Published on Jan 24, 2020Updated on Sept 5, 2024
Life can be uncertain and during certain situations, you may require funds quickly. During such times, a personal loan ends up being your best choice. However, it is important to have a healthy CIBIL score to apply for a personal loan. Alternatively, one should at least try to maintain a minimum CIBIL score for a personal loan.
Firstly, let us understand the meaning of CIBIL. CIBIL stands for Credit Information Bureau (India) Limited. It is one of the leading rating agencies in India and therefore the credit score assigned by it is considered important by lenders.
Your CIBIL score to apply for a personal loan would determine various aspects of your personal loan such as the personal loan amount you are eligible for as well as the personal loan rate of interest charged. For instance, if all things remaining the same, assume that person A is eligible to receive a higher amount as personal loan along with an attractive rate of interest as compared to person B. In such a case, person B can check his CIBIL score. It is likely that person B would have a lower CIBIL score as compared to person A.
There is also a minimum CIBIL score for personal loans. If your score is lower than the minimum CIBIL score, then the terms of the loan might be quite stringent or the loan application itself would be rejected. The CIBIL score for personal loans indicates your creditworthiness to the lender. It measures your ability to pay off a loan regularly and in full. It is important for lenders to maintain a low ratio of bad loans. The CIBIL score also highlights whether the loan applicant is a possible credit risk to the lender.
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Before granting a personal loan, lenders will check the CIBIL score. Lenders publish monthly reports to check the CIBIL scores of various individuals and businesses. This makes it possible for lenders to not only select the relevant customers but also track their repayment pattern
Let us check out what happens across different ranges of CIBIL score:
CIBIL Score Range |
What does this mean for a loan applicant? |
A CIBIL score for a personal loan between 750 – 900 |
If you have a CIBIL score between 750 and 900, then the lender would perceive you to have high creditworthiness. This would indicate that you are a person who is willing to repay loans regularly and on time. Such a healthy credit score range enables you to easily obtain personal loans and even negotiate better loan terms with the lender. |
A CIBIL score for a personal loan between 650 – 749 |
This is considered to be a good score. You may be able to get a personal loan with such a score, but may get it at a higher interest rate or you may not be able to negotiate very favorable terms. |
A CIBIL score for a personal loan between 550 – 649 |
This is considered to be an average credit score. Generally, for such cases, you would be required to improve the credit score. However, it depends on many other factors, including the lender’s policy. |
A CIBIL score for a personal loan between 300 – 549 |
In such a case, it would be quite difficult you receive a personal loan. If you need a personal loan with a bad CIBIL score, then lenders would consider several factors such as job stability, income, tax filings, bank balance, etc. |
But does this mean that those who require a personal loan with a bad CIBIL score would always find it difficult?
Thankfully, one’s credit score is not set in stone. It can be improved over a period of time by taking definite and constructive steps. An individual with a low credit score can work towards reaching the minimum CIBIL score for a personal loan by completing some of the following steps:
It is important to remember that avoiding credit isn’t the solution. Rather one can aim to use credit maturely and build a good credit score over time. In fact, never using credit can lower one’s credit score.
Must Read: How to Get a Personal Loan
However, before improving one’s credit score, it is important to know how to check the CIBIL Score for personal loans.
According to the RBI’s mandate, credit rating agencies have to provide each individual’s credit history online. Applicants can receive one credit score rating for free per year. Knowing how to check one’s credit score and being aware of it are among the most important aspects of responsible financial management.
It is highly recommended that an individual keeps checking the CIBIL score once a month on a specified date. This will ensure that at least the minimum CIBIL score for a personal loan is maintained.
* Please note that this article is for your knowledge only. Loans are disbursed at the sole discretion of SMFG India Credit. Final approval, loan terms, disbursal process, foreclosure charges and foreclosure process will be subject to SMFG India Credit's policy at the time of loan application. If you wish to know more about our products and services, please contact us
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