What is a CIBIL score?
A CIBIL score is a three-digit number between 300 and 900 that summarises how you have handled loans and credit cards. Lenders use it to decide whether to approve you and at what interest rate. A score of 750 or above is generally seen as good.
How to check it free on the CIBIL website
- Go to cibil.com and choose the free CIBIL score and report option.
- Create an account with your name, PAN, date of birth, mobile number and email.
- Verify with the OTP sent to your mobile number.
- Answer identity questions based on your credit history.
- Your score and report appear on the dashboard. Download the report for records.
Under RBI norms, each credit bureau gives every person one free full credit report a year. CIBIL, Experian, Equifax and CRIF High Mark each have their own free-report page, and checking your own score never lowers it.
Other ways to see your score
Many banks, credit card apps and fintech platforms show a score for free, sometimes from a different bureau. These may differ by a few points from your CIBIL score, which is normal.
What is new in 2026
From 1 July 2026, banks and NBFCs are expected to report to all four credit bureaus four times a month, on the 9th, 16th, 23rd and last day, so a payment or a missed EMI shows up much sooner than before. The scoring method itself has not changed.
Score bands at a glance
| Score | What it usually means |
|---|---|
| 750 to 900 | Good to excellent, best loan offers |
| 700 to 749 | Fair, usually approved |
| 650 to 699 | Average, higher rates |
| Below 650 | Poor, loans may be refused |
How to fix errors
If you spot a wrong entry, raise a dispute on the bureau portal and ask your lender to correct it. Under RBI rules, a bureau and lender must resolve a complaint within 30 days, or they owe you compensation of Rs 100 per day of delay.
How to improve your score
Pay EMIs and card bills on time, keep card use under 30 percent of the limit, avoid many loan applications in a short time, and keep older accounts open.