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Guide · Credit score

How to improve your CIBIL score

The fastest way to improve your CIBIL score is to pay every EMI and credit card bill on time, keep credit card usage below 30% of your limit, clear any overdue amounts, and fix errors in your credit report. Lenders now report to bureaus at least every fortnight, so improvements can show within a month or two, though rebuilding a weak score takes several months of good behaviour.

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Seven steps

  1. Pay all EMIs and card bills on or before the due date — set up auto-debit
  2. Clear any overdue or settled accounts if you can
  3. Keep credit card usage under 30% of the limit
  4. Do not apply for many loans or cards in a short time
  5. Keep old credit cards open to lengthen your history
  6. Check your free credit report and dispute errors with the bureau
  7. If you have no history, start with a small loan or a secured card and repay on time

What does not help

  • Paying someone who promises to “clean” your report — only the bureau and lender can correct it
  • Closing all your cards at once
  • Settling a loan for less than due — it is marked “settled” and hurts your score

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to improve a CIBIL score?

Small improvements can appear within one or two reporting cycles. Moving from a weak to a good score usually takes six months or more of on-time payments.

Can I get a loan while improving my score?

Yes, some lenders lend at lower scores. A small loan repaid on time also helps build your score.

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