Check Free CRIF Credit Score Online

In today’s time, the approval of any loan or credit card depends largely on your credit score. This score tells banks and NBFCs how reliable you are in making payments on time. CRIF High Mark is an RBI-recognized credit bureau in India, which prepares your complete CRIF report. In this blog, we will learn how to check credit score i.e. how to check credit score for free on CRIF and why it is important to track it regularly.

What is a Credit Score & Why Does it Matter?

A credit score is a three-digit number (300 to 900) that reflects your financial credibility. It can also be called a “financial report card” because it determines whether you will be able to repay your loan or credit card bill on time.

Who calculates it?

In India, the credit score is generated by four RBI-approved credit bureaus CIBIL, Experian, Equifax and CRIF High Mark. Of these, CRIF High Mark provides both personal and business credit information.

Importance of the score

Whenever you apply for a loan or credit card, banks and NBFCs first look at your credit score. It gives them an idea of ​​your repayment capacity and trustworthy behavior.

Score range and meaning

• 750+ (Excellent): Loan approval is easy and interest rates are low.
• 650–749 (Fair): Loan can be obtained but the terms may be a little stringent.
• Less than 650 (Risky): Chances of approval are low and interest rates are high.

Why is a regular check important?

Credit score directly impacts your financial future be it a home loan, personal loan or credit card limit. Hence, it is important to check your credit score from time to time. The CRIF score and its detailed CRIF report give you a clear picture. This is why a regular credit score check with CRIF is extremely important for your financial health.

Introduction to CRIF High Mark

Global and Indian History of CRIF

CRIF (Centre for Research in International Finance) is a global company, established in Italy in 1988 and spread across all four continents with presence in around 50+ countries.

The same company acquired High Mark Credit Information Services in India which was established in 2007 and has been operating as CRIF High Mark since March 2011 after it received a license from RBI as a credit bureau.

RBI approved Credit Bureaus in India

CRIF High Mark is an RBI approved Credit Information Company in India, providing credit reports and scoring for both individual and business lenders.

What makes it special?

• It is India’s first Microlending-enabled Credit Bureau and the world’s largest Microfinance Bureau database.
• It covers all borrower segments: retail, agriculture, rural, MSME, commercial and microfinance.
• So far, it has tied up with 4,000+ financial institutions including cooperative banks, NBFCs, insurance companies, etc.

Both personal and business reports

CRIF High Mark provides two types of credit scores:

• Personal Credit Score
• Business Credit Score

This is useful for both large and small businesses, and this data is used by banks, NBFCs, and other entities for their risk assessment.

Thus, CRIF High Mark is not only a trusted and RBI-approved credit bureau, but is also unique for its comprehensive coverage, analytical capabilities, and providing both types of scores (personal and business). 

Read Also: Credit Score: What Is It And How It Impacts You?

How to Check Credit Score with CRIF (Step-by-Step Guide)

Step 1: Visit the official website

First, open the website of CRIF High Mark. Here you will find the option of “Free Credit Score” or “Get Your Score”. By clicking on it, you can start the process of checking the score. Remember, according to RBI rules, you get a free report once a year.

Step 2: Fill in your information

Now you have to enter some basic details like name, date of birth, PAN (or any other valid ID), mobile number and email ID. This information is taken so that the system can identify you correctly.

Step 3: Verify with OTP

After filling the form, tick “I agree” and proceed. An OTP will come on your registered mobile number. As soon as you enter it, your identity will be confirmed.

Step 4: Answer additional security questions

Sometimes CRIF asks you some questions related to your credit history like an old loan or credit card details. The system shows your report only after giving the correct answer.

Step 5: View your score and report

Once the verification is complete, your CRIF score will be displayed on the screen. You can also view the full CRIF report by going to the “My Report” section and download it as a PDF. The report is password-protected, usually the password is the first four lowercase letters of your name + the last four digits of your mobile number.

Step 6: Keep the report safe

Once downloaded, save your report in a safe place. It will be very useful for your loan or credit card application.

Understanding Your CRIF Report

When you check your credit score on CRIF, you not only get a number but also a CRIF Report of your entire credit history. By looking at it, you understand how you have used your loan and credit card and banks trust you after seeing it. Let’s understand it in a simple way:

1. Personal Details : The report starts with information like your name, date of birth, PAN or Aadhaar number and mobile number. This is important so that the report is completely related to you and there is no mistake.
2. Credit Accounts Summary : This section shows all your loan and credit card accounts – which ones are active, which ones are closed, and how much credit limit you have. This gives you a complete idea of ​​your expenses and debt.
3. Repayment History : This section tells whether you have repaid your loan or credit card installments on time or not. If a payment is late, it is shown as “DPD Days Past Due”. Paying on time strengthens your credit profile.
4. Enquiry Details : When you apply for a loan or credit card, the bank or NBFC looks at your report. This is called a Hard Enquiry. Having too many enquiries can have a slight impact on your score, so avoid unnecessary applications.
5. Your CRIF Score : And finally comes your score CRIF Score (300-900). The higher the score, the more trustworthy you are. Generally, a score of 750 or above is considered good. To increase the score, timely payment and balanced use of limits are necessary.

Read Also: How to Improve Your Credit Score?

CRIF Score vs Other Credit Bureaus (Comparison)

Bureau	Score Range	Free Report	Coverage Strength
CRIF High Mark	300 – 900	1 free per year	Microfinance, Retail Loans, Grameen Data
CIBIL	300 – 900	1 free per year	Widely accepted by banks
Experian	300 – 900	1 free per year	Consumer loans and credit cards
Equifax	300 – 900	1 free per year	NBFC data

Common Reasons for a Low CRIF Score

If your CRIF score is low, it indicates that there may be some things in your credit behaviour that may cause concern for lenders. Let’s know the reasons due to which your score can be affected:

1. Missing EMI or credit card payment : If you have not paid EMI or credit card bill on time, it negatively affects your score. Even a single default can reduce your score by 50-80 points.
2. High Credit Utilization Ratio : If you are using 40% or more of your credit limit, it indicates that you are using more credit, which can lower your score.
3. Multiple loan/credit applications in a short period of time : If you have applied for multiple loans or credit cards in a short period of time, it can lead to a drop in your score. Every application is accompanied by a “hard inquiry”, which affects your score.
4. Long-overdue accounts : If you have accounts whose installments are pending, it negatively affects your score. Not making payments on time leads to a drop in your score.
5. Limited or no credit history : If you have a very short credit history or none at all, it can affect your score. Lending institutions find it difficult to evaluate your credit behavior.
6. Identification errors in the report : If your report has an incorrect PAN number or incorrect loan information, it can affect your score. You should contact CRIF to correct such errors.

How to Improve Your CRIF Score

CRIF score shows your financial health and it is directly related to your daily banking behavior. To improve it, there are some small but effective steps by adopting which you can gradually strengthen your score.

1. Pay EMI and credit card bills on time : The easiest and effective way is to pay every EMI and credit card bill on time. Even one or two delays can harm the score. Try to always make the payment before the due date.
2. Keep credit usage balanced : If you are using the entire or most part of your credit limit, it indicates to the bank that you are heavily dependent on debt. Try not to use more than 30–40% of the limit.
3. Do not apply for new loans or credit cards frequently : Applying for many loans or cards in a short period of time affects the score. Every new application is recorded as a “hard enquiry”, which can pull down the score slightly.
4. Keep the right mix of credit : If you have a balance of secured and unsecured credit, it is good for the score. For example, having a small home loan or car loan and a credit card can be beneficial.
5. Check your CRIF report from time to time : Incorrect or outdated information can harm your score. Therefore, it is important to check your credit report at least once a year. This will help you correct the mistakes in time and track your progress.
6. Build credit history gradually : If you have a short credit history, start with a small loan or secured credit card. Gradually, proper use increases the confidence of banks and NBFCs in your ability to pay.

Read Also: Understanding the Difference Between Credit and Debt

Conclusion

Your CRIF score tells your financial story to your bank and lenders. If it is correct and strong, it is easy to get a loan or credit card. Therefore, it is very important to pay EMIs and bills on time, use credit limits in a balanced manner and pay attention to your report. If you see any mistake in the report, correct it immediately. These small habits gradually strengthen your credit and make it easier for you to make financial decisions in the future.

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