Securing a loan in India has become increasingly dependent on your credit score, a three-digit number that determines your financial credibility. One of the most common questions borrowers ask is: What is the minimum credit score for loan approval in India?
Lenders rely heavily on credit scores to evaluate whether you’re a reliable borrower from a credit repayment capacity perspective. If your score is too low, your application may face rejection, or you may end up paying a higher interest rate. But don’t worry, this guide will break down everything you need to know about the minimum credit score for loans in India, the factors that impact it, and how you can improve your score to boost your chances of approval.
What is a Credit Score?
A credit score is a three-digit number ranging from 300 to 900 that represents your creditworthiness. In India, credit bureaus like CIBIL, Experian, Equifax, and CRIF High Mark calculate these scores based on your repayment history, credit utilization, length of credit history, and the types of loans or credit cards you hold.
Credit Score Ranges:
- 900 → Excellent (very high chances of approval)
- 750–850 → Very Good (eligible for best loan offers)
- 650–749 → Fair (eligible for some loans, often with higher interest)
- 550–649 → Poor (loan approval difficult)
- Below 550 → Very Poor (very low approval chances)
Minimum Credit Score for Loan in India
The minimum credit score requirement varies depending on the type of loan:
1. Personal Loan
- Minimum credit score: 700+ (most banks prefer 750+)
- Reason: Personal loans are unsecured, meaning no collateral is required. Lenders rely solely on your creditworthiness.
2. Home Loan
- Minimum credit score: 650+
- Some public sector banks may approve with a score of 600+, but interest rates will be higher. With a 750+ score, you can access lower rates and better terms.
3. Car Loan / Auto Loan
- Minimum credit score: 650+
- Because cars serve as collateral, lenders may approve lower scores compared to personal loans.
4. Credit Card Approval
- Minimum credit score: 700+
Premium credit cards require a 750 or higher.
5. Business Loan
- Minimum credit score: 700+
- Lenders also consider the company’s financials, but personal credit score plays a key role for small business owners.
Key takeaway: While a credit score of 750 and above is ideal for quick approval and favorable interest rates, many lenders still consider applications in the 650–749 range with stricter terms.
Also Read: How Often Should You Do a Free Credit Score Check Online?
How to Improve Your Credit Score for Future Loans
Building and maintaining a strong credit score takes time and requires strategic financial planning:
- Set reminders to avoid delays.
- Credit Utilization Management: Keep card usage below 30% of your total credit limit. This shows lenders you don’t over-rely on credit.
- Maintain a Healthy Credit Mix: Use a balanced mix of secured and unsecured loans to demonstrate responsible credit handling.
- Regular Monitoring: Check your credit report at least once every quarter. Dispute any errors immediately, as even small mistakes can bring your score down.
- Avoid Multiple Loan Applications: Space out credit applications to prevent lenders from seeing you as a risky borrower.
- Keep Old Accounts Active: A longer credit history improves your profile, so avoid closing old accounts unnecessarily.
Conclusion
The minimum credit score for loans varies depending on the type of loan, but a score of 750 and above almost guarantees faster approval and lower interest rates. If your score is below this threshold, don’t feel discouraged. There are still options, and with the right guidance, you can rebuild your credit profile. FixMyScore’s AI-powered credit repair services can help you identify credit issues, create personalized improvement strategies, and monitor your progress in real-time.
FAQs on Minimum Credit Score for Loan in India
1. What is the minimum credit score required for a personal loan in India?
Most banks require at least 700–750. With a score above 750, your chances of approval and lower interest rates improve significantly.
2. Can I get a loan with a credit score of 600?
Yes, but your options will be limited. You may have to provide collateral, accept higher interest rates, or apply through NBFCs that cater to lower scores.
3. Do all lenders have the same minimum score requirement?
No. Each lender has its own policy. Public sector banks may be more lenient, while private banks and NBFCs often expect higher scores.
4. Will checking my credit score frequently reduce it?
No. Checking your own score is considered a soft inquiry and does not affect your credit score. Only hard inquiries (made by lenders when you apply for credit) impact your score.
5. How long does it take to improve a bad credit score?
With consistent efforts like timely payments and reducing outstanding debt, you can see improvements in 3–6 months. FixMyScore’s AI-powered guidance can help speed up the process.
