Do You Really Need A 900 Credit Score To Get The Best Loan Deals?

During discussions about credit scores, the number ‘900’ carries symbolic weight. It represents the highest possible credit score on India’s most widely used credit scoring scale. But the more practical question for borrowers is whether anyone actually needs a perfect 900 credit score to access the best of credit

In India, credit scores issued by most credit bureaus, such as TransUnion CIBIL and Experian, range from 300 to 900. Credit scores above 750 are generally considered favourable by lenders. Banks and non-banking financial companies (NBFCs) use your credit score to assess risk, not to reward numerical perfection. Once a borrower crosses a certain threshold, incremental differences matter less than the overall credit behaviour. For many Indians, a 900 credit score can feel like chasing that perfect 100 in an exam. It sounds impressive, but it is rarely necessary.

“A score of 900 is theoretically possible, but it rarely unlocks better loan terms than a score in the 750-820 range. In practice, most lenders treat borrowers above 750 or 800 as low-risk. Once a borrower crosses that level, small differences in the score usually do not change the interest rate or approval decisions in a meaningful way. The idea of ‘perfect’ credit is, therefore, more symbolic than practical,” says Manish Shara, CEO and co-founder, ZET, a fintech platform focused on building a credit-ready India.

What lenders examine extends beyond the number itself. The credit report captures repayment history, credit utilisation, length of credit history, credit mix, and recent hard enquiries. Payment history remains the most influential factor. Consistent, on-time repayments are central to maintaining a strong score. A borrower with a stable repayment pattern and moderate credit utilisation is typically viewed more favourably than someone chasing a numerical milestone.

Some borrowers may try to push their score higher by getting new credit products or by closely tracking small changes in their numbers. However, once a person is already in a healthy score range, these efforts do not lead to significantly better loan terms. Lenders assess risk in broad bands rather than at every single score point.

“For most borrowers, the practical goal is not 900, but maintaining a score above 750. At that level, access to common credit products at competitive interest rates is generally possible, subject to income and lender policies,” says Shara.

The more enduring determinant of credit health lies in habits rather than numbers. Timely repayments, keeping credit utilisation below 30 per cent, avoiding applying for too many credit products at once, and maintaining older credit accounts contribute more to long-term stability than striving for a perfect score.

A credit score is simply a measure of risk built over time. While 900 may sound like the ultimate goal, it is not necessary for most credit or opportunities. Consistent financial discipline matters far more than achieving a perfect credit score number.