183 Million Indians Check Credit Scores As Monitoring Becomes A Habit: Report

India's approach to credit is witnessing a steady change with a large number of consumers starting to actively monitor their credit score and manage their financial profile. What was earlier a one-time activity linked to loan applications is now becoming a regular habit. Consumers are taking more interest in using credit monitoring as part of their financial discipline.

According to a new report by TransUnion CIBIL, the number of individuals who monitored their credit score stood at 183 million by December 2025. This includes a 27 per cent year-on-year (YoY) increase in the number of people checking their score for the first time. The data indicates that credit awareness is spreading across different income groups and age segments, becoming a routine financial practice rather than an occasional necessity.

Regular monitoring is also showing measurable results. Around 45 per cent of consumers who check their scores saw an improvement within six months. The average credit score of these consumers was 728, indicating relatively good credit behaviour. Consistent tracking helped those individuals identify gaps, correct mistakes, and adopt better repayment habits over time.

Non-Metro Regions Are The Leaders Of Expansion

Smaller towns and cities are playing a major role in this transformation. Nearly 75 per cent of all the consumers who tracked their credit scores came from non-metro areas, with 28 per cent annual growth in participation. This trend is also evident among first-time borrowers, where 78 per cent came from these regions.

In addition to higher participation, non-metro consumers are also demonstrating strong credit profiles. Around 73 per cent of those with a prime score of 731 and above belong to these areas.

The emerging awareness in non-metros brings into focus a wider change in the adoption of financial tools. With fewer barriers to access, consumers are not only entering the credit system but also maintaining disciplined credit behaviour.

Younger Borrowers Establish Early Credit Habits

Millennials and Gen Z together represent 77 per cent of all consumers who pay attention to their credit scores. Unlike previous generations, younger people are using credit tools at the onset of their financial careers.

Gen Z, in particular, is displaying increased adoption more quickly. Their credit monitoring activity has been growing at 1,41 times the rate of other groups, and they now constitute 29 per cent of the total monitoring base. This early engagement indicates that younger consumers are more comfortable using digital platforms for keeping track of and managing their finances.

This behaviour is impacting borrowing patterns as well. Among Gen Z consumers who keep track of their scores, the use of gold loans has increased 61 per cent YoY. Two-wheeler loans in semi-urban and rural areas also registered a 23 per cent increase in this group. These trends show the preference for secured and need-based borrowing with a backup of better awareness on credit management.

Women Demonstrate Strong Improvement in Credit Awareness

Women are becoming an important part of the credit ecosystem. The number of women tracking their credit scores rose 38 per cent YoY, compared to a 25 per cent rise among men. Women now represent 21 per cent of all consumers who actively monitor their credit scores, up from 19 per cent before.

A large share of this growth is coming from non-metro regions, which contributed to 71 per cent of women consumers. In terms of credit quality, 63 per cent of women who monitor their scores have a prime credit score (Prime credit score ranges from 731 to 770), indicating good repayment behaviour and financial discipline.

Borrowing patterns among women are also a reflection of an organised method. Gold loan originations increased by 38 per cent among women who are active in keeping track of their scores. This implies the preference for secured credit options that can provide flexibility and reduce the risk.

The growth in participation and good performance of credit indicates the importance of women in influencing the demand and pattern of use of credit.

Monitoring Leads to Improved Financial Decisions

The report highlights that credit monitoring creates a cycle where awareness leads to action, and action leads to improved outcomes. Consumers who keep checking their scores are more likely to take corrective steps such as timely repayments, reduction of outstanding balances and correct choice of credit products.

This shift is also evident in the nature of loans being accessed. Gold loans are gaining popularity and are making their way beyond emergency loans to become a more routine financing option. Within 3 months of keeping track of their credit scores, gold loan originations increased by 25 per cent. Among younger consumers, disbursals were doubled, while semi-urban and rural areas registered a 26 per cent increase.

Two-wheeler loans also saw a 6 per cent growth in loans per annum in three months of tracking, with a stronger growth of 23 per cent for the Gen Z borrowers in smaller towns. In addition, around 17 per cent of monitoring consumers took out a consumption loan in the three months before they checked their credit score.

These trends indicate that informed consumers are making more conscientious borrowing decisions, matching the use of credit with their financial needs and their ability to repay.

A Move towards Active Credit Management

This trend indicates that there is a shift from passive awareness to active credit management. Consumers are no longer interacting with credit scores only when necessary or asked by lenders. Instead, they are taking this information as a tool in tracking financial health and planning future financial borrowing.

With the rise in digital access and the spread of awareness through demographics, the use of credit monitoring is a common financial habit. The increased involvement of younger borrowers, women, and non-metro consumers is helping to create a more balanced and educated credit ecosystem.