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How to Improve CIBIL Score for Better Loan Approval?
Published:
17 May, 2025

Introduction:
A good CIBIL score is important for securing personal loan, home loan, or credit card in India. If you’re wondering how to improve CIBIL score, how to improve CIBIL score immediately, or even how to improve CIBIL score quickly, you’re not alone. Many individuals struggle with maintaining a healthy credit score due to defaults, missed payments, or lack of credit history. In this blog, we’ll walk you through expert tips to improve your CIBIL score, including how to improve CIBIL score with practical, easy steps.
What is a CIBIL Score and Why Does It Matter?
CIBIL (Credit Information Bureau India Limited) is India’s leading credit bureau. Your CIBIL score is a 3-digit number (ranging from 300 to 900) that reflects your creditworthiness. The higher the score, the better your chances of loan approval are.
Here’s why your CIBIL score matters:
- It influences loan approvals
- It determines the interest rate you’ll be charged
- It affects the credit limit on your credit cards
- It reflects your financial discipline
For salaried individuals and first-time credit users, knowing how to improve CIBIL score quickly can make all the difference when applying for personal, car, or home loans.
What Is Considered a Good CIBIL Score?
- 750-900: Excellent – High chance of loan approval
- 700-749: Good – Eligible for most loans
- 650-699: Fair – May get loan but with higher interest rates
- 300-649: Poor – Loan likely to be rejected
If your score falls in the lower range, don’t panic. You can rebuild it over time with consistent effort.
Reasons for Low CIBIL Score
Before diving into how to improve CIBIL score, let’s understand what brings it down:
- Missed or delayed EMI or credit card payments
- High credit utilization ratio (more than 30%)
- Having multiple unsecured loans
- Errors in your credit report
- Applying for multiple loans or credit cards at once
- Defaulting on loans
Understanding the reasons for a low CIBIL score is the first step in fixing it.
How to Improve CIBIL Score Immediately – Quick Wins
You can’t change your score overnight, so here are a few steps that can trigger a positive impact within 30-60 days:
- Pay Off Outstanding Dues Immediately
If you’ve missed any payments or EMIs, clear them right away. Timely repayment is a major component of your CIBIL score. - Reduce Credit Utilization Ratio
Ideally, keep your credit utilization below 30%. If your limit is ₹1,00,000, avoid using more than ₹30,000. - Check and Fix Credit Report Errors
Visit the official CIBIL website or check with financial service providers like Credit Saison India to view your report. Dispute any inaccurate information that may be lowering your score. - Avoid New Loan Applications
Multiple inquiries in a short period indicate credit hunger, which negatively impacts your score. Pause new applications for a while.
- Pay Credit Card Bills Before the Due Date
Early payments or paying in full reduces outstanding balance and credit utilization.
Tips to Improve CIBIL Score (Long-Term)
If you’re looking for sustainable ways on how to improve CIBIL score, consider these expert tips:
Tip 1: Pay All EMIs and Credit Card Bills on Time
Set reminders or automate payments to never miss a due date.
Tip 2: Maintain a Healthy Mix of Credit
A balanced mix of secured (home/car loan) and unsecured (personal loan/credit card) credit shows that you can handle different types of loans responsibly.
Tip 3: Increase Your Credit Limit (But Use It Wisely)
Increasing your limit lowers your utilization ratio. Don’t use the extra credit; just keep it as a buffer.
Tip 4: Keep Old Credit Accounts Open
A long credit history helps improve your score. Don’t close old, active accounts unless necessary.
Tip 5: Monitor Joint Accounts and Co-Signed Loans
Missed payments in joint accounts or loans co-signed with someone else also affect your score.
Tip 6: Use Secured Credit Cards
If you’re rebuilding your score, opt for a secured credit card backed by a fixed deposit. It’s easier to get approved and helps rebuild your credit profile.
How to Improve CIBIL Score After Default
Loan defaults can significantly damage your credit history. Here’s how to improve CIBIL score after default:
- Repay the default amount in full or negotiate a settlement
- Obtain a No Dues Certificate from the lender
- Follow it up with timely payments on other active loans
- Use a secured credit product (like Credit Saison’s secured card)
- Wait and maintain consistency – your score will improve over time
How Long to Improve CIBIL Score?
Many users ask: how long does it take to increase CIBIL score?
The timeline depends on the damage:
- Minor delays or high utilization: 1–3 months
- Loan defaults or settlement: 6–12 months
- No credit history: 3–6 months of active usage
Credit Score vs CIBIL Score – What’s the Difference?
Credit score is a general term, while CIBIL score is India’s most widely recognized version. Other credit bureaus in India include Experian, Equifax, and CRIF Highmark. However, most lenders rely on your CIBIL score for loan approvals.
How to Check CIBIL Score Online?
You can check your score online in these ways:
- Visit the official CIBIL website and create a login
- Use the Credit Saison India platform
- Access via partner banks or fintech apps
Checking your CIBIL score regularly helps you track progress and take timely action.
Credit Card Impact on CIBIL Score
Your credit card behavior greatly influences your CIBIL score:
- Late payments hurt your score
- Maxing out cards increases your utilization
- Regular, full payments improve your profile
- Avoid applying for too many cards at once
Common FAQs on CIBIL Score
Q: Why is my CIBIL score low even after timely payments?
A: Factors like high credit usage, too many inquiries, or errors in your credit report may be responsible.
Q: Does paying credit card bills early improve CIBIL?
A: Yes, it reduces your credit utilization ratio and reflects responsible credit use.
Q: Can I get a loan with low CIBIL score?
A: It’s difficult but not impossible. NBFCs and fintechs like Credit Saison India consider income and transaction history, not just the score.
Q: How long does it take to increase CIBIL score?
A: Improvement can be seen in 3–6 months with consistent financial behavior.
Section 12: Real-World Example – Improving CIBIL Score from 580 to 750
Ravi, a 29-year-old IT professional, had a CIBIL score of 580 due to missed credit card payments in 2022. After discovering Credit Saison India, he:
- Cleared his dues and reduced card usage
- Opted for a digital credit line to rebuild his profile
- Monitored his credit report monthly
Within 7 months, his score rose to 750, allowing him to secure a home loan with a top lender.
Final Thoughts – Build a Creditworthy Future
Improving your CIBIL score isn’t just about loan approvals—it’s about gaining control over your financial future. Whether you’re a young professional, salaried employee, or someone recovering from a past default, the right steps taken today will help you yield long-term benefits.
With Credit Saison India by your side, you don’t have to navigate your credit journey alone. We offer tools, insights, and tailored products to help you build and maintain a healthy CIBIL score.
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