CRIF Score vs CIBIL Score

Both the CRIF and CIBIL Score depict your financial creditworthiness. And these play a pivotal role when you seek credit. These include personal loans, car loans, mortgages, credit cards, overdraft facilities, etc. However, the differences between CRIF and CIBIL scores are not widely understood. Four credit bureaus are operating under the RBI, and each of these bureaus generates credit scores separately, resulting in four distinct credit scores for a person. As you apply for credits, the lender (Bank/NBFC) may consider any of these credit bureaus’s scores based on your chosen lender preference. It is also important to recognise that the CIBIL Score is India’s most commonly used credit score, closely followed by the CRIF Score. So it is better to have a clear understanding of both these scores.

Hereunder, Urban Money present all you need to know about CRIF Score vs CIBIL Score. We primarily cover details about the working principle of CRIF Scores, its score range, where to download the credit report, etc. Similarly, we offer insights into the CIBIL Score, covering the same aspects. Let’s scroll down.

Crif score vs Cibil

Parameter	CIBIL	CRIF
Full Name	Credit Information Bureau India Ltd.	CRIF High Mark
Operational Countries	India	India and 40 other countries
Licensed By	Reserve Bank of India	Reserve Bank of India
Credit Report	CIBIL’s official website	CRIF’s official website
Report Cost	Rs. 550	Rs. 399 (including GST)

Understanding the CRIF Score

The CRIF Score is a numerical indicator of an individual’s creditworthiness, ranging from 300 to 900. A higher score suggests a better credit profile and increases the likelihood of obtaining loans and credit cards with favourable terms. It reflects the borrower’s financial history, including payment punctuality, credit utilisation, and the mix of credit types. Lenders use this score to gauge the risk involved in lending. Hence, maintaining a good CRIF Score is crucial as it can lead to better interest rates and easier loan approvals. Timely bill payments, low credit utilisation, a diverse credit mix, and minimal new credit applications influence it.

Understanding the CIBIL Score

The CIBIL Score is a three-digit credit history summary, measuring 300 to 900. It’s derived from your credit behaviour as recorded in your Credit Information Report (CIR). A score closer to 900 indicates a higher probability of loan approval. Factors affecting your CIBIL Score include payment history, credit utilisation, types of credit, and the number of credit inquiries. A high score implies responsible credit management and can result in favourable loan terms. Conversely, a low score may hinder access to credit or lead to higher interest rates. Regularly monitoring and understanding your CIBIL Score can help you make informed financial decisions and maintain a healthy credit profile.

Distinguishing CRIF and CIBIL Scores

Let’s examine the difference between CRIF and CIBIL Scores:

Parameter	CIBIL	CRIF Highmark
Emphasis	Longer credit history	More on recent credit activity
Score Range	300-900	300-900
Ideal Score	750 or above	700-750 or above
Free Online Score Check	Yes	Yes
Availability	Urban Money Website	Urban Money Website

Which Is Ideal – CRIF Score or CIBIL Score?

CRIF and CIBIL are credit bureaus in India that provide credit scores to lenders. The main difference is the weightage given to different factors in their credit score calculations. CRIF places more emphasis on recent credit activity, while CIBIL considers a longer credit history. Both scores range from 300 to 900, with a higher score indicating better creditworthiness. The choice of CRIF Score vs CIBIL may depend on personal preference and the lender’s specific requirements.