What is a CIBIL score?

A CIBIL score is a specific type of credit score in India provided by TransUnion CIBIL (Credit Information Bureau India Limited). Like a generic credit score, it also ranges from 300 to 900. Most Indian banks rely on your CIBIL score to check your credit health, and a score above 750 is generally considered good.

What is the difference between credit score and CIBIL score?

A credit score is the generic term for any credit-rating number, whereas the CIBIL score specifically refers to the score issued by TransUnion CIBIL in India. In other words, every CIBIL score is a type of credit score, but not all credit scores are CIBIL scores.

Does checking my CIBIL score reduce it?

No. When you check your own CIBIL score, it’s recorded as a soft inquiry and does not lower your score. Only hard inquiries—such as when you apply for a loan or credit card—can cause a small drop in your score.

How can I check my CIBIL score on PhonePe?

Open the PhonePe app and tap the “My Money” tab. Scroll down to “CIBIL Score” and tap it. Fill in basic details (name, PAN, etc.) and agree to terms. Submit the form; PhonePe verifies your details. After verification, your CIBIL score will appear on screen.

How do I improve my CIBIL score?

Pay EMIs and credit card bills on time. Keep your credit utilization below 30%. Keep old credit cards active (don’t close them). Pay off existing loans on schedule and avoid applying for new credit too often. Regularly check your credit report for errors and dispute them promptly.

Credit score and Cibil score: Difference, how to check?

Q: What is a credit score?

A credit score is a number—usually between 300 and 900—that tells lenders how well you manage credit. It’s based on your history with loans and credit cards, and banks use it to decide whether to give you a loan or credit card.

Your credit score is pretty important. It’s what banks look at to figure out if they should give you a loan or a credit card. In India, one of the most popular scores you’ll hear about is the CIBIL score.

In this blog, we’ll break down what a CIBIL score is, difference between Credit score and CIBIL score, and how you can check it—especially using PhonePe. Plus, we’ll go over whether checking your score affects it, how you can boost it, and how to look up loans with your PAN card.

This is an easy guide to help you get a better grip on your credit score!

What is Credit Scores and CIBIL Score?

What’s a Credit Score?

A credit score is basically a number that tells lenders how well you manage credit. It’s based on your history with loans and credit cards. Banks look at this score to decide whether to give you a loan or a credit card. Typically, it falls between 300 and 900. The higher your score, the better your chances of getting approved for credit.

What’s a CIBIL Score?

A CIBIL score is a specific kind of credit score in India. It comes from CIBIL (which stands for Credit Information Bureau India Limited). Just like the regular credit score, it also ranges from 300 to 900. Most banks in India rely on the CIBIL score to check how healthy your credit situation is. Generally, if your score is over 750, that’s considered pretty good!

Difference Between Credit Score and CIBIL Score

Are They the Same?

Nope, they’re not the same thing. A credit score is just a broad term for your credit rating, while the CIBIL score is a specific type of credit score you find in India.

Why the Confusion?

A lot of folks mix up these terms because CIBIL is the biggest credit bureau in India. But there are also other bureaus, like Experian and Equifax, that provide credit scores too. So, basically, the CIBIL score is a type of credit score, but not all credit scores are CIBIL scores.

How to Check Your CIBIL Score

You can check your CIBIL score in a few ways.
First, visit the official CIBIL website. You will need to make an account. Then you can view your score online.
Second, use a bank’s net banking or mobile app. Some banks offer a free CIBIL score check.
Third, try other credit bureaus or financial websites. They often give free basic reports. Just register and fill in your details.

How to Check CIBIL Score in PhonePe (Step-by-Step Guide)

Open the PhonePe app on your phone.
Tap on the “My Money” tab at the bottom.
Scroll down and tap “CIBIL Score.”
You’ll see a form to fill in basic details (name, PAN, etc.).
Enter your details and agree to the terms.
Tap “Submit.”
PhonePe will verify your information.
After verification, your CIBIL score appears on the screen.

Shoolini Online Programs

Explore our online programs to become future-ready

Transform your career with industry-aligned courses designed by experts.

View All Courses →

Does Checking CIBIL Score Reduce It?

Checking your own CIBIL score does not lower it. This is called a soft inquiry. Only hard inquiries can affect your score. Hard inquiries happen when you apply for a loan or credit card.

Hard vs Soft Inquiries

Soft Inquiry:
- You check your own score.
- Banks or apps give you your score.
- Does not harm your score.
Hard Inquiry:
- You apply for credit, like a loan or card.
- Banks check your score.
- Can lower your score by a few points.

Safe Ways to Monitor Your Score

Use trusted apps or websites.
Check only when needed, not daily.
Set reminders to check once a quarter.
Sign up for alert services. They notify you of big changes.
If you see errors, report them right away.

How to Improve Your CIBIL Score

Tips to Improve Your CIBIL Score

Pay EMIs and credit card bills on time.
Use only up to 30% of your credit limit.
Keep old credit cards active.
Pay off existing loans on schedule.
Apply for new credit sparingly.
Check your credit report for errors and fix them.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Paying bills late or missing payments.
Using too much of your available credit.
Applying for multiple loans or cards at once.
Ignoring mistakes in your credit report.
Paying only the minimum amount due.
Overdrawing or maxing out a loan.

How to Check Loan on PAN Card

How to Find Active Loans Using PAN

Your PAN is a unique ID. It links all your financial records. To see active loans linked to your PAN:

Visit a credit bureau’s site (like CIBIL).
Create or log in to your account.
Enter your PAN and personal details.
Request your credit report.
The report shows all ongoing loans and their status.

You can also check with your bank. Many banks link loan accounts to PAN. Ask your bank to share loan details against your PAN.

Tools and Portals You Can Use

CIBIL (TransUnion CIBIL): Official site to get your credit report using PAN.
Experian: Another credit bureau that shows loans tied to your PAN.
Equifax: Offers a similar report with PAN-linked loans.
Paisabazaar / BankBazaar: Financial marketplaces that let you view your credit report for free.
PhonePe: Inside “My Money,” you can check your credit profile. It shows loans linked to PAN.
Credit Mantri: Provides a free credit report that lists active loans by PAN.

Use any one of these portals. They all require your PAN and basic KYC details. After verification, you’ll see a list of loans active on your PAN card.

Conclusion

Having a solid CIBIL score can really help you get better loan deals and keep your finances on track. You can easily check your score on PhonePe or other reliable apps, and don’t stress it—checking won’t lower your score. Just make sure to pay your bills on time, try to keep your credit usage under 30%, and check your credit report now and then to spot any mistakes. If you stay on top of these things, your good credit score will set you up nicely for whatever you want to achieve in the future.

CIBIL Score Explained: How to Check, Improve & Track It Online