
Understanding your CIBIL score is important when applying for a credit card in India. Your CIBIL score, also called your credit score, indicates how well you manage credit, including loans and credit cards.
In India, this score ranges from 300 to 900, with a higher score indicating a better ability to repay loans on time. Banks use this score to determine your loan eligibility, which affects whether or not your credit card application is approved and the terms you get, such as credit limits and interest rates.
What is a CIBIL Score?
Your CIBIL score or credit score is a number that shows how well you handle credit. It looks at your loans and credit cards.
A good CIBIL score increases your chances of getting a loan or credit card. It can also mean lower interest rates.
To keep your score healthy, pay bills on time and don’t use your credit limit too much. These steps help you manage credit well.
Also, Read:- Minimum Salary Required for Credit Card in India
Importance of CIBIL Score for Credit Cards
Your CIBIL score is very important to get a credit card. Here’s why:
- Approval of Credit Card Applications: Approval of credit card applications: Credit card issuers use your CIBIL score to assess your credit-worthiness. A higher score increases the chances of credit card applications getting approved as it reflects responsible credit behavior and low credit risk.
- Credit Limit Determination: Your CIBIL score decides how much money you can spend on your credit card. A higher score means you can get a higher limit, allowing you to spend more.
- Interest Rates: Your CIBIL score can also affect how much interest you pay on your credit card. If your score is high, you may get a lower interest rate. If you have a balance on your card, this can help you save money on finance charges.
- Promotional Offers: Credit card companies often offer special deals like lower interest rates, reward points and bonuses initially. Having a good CIBIL score makes you more likely to get these offers. This means you can enjoy benefits like cashback, travel rewards or carrying forward your balance without interest charges.
- Credit Card Variants: Some special credit cards come with great benefits and high credit limits. These premium cards are usually meant for people with excellent credit scores. Having a good CIBIL score makes you more likely to get these cards. They offer advanced features like access to airport lounges, concierge services, and insurance coverage.
- Negotiating Power: A higher CIBIL score gives you more power to negotiate with credit card companies. You can ask for better deals like lower annual fees or higher credit limits.
Minimum CIBIL Score Requirement
While different banks and card companies have their own rules, a CIBIL score of 750 or above is generally good for getting a credit card. Some banks may approve credit cards for people with slightly lower scores, around 700, if they have a stable income and a good relationship with the bank.
Factors Influencing Credit Card Approval
- Credit History: Paying your loan and credit card bills on time every time helps increase your CIBIL score.
- Income Stability: Banks check your income to make sure you can pay the credit card bill.
- Existing Debts: If you already have a lot of outstanding loans, this can lower your CIBIL score and make it difficult to get a credit card.
- Employment Status: Having a stable job means your income will also be stable, which makes it easier to get a loan.
Also, Read:- How to Calculate My Credit Card Limit in 2024?
Steps to Improve Your CIBIL Score
If your CIBIL score is too low, here are the things you can do to improve it:
- Timely Payments: Pay your bills and EMIs on time so that there is no negative impact on your credit report.
- Reduce Credit Utilization: Try to use less than 30% of your credit card limit.
- Check Credit Report Regularly: Check your credit report regularly for errors and correct them promptly.
- Maintain Credit Accounts: Keep old credit accounts open because they show that you have been managing credit for a long time.
How to Check Your CIBIL Score
To check your CIBIL score in India, you can follow a simple process online. Start by visiting the official website of CIBIL (Credit Information Bureau India Limited) or any other credit bureau like Experian, Equifax, or CRIF High Mark, which also offer credit scores.
On the website, look for the section dedicated to getting your credit score. You will usually need to fill out a form with personal information like your name, date of birth, PAN card number, email address, and mobile number.
After submitting this information, you may need to verify your identity via OTP (one time password) verification sent to your registered mobile number. Once verified, you can check your CIBIL score online instantly. It is advisable to check your credit report periodically to monitor your credit health, ensure the accuracy of the information, and take steps to improve your score if necessary.
Remember, checking your credit score does not have a negative impact on it, so it is a good practice to stay informed about your financial situation.
Conclusion
Checking your CIBIL score regularly and understanding its importance can improve your financial decisions, especially when applying for a credit card. By maintaining a healthy score through timely payments and responsible credit usage, you can increase your chances of getting approved for a credit card with better benefits and lower costs.
Remember, a good CIBIL score not only opens the door to credit opportunities but also helps you save money on interest and enjoy the benefits offered by credit card companies.
Reference:-
- https://www.bankofbaroda.in/banking-mantra/digital/articles/cibil-score-for-credit-card#:~:text=For%20credit%20cards%2C%20750%20is,applying%20for%20a%20credit%20card.
- https://www.paisabazaar.com/credit-score/cibil-score-for-credit-card/
- https://www.bankbazaar.com/cibil/cibil-score-for-credit-card.html?ck=Y%2BziX71XnZjIM9ZwEflsyF%2FFAaF6bh%2BMWgukltj%2FD%2FtAevB1eS8eCGuBkX8I0T6I
- https://www.hdfcbank.com/personal/resources/learning-centre/pay/a-complete-guide-on-cibil-score-for-credit-cards
