Breaking Myths: 5 Common Misconceptions About CIBIL Scores

Have you ever checked your credit score and wondered if a “poor” score would permanently affect your financial future? Or maybe you’ve thought that frequently checking your CIBIL score could lower it? If so, you’re not alone.

Misconceptions about credit scores or CIBIL scores are more common than you might think. These myths can lead to poor financial decisions if left unaddressed. In this article, we’ll debunk 5 common CIBIL score myths to help you make smarter financial choices moving forward.

Myth #1: Checking Your CIBIL Score Lowers It

This is one of the most common factors affecting CIBIL scores that people misunderstand. Many believe that checking their score often causes it to drop. However, in reality, your score only decreases temporarily during a hard inquiry. For example, if a lender checks your score as part of the loan approval process, it may drop by a few points for a short time.

On the other hand, when you check your CIBIL score on your own, it’s considered a soft inquiry, and it has no impact on your score. In fact, regular monitoring is encouraged to keep track of your credit health.

Myth #2: A High Income Guarantees a High CIBIL Score

Your income has little impact on your CIBIL score. Your score is primarily determined by factors like repayment behaviour, credit utilisation, and credit mix. Therefore, it matters little whether you earn a modest salary or are a high earner.

In fact, if you default on loans or use excessive credit, your score can drop significantly, regardless of your income level. CIBIL score improvement tips include ensuring timely payments on bills and EMIs and keeping your credit utilisation ratio at or below 30%.

Myth #3: Closing Old Credit Cards Improves Your Score

While it may seem logical to close unused credit cards, doing so may hurt your CIBIL score. Older credit cards contribute to the average age of your credit history, which is an important factor in maintaining a healthy score.

Closing these cards reduces your overall available credit limit and shortens the length of your credit history, both of which can negatively impact your credit score.

Myth #4: Taking a Personal Loan Reduces Your CIBIL Score

One of the common CIBIL score and loan approval myths is that taking a personal loan automatically reduces your score. While a loan application may result in a hard inquiry, which could cause a temporary dip in your score, it does not do lasting harm.

Your CIBIL score is primarily impacted by how you manage the loan – timely payments, keeping your credit utilisation in check, and maintaining a healthy credit mix are the key factors. Taking a loan responsibly can actually help improve your score over time if you make regular, on-time repayments.

Myth #5: CIBIL Scores Are Only Needed for Loans

CIBIL scores are not just relevant when applying for loans. Landlords, insurance companies, and even some employers may check your credit score to assess your overall financial reliability.

A good CIBIL score can open doors to better opportunities beyond just borrowing money, which is why it’s important to maintain a healthy score at all times.

Summing Up

Understanding these common myths about CIBIL scores is crucial for making informed financial decisions. By knowing the truth behind these misconceptions, you can better manage your credit health and work towards improving your score. Remember that building a good credit score takes time and consistent effort – it’s about maintaining good financial habits rather than looking for quick fixes.

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