms. This proactive approach may help you avoid missed payments.
12. Dispute Inaccurate Information
If you find incorrect information on your report, dispute it with the credit bureau. A corrected report can boost your score.
13. Keep Your Debt-to-Income Ratio Low
Lenders prefer a lower debt-to-income ratio, so avoid taking on excessive debt compared to your income.
14. Pay More Than the Minimum Due
Paying more than the minimum due on your credit card can reduce your balance faster and improve your credit utilization ratio.
15. Opt for a Longer Tenure Loan
A longer tenure loan means lower EMIs, making it easier to stay on top of payments, which helps maintain a good score.
16. Set Up Automatic Payments
Automate your payments to avoid late fees and the negative impact on your score from missed payments.
17. Monitor Your Co-signed Accounts
If you’ve co-signed a loan or credit card, ensure the other party is making timely payments, as it affects your score too.
18. Avoid Over-leveraging Yourself
Don’t max out your credit cards or take on more debt than you can handle. Lenders look for borrowers who manage credit responsibly.
19. Consider a Credit Builder Loan
Some financial institutions offer credit builder loans, which are designed to help improve your credit score over time.
20. Get Professional Help
If you’re struggling to improve your score, consider seeking advice from a credit counselor who can guide you through personalized strategies.
Conclusion
Improving your CIBIL score takes time and discipline, but it’s a crucial step towards securing a loan. By following these 20 strategies, you can gradually rebuild your creditworthiness and increase your chances of loan approval. Remember, a healthy financial life requires continuous effort and attention.
