If you’ve ever checked your credit score on different platforms, you’ve probably noticed this:
CIBIL shows one score.
Experian shows another.
CRIF shows something else.
So which one do banks actually trust?
Which score matters most for your loan approval?
Here’s a clear breakdown to help you understand how lenders use different credit bureaus — and which score you should actually focus on.
1. All Three Scores Are Valid — But Banks Prefer CIBIL
India has four RBI-licensed credit bureaus:
CIBIL (TransUnion CIBIL)
Experian
CRIF High Mark
Equifax
All of them generate legally valid credit scores.
However, CIBIL is the most widely used by Indian banks and NBFCs because:
It has the oldest and largest data repository
Banks have used CIBIL for over a decade
Most lenders run their first check through CIBIL
This is why you often hear “CIBIL score” more than Experian or CRIF.
2. Do Lenders Check Only One Bureau? No. They Check 2–3 Now.
Earlier, banks relied mainly on CIBIL.
Today, lenders commonly check:
CIBIL + Experian
CIBIL + CRIF
Sometimes all three
Why?
Because different bureaus may have:
Missing accounts
Updated data at different times
Different scoring models
Errors or unreported loans
To reduce risk, lenders cross-check multiple scores.
3. Why Your Score Differs Across CIBIL, Experian & CRIF
Here’s why you see different numbers:
✔ Different scoring algorithms
Each bureau uses its own model to calculate:
Credit age
Utilisation
Enquiries
Repayment patterns
✔ Lenders update bureaus at different times
One bureau may get the update faster; another may lag.
✔ Some lenders report only to specific bureaus
Especially smaller NBFCs, co-ops, or fintechs.
✔ Discrepancies or missing account information
A loan missing in your Experian may appear in CIBIL.
4. Which Score Actually Matters for Loan Approval?
For most banks and NBFCs → CIBIL matters the most.
If your CIBIL is strong, your loan approval chances increase significantly.
But don’t ignore other bureaus.
Some lenders rely more on:
Experian for credit cards
CRIF for microfinance, small loans, and rural lending
5. What Minimum Score Do Lenders Expect?
Most lenders prefer:
CIBIL: 700–750+
Experian: 720–750+
CRIF: 700+
If your score is strong in at least one major bureau, you can often still qualify.
6. Which Score Should You Focus On?
✔ Check your CIBIL regularly — it’s the primary score
✔ Check Experian or CRIF once every few months
✔ Fix discrepancies immediately
Your goal should be consistent score health across all bureaus, not just one.
7. When Do Lenders Reject Even If One Score Is Good?
You may still get rejected if:
Another bureau shows defaults/settlements
There are too many loan enquiries
EMI bounce history appears in any bureau
A fraud alert or high-risk flag exists
Lenders trust the worst bureau score, not the best one.
8. Can Lenders Approve Loans Based on Experian or CRIF Alone?
Yes — especially:
New-age fintech lenders
Credit card issuers
Digital NBFCs
Small-ticket loan providers
But major banks still prioritise CIBIL.
Conclusion
All three scores — CIBIL, Experian, and CRIF — matter.
But when it comes to loan approvals, CIBIL plays the biggest role, followed by Experian and CRIF depending on loan type and lender.
Instead of worrying which bureau is “right,” focus on:
✔ Paying EMIs on time
✔ Keeping utilisation low
✔ Avoiding unnecessary enquiries
✔ Maintaining clean credit behaviour across all accounts
Good habits = good score everywhere.
FAQs
Q1. Why is my CIBIL score lower than Experian?
Different bureaus receive updates at different times and use different algorithms.
Q2. Which score do banks check first?
Most check CIBIL first.
Q3. Will a good Experian score help if my CIBIL score is low?
Sometimes, but major banks still rely mainly on CIBIL.
Q4. How often should I check my credit scores?
Once every 2–3 months is enough.
Q5. Can I dispute wrong data in any bureau?
Yes — you can raise disputes with CIBIL, Experian, CRIF or all three.
Published on : 13th November
Published by : SMITA
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