Difference Between Credit Score and CIBIL Score?
CIBIL is a company that records your credit information and provides credit scores. To know more about credit score and CIBIL score differences, read ahead.
What is a Credit Score?
The credit score is a three-digit score that is used by lenders to gauge your creditworthiness. There are various companies in India, and across the world that are authorized to calculate credit scores.
It ranges from 300-850 or 900, depending on the organization generating it. The higher your credit score, the more capable and responsible you are considered as a borrower.
In general, a diversified credit score with a range of secured and unsecured loans, as well as credit cards is considered better. A score of 700 or above is good enough for most credit products, and one above 800 is considered an excellent score.
A better score gives you more power to negotiate while applying for a loan. You might also be able to get loans with quick approvals and lower interest rates.
What is CIBIL Score?
The CIBIL, now known as TransUnion CIBIL is one of the top four bureaus in India that generate a credit score. It is authorized by the Reserve Bank of India to collect information from various banks, NBFCs, and other lending companies to generate a score.
The score generated by the CIBIL is known as the CIBIL score. It is the most commonly accepted credit score in India.
CIBIL scores range from 300 to 900, and a higher score is considered better for loan products. Here is a table explaining the meaning of CIBIL scores -
| CIBIL Score Range | Creditworthiness |
|---|---|
| 750 - 900 | Excellent |
| 700 - 749 | Good |
| 650 - 699 | Fair |
| 600 - 649 | Doubtful |
| Below 600 | Immediate Action Needed |
Credit Score Vs CIBIL Score
The notable difference between the two terms is that the credit score generated by the TransUnion CIBIL is known as the CIBIL score. So, the CIBIL score is a type of credit score, but not the other way around.
Here is a table highlighting credit score and CIBIL score differences -
CIBIL Score Range
Creditworthiness
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It is a three-digit number that depicts the creditworthiness of a borrower.
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It is a credit score given specifically by the TransUnion CIBIL.
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The calculation can vary depending on the organization but generally involves credit and repayment history, length and number of credit accounts, types of credit taken, etc.
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The calculation solely depends on the information submitted by various credit companies to the CIBIL.
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The credit score can range from 300 to 850 or 900, depending on the organization that generates it.
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CIBIL scores range from 300-900.
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Credit bureaus can be regulated by various organizations across the world.
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It is a licensed credit bureau regulated by the Reserve Bank of India.
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There are multiple credit bureaus around the world.
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It is an Indian bureau along with the top three others (Equifax, Experian, and CRIF High Mark)
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Conclusion
The takeaway from this article is that CIBIL score is a type of credit score, but all credit scores are not CIBIL scores. Only the score generated by the TransUnion CIBIL is known as the CIBIL score.
In India, due to the popularity of the CIBIL, credit score and CIBIL score can often be used interchangeably.
Having a good CIBIL score will help you gain access to affordable interest rates and quick loans. You can maintain a good credit score by paying your bills and EMIs on time, not taking too much credit, taking a variety of loans and repaying them responsibly.
Credit Score vs CIBIL Score - Related FAQs
Yes, if you generate your credit score from some other company, it might be different from the one generated by CIBIL. However, CIBIL score is a type of credit score.
You can work on improving your CIBIL, but you cannot change it. You have no direct authority to make changes to it, only your financial behavior can reflect on your score.
What is considered a good credit score depends on the type of loan you are trying to apply for. In general, a score of 700 or above is considered good for most loans.
Yes, they are both your credit score, but not exactly identical. Your CIBIL score is your credit score generated by the TransUnion CIBIL. Whereas you can check your credit score generated by any company.
Both Experian and TransUnion CIBIL generate credit scores, and they are known as the Experian credit score and CIBIL score, respectively. They might vary slightly as credit companies send information to different companies at different times.
