Credit scores are a critical aspect of one’s financial life. Unfortunately, many people have limited knowledge about credit scores and the factors that affect them, leading to the spread of various myths and rumours. These myths can be misleading and can potentially harm your credit health if you believe in them.
Therefore, it is essential to understand the truth behind these myths and debunk them for good. In this article, we have compiled some of the most common myths about credit scores and provided a reality check to help you make informed decisions about your financial future.
Common Misconceptions About CIBIL Scores!
Here in guide we will debunk some of the most common myths associated with CIBIL, CIBIL Score, and Credit Record.
Myth 1: A Bad Credit Score Will Last Forever on Your CIBIL Report
Your credit score is an essential aspect of your financial health, and it can greatly impact your ability to secure loans, mortgages, or even credit cards. However, it’s important to know that a bad credit score does not have to last forever. It may seem overwhelming, but building a good credit history and a positive credit score is possible with the right practices and tips.
By consistently following good credit practices, such as making timely payments and keeping your credit utilization low, you can improve your credit score over time. And while negative transactions may stay on your credit report for several years, they will eventually fade away.
This means that with the right approach, you can still build a good credit score despite past mistakes or setbacks. So, don’t lose hope – with some effort and dedication, you can improve your credit score and secure a better financial future.
Myth 2: Credit Score is Based on Your Annual Income
Contrary to popular belief, your credit score does not solely depend on your annual income. It’s possible to have a high credit score with a lower annual income or even no income at all. Instead, your credit score is determined by factors such as your credit history, the number of credit lines you have, and how well you manage them.
For instance, even with an annual income of Rs.10 lakh, if you have never used credit before, you may not have a credit score. On the other hand, someone with an annual income of Rs.5 lakh who maintains a well-managed credit card can have a high credit score of 814. So, it’s essential to understand that your credit score is not solely based on your income level but on your overall creditworthiness. By managing your credit lines responsibly, you can improve your credit score and achieve your financial goals regardless of your income.
Myth 3: Paying Off Debts will Erase the Transaction from the Credit Report
It’s a common misconception that paying off a debt will automatically erase that entry from your credit history. In reality, the evidence of that debt will stay on your credit report for several years and can still impact your credit score and credit availability.
However, it’s important to note that having evidence of responsible debt management, such as paying off debts, can actually be beneficial to your credit score. It can demonstrate to prospective lenders that you are a responsible borrower and increase the likelihood of getting approved for credit in the future.
On the flip side, missed payments and defaulting on loans can negatively impact your creditworthiness and make it harder to get approved for credit. So, it’s essential to understand the impact of your financial decisions and strive to maintain a good credit history. Negative information can stay on your credit report for up to seven years, and bankruptcy information can stay for as long as ten years.
Myth 4: Checking CIBIL Score Affects the Score
If you’re worried that checking your credit report could hurt your credit score, don’t be! Checking your own credit report will not have any negative impact on your score. In fact, it’s a smart habit to get into to keep an eye on your credit report and score regularly. This way, you can catch any errors or fraudulent activity early on and take the necessary steps to correct them.
However, it’s important to note that multiple credit inquiries from lenders within a short period can negatively impact your credit score. So, it’s best to limit credit inquiries and only apply for credit when necessary. By monitoring your credit report and score regularly, you can stay informed about your creditworthiness and take steps to improve it if needed.
Myth 5: A Credit Report Agency Can Fix Your Score
If you’ve ever heard of “credit repair agencies” and thought they could magically fix your credit score overnight for a fee, you’re not alone. However, it’s important to understand that credit repair agencies can’t simply erase negative information from your credit report or build up your credit score instantly.
What credit repair agencies can do is help you identify errors on your credit report and dispute them with the credit rating agency. This can be a helpful service if you don’t have the time or expertise to navigate the dispute process on your own. Ultimately, though, improving your credit score takes time and effort on your part, such as making on-time payments, keeping your credit utilization low, and limiting credit inquiries.
How to Check Your CIBIL Score for Free in India?
If you are looking to check your CIBIL score, it is a straightforward process that can be done by following these steps:
- Go to the official CIBIL website.
- Look for the ‘Get your CIBIL Score’ section and click on it.
- Enter your name, email ID, and password. You will also need to attach a valid ID proof, such as your PAN card, Aadhaar, passport number, or Voter ID.
- Next, provide your PIN code, date of birth, and phone number.
- Click on ‘Accept and continue’ to proceed with the verification process.
- You will receive an OTP on your registered mobile number. Enter the OTP and click on ‘Continue’.
- Once verified, you will be redirected to the CIBIL website dashboard.
- Click on ‘Member Login’ to access your CIBIL score.
- Upon logging in, you can view your credit score and report on the website.
Final Thoughts
CIBIL scores can be confusing and intimidating. However, understanding the underlying factors that contribute to them can help us make better financial decisions while also managing our credit responsibly. Knowing the truth behind CIBIL scores is the first step to taking control of our finances and achieving financial freedom! We hope this article has helped you demystify common myths around CIBIL scores and enabled you to make informed decisions about your finances.
Be the first to comment