If you've recently checked your CIBIL report and found that your score is zero, don’t panic. A CIBIL score of 0 doesn’t mean you have bad credit—it simply means you have no credit history yet. Let’s break down what this actually means and what you can do to build a credit score quickly.
What Does a CIBIL Score of Zero Mean?
A CIBIL score ranges from 300 to 900, and it's a key metric lenders use to determine your creditworthiness. However, when your score is zero or shows as “NH” (No History), it typically indicates one of the following:
Top Reasons Why Your CIBIL Score is Zero
1. You’ve Never Taken a Loan or Credit Card
If you've never borrowed from a bank or used a credit card, there's no repayment data for CIBIL to evaluate—so your score remains 0.
2. Your Credit Activity is Less Than 6 Months Old
CIBIL requires at least 6 months of credit activity to calculate a score. If you’ve just started using credit, your score will be 0 until enough data is gathered.
3. Only Add-On Cards or Joint Loans
If you’ve only used an add-on credit card (like one linked to a parent or spouse’s account) or were a co-borrower on a loan without being the primary holder, your activity might not be recorded.
4. Inactive Credit Accounts
If you took a loan or credit card years ago and haven’t used any credit since, your score could reset to 0 due to inactivity.
5. Recently Closed All Credit Lines
If you had a good credit history but closed all your loans and cards, CIBIL may no longer have active data to maintain a score.
Is a CIBIL Score of Zero Bad?
Not necessarily. It simply means you’re "new to credit." However, it does limit your chances of getting approved for unsecured loans or premium credit cards.
How to Build Your CIBIL Score From Zero
✅ 1. Apply for a Secured Credit Card
Banks offer credit cards against a fixed deposit. Use it regularly and repay on time to start building a score.
✅ 2. Take a Small Personal Loan
Choose a low-value personal loan or a “credit builder” loan with easy EMIs to establish repayment behavior.
✅ 3. Pay All Bills on Time
Even if it’s a utility or postpaid bill, make consistent on-time payments—some fintech platforms now report these.
✅ 4. Limit Your Credit Applications
Avoid applying for multiple loans or cards in a short period. Too many inquiries can reduce your chances of approval.
✅ 5. Monitor Your Credit Report
Check your CIBIL report every 3–6 months to ensure it’s updating correctly and that no errors exist.
Conclusion
A CIBIL score of zero doesn’t mean you're financially irresponsible—it simply means you're at the starting point. With the right steps, you can move from 0 to a healthy score above 750 in just 6–12 months. Start small, stay disciplined, and build your credit journey smartly.
FAQs
Q1: What does a CIBIL score of 0 mean?
It means you have no credit history or activity recorded by CIBIL yet. You're considered a "new to credit" borrower.
Q2: Can I get a loan with a CIBIL score of 0?
Yes, some banks and NBFCs offer loans to new borrowers, especially if you have a stable income or take a secured loan.
Q3: How long does it take to generate a CIBIL score?
Typically 6 months of active credit usage is needed to generate a score.
Q4: Will my score stay at 0 forever?
No. Once you start using credit products and make timely repayments, your score will begin to rise.
Q5: Does checking my CIBIL score reduce it?
No, checking your own score is a soft inquiry and does not impact your score.
Published on : 2nd August
Published by : SMITA
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