Credit score
A three digit number, 300 to 900, that shows how reliably you repay.
A credit score sums up your borrowing record in one number, from 300 to 900. Lenders check it before a loan or card. The higher it is, the easier the approval and the lower the interest rate you are likely to get. Credit bureaus like CIBIL build it, and the exact formula is not public.
The rough bands. Lenders and apps commonly read the scale as four bands. These are a widely used convention, not an official standard, and each lender sets its own cutoff.
| Score range | Common label |
|---|---|
| 300 to 549 | Poor |
| 550 to 649 | Fair |
| 650 to 749 | Good |
| 750 to 900 | Excellent |
A brand new borrower has no score yet, shown as NA or NH (not applicable, or no history), not a low 300. No history is not the same as a poor record.
Questions people ask
What is a good credit score, and what are the ranges?
There is no official cutoff, but the 300 to 900 scale is commonly read as four bands: 300 to 549 poor, 550 to 649 fair, 650 to 749 good, and 750 to 900 excellent. A score around 750 and above is usually treated as strong. Each lender sets its own rule, so check with them.
What is the difference between a credit score and a CIBIL score?
A CIBIL score is simply the credit score calculated by the bureau CIBIL. Other bureaus like Experian and CRIF High Mark produce their own scores on the same 300 to 900 scale.
How can I check my credit score?
Each licensed bureau must give you one free full credit report a year, and many apps show a score for free. This is general information, not financial advice.
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