If you are planning to get a loan sanctioned, pushing your CIBIL score, aka Credit Score, over 800 should be on your to-do list. As of Q1 2025, the average credit score in India is around 715, as per the data of TransUnion CIBIL. But if you want access to premium credit cards, faster approvals, and the lowest loan interest rates, you need to be in that top tier. Here’s how to do it.
1. Always Pay on Time
Your payment history carries the most weight in your CIBIL score. This means even one missed EMI or late credit card bill can drag your credit score down. To avoid that, it is advised to automate payments or set calendar reminders, to avoid mishaps. One missed payment can hurt your score and bring it lower than 800.
2. Keep Your Credit Usage Under 10 per cent
Using less of your available credit tells lenders you’re in control. If your credit limit is Rs 1,00,000, try to keep your spending below Rs 10,000 at any given time. Staying below 30 per cent is okay, but if you want an elite score, under 10 per cent is where you need to be.
3. Don’t Close Old Accounts
Your oldest accounts are your credit history. Keep them open, even if you’re not using them much. A card you’ve had for five or ten years shows lenders that you’ve managed credit long-term, and that builds trust.
4. Mix It Up the Right Way
A healthy mix of loans (home, auto, personal) and revolving credit (like credit cards) strengthens your profile. But don’t take loans just for the sake of variety. Only borrow when it makes financial sense. It is not advisable to opt for loans merely to boost your score.
5. Space Out Your Applications
Every time you apply for a loan or credit card, it triggers a hard inquiry. Too many of these in a short span tells lenders you might be desperate for credit. Space out applications by at least six months to avoid red flags.
6. Become an Authorized User
If someone in your family has a strong credit history, you can ask them to make you an authorised user on their credit card. Their good habits can benefit you positively, often boosting your score in weeks. This move can help in gaining from the original cardholder’s good history, almost immediately.
Score BreakdownA CIBIL Score of 800 and above is considered excellent, while the range between 750 and 800 is deemed as very good. Additionally, the range of 625 to 750 is seen as fair, meanwhile, anything below 625 is marked as risky. It is important to note that anything above 750 has a higher chance of loan approval, but an 800+ score can place you at the top.Will do.Will do, thank you.Ok, will do. Thanks!ReplyForward
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