How to Get a Personal Loan for a Low CIBIL Score?
Life can surprise us with unexpected expenses, making us look for ways to manage our finances. But, getting a personal loan can be tough if your credit score isn’t great. In this blog, we’ll explore how to get a personal loan with a low credit score. Let’s see how to manage this situation step by step.
So, let’s get started!
Understanding your CIBIL Score:
Before we explore the tips, let’s first grasp the meaning of a CIBIL score and its impact on your eligibility for a Personal Loan.
Your CIBIL score is like a number that shows how good you are with money. It’s super important when you want to get a loan or a credit card. In this easy guide, we’ll talk about what a CIBIL score is, why it’s a big deal, and how you can make it better.
Your CIBIL score, also known as your credit score, is a numerical representation of your creditworthiness. It’s a three-digit number ranging from 300 to 900, with a higher score indicating better credit health. This score is derived from your credit history, taking into account factors such as your payment history, credit utilization, length of credit history, types of credit used, and recent inquiries.
Imagine your CIBIL score as a financial report card that ranges from 300 to 900, where a higher score is better. Let’s break it down with an example:
- 300 – 579: If your CIBIL score falls within this range, it’s considered a low score. Lenders may see you as a higher risk, making it challenging to get approved for loans or credit cards. You might face higher interest rates or stricter terms.
- 580 – 669: This range indicates a fair to average credit score. While you might have more options than the lower range, you may still encounter higher interest rates compared to those with higher scores.
- 670 – 739: A good credit score falls within this range. Lenders are likely to see you as a moderate risk, making it easier to get approved for loans or credit cards with reasonable interest rates.
- 740 – 799: A very good credit score. With this score, you’re considered a low risk, and you’re likely to get approved for loans and credit cards with favorable terms and lower interest rates.
- 800 – 900: An excellent credit score. Lenders view you as a very low risk, and you’re likely to enjoy the best terms and lowest interest rates on loans and credit cards.
Imagine your credit score as a kind of money report card. If you have a score of 650 and want a personal loan, lenders might still say yes, but they could charge you more interest compared to someone with a 750 score. Knowing your credit score helps you guess how banks see you and let you figure out how to make it better.
The table below will give a better idea of a bad and a good CIBIL Score for a Personal Loan.
Credit score | Is it good or bad? | Chances of approval |
Less than 600 | Very bad | Extremely low |
600-649 | Bad | Low |
650-699 | Satisfactory | Possible |
700-749 | Good | High |
Over 750 | Very good | Extremely high |
Tips for Getting a Personal Loan with a Low CIBIL Score:
- Show Consistent Income:
Ensure you can verify a consistent and stable income, increasing the probability of approval.
- Manage Your Debts Effectively:
Keep your debt-to-income ratio low as it enhances your approval prospects for a personal loan.
- Explore Joint Applications:
Consider submitting your application with a co-applicant to improve your chances of securing approval.
- Prepare Additional Documentation:
Be proactive in gathering supplementary documents to strengthen your loan application.
These steps can make it easier for you to get a personal loan, even if your credit score isn’t perfect.
Tips to improve your CIBIL score:
1. Pay Your Bills on Time:
Ensure that you pay all your bills, including credit card bills and loan EMIs, on time. Timely payments have a significant positive impact on your credit score.
2. Reduce Outstanding Debt:
Work on reducing your outstanding debts. Aim to maintain a credit utilization ratio (credit card balances compared to credit limits) below 30%.
3. Check for Errors in Your Credit Report:
Regularly review your credit report for any errors or discrepancies. If you find any inaccuracies, dispute them with the credit bureau to have them corrected.
4. Avoid Closing Old Credit Accounts:
Closing old credit accounts can negatively affect your credit history length. If possible, keep your old accounts open to show a longer credit history.
5. Diversify Your Credit Mix:
Having a mix of different types of credit, such as credit cards and installment loans, can positively impact your credit score. However, only take on credit that you can manage responsibly.
6. Limit New Credit Applications:
Each time you apply for new credit, it can result in a hard inquiry on your credit report, which may temporarily lower your score. Limit the number of new credit applications.
7. Settle Past Due Accounts:
If you have any past due accounts or accounts in collections, work on settling them. Bringing them current or settling them can improve your credit score over time.
8. Use Credit Responsibly:
Use your credit responsibly. Avoid maxing out your credit cards and only borrow what you can comfortably repay.
9. Seek Professional Advice if Needed:
If you’re facing challenges managing your debt or improving your credit score, consider seeking advice from a credit counselor. They can provide personalized guidance based on your financial situation.
10. Be Patient and Persistent:
Improving your credit score is a gradual process. Be patient, stay consistent with positive financial habits, and monitor your progress over time.
By implementing these tips, you can gradually improve your CIBIL score for a personal loan and enhance your overall creditworthiness. Remember that positive financial habits contribute to a healthier credit profile.
Getting a Personal Loan with a low CIBIL score might be tricky, but it’s doable. Follow these tips to boost your CIBIL score and increase your chances of getting a loan from Swastika Investmart. It’s not just about this loan; a better score helps in all credit situations. It takes time, but it’s a smart investment for your financial future.
Pranab Bhandari is an Editor of the Financial Blog “Financebuzz”. Apart from writing informative financial articles for his blog, he is a regular contributor to many national and international publications namely Tweak Your Biz, Growth Rocks ETC.