What is a Credit Score - Meaning, Importants and its Calculation

Your credit score can sometimes turn out to be a very important number for you; it summarizes your financial health from a creditworthiness perspective. The score can have a significant impact on your financials as it is studied very closely by potential lenders when determining the credit to offer you. Having a strong credit score helps you enjoy the best of loans as well as credit cards.

This three digit number is more important than any as it shows how likely you are to repay your debts on time. A high score shows that you pay your debt on time, whereas a low score shows a low likelihood of repayment. Thus, a low score will get you credit at a higher interest rate, while a high score might get you access to low interest rate loans.

The credit score is computed by credit bureaus like CIBIL, Experion, Crif Himark etc.

In this article, we will take you through the basics of credit score calculations, the importance of the scores, finally, how you can improve your score to enjoy the many affiliated benefits. Read on!

What is a Credit Score?

A credit score is a numerical representation of an individual's creditworthiness, providing lenders with an assessment of their ability to repay borrowed money. It serves as a crucial factor in determining loan approvals, interest rates. Now that you know what credit scores are, you must be thinking how they are generated. Well, credit bureaus generate them using data from credit reports, considering factors such as payment history, credit utilisation, length of credit history, types of credit used, and recent credit inquiries. A higher credit score indicates a lower risk of default, making it easier to secure favourable terms and access to credit. It is essential to maintain good credit score ratings by making timely payments, managing debt responsibly, and keeping credit utilisation low, as it can significantly impact financial opportunities and overall financial well-being.

What Are the Credit Score Ranges?

Credit scores typically fall within specific ranges, which provide a snapshot of an individual's creditworthiness. The most commonly used credit scoring model is the CIBIL score, which ranges from 300 to 900. Here is a breakdown of the credit score ranges and their corresponding levels of creditworthiness, so you know what is my credit score when you check the same:

Credit Score Range	Creditworthiness
300 - 579	Poor
580 - 669	Fair
670 - 739	Good
740 - 799	Very Good
800 - 900	Excellent

How Did Credit Scores Work?

Credit scores are calculated using complex algorithms that assess an individual's credit history and financial behaviour. The two most common credit scoring models are CIBIL and Experian. These models consider various factors such as payment history, credit utilisation, length of credit history, types of credit, and recent credit inquiries. Each factor carries a different weight in the calculation, with payment history usually being the most influential. Timely payments, low credit utilisation, and a mix of different credit types can positively impact credit scores. On the other hand, late payments, high credit card balances, and recent delinquencies can lower scores. Lenders use credit scores to evaluate an applicant's creditworthiness and determine the level of risk involved in extending credit. It's essential to maintain good credit habits to achieve and maintain a healthy credit score.

How Is a Credit Score Calculated?

All credit bureaus have their own metrics for developing the scores of individuals, though the basic methodology generally remains the same. Each bureau comes up with certain key attributes and assigns certain weights to each. Then using historical behavior exihibited by the individuals, the individuals are scored on each of these attributes. To develop the final credit score, the scores against each attribute is aggregated using the pre-assigned weights.

Listed below are some key attributes which are used for credit scoring:

1. Payment history: Payment history is the first thing a lender will want to know about you. It provides information about the past loans that you may have borrowed and also reflects on your ability to repay in the future. Prepayments or on-time payments help increase the score on this attribute.
2. Amount owed: The next important information is the amount you owe. It does not necessarily mean that you have a low credit score if you owe a large amount. Though, having too many loans concurrently is not advisable, as lenders see it as risky and avoid lending.
3. Length of credit history: It is believed that a longer credit history leads to a higher credit score. Although, people who do not have a long credit history can also hold a high score based on other aspects of the report. The length takes into consideration the duration of the specific credit accounts, the time period since you used them and the duration since the accounts have been established.
4. Credit mix in use: Various credit mix in use, may include, mortgage loans, retail accounts, credit cards, installment loans, and finance company accounts. The entire mix forms your credit report based on which the credit score is determined.
5. New Credit: The opening of a large number of credit accounts at the same time demonstrates that the individual is a potentially high risk and indicates propensity towards fraudulent behavior. Thus, it is advisable to not open a lot of new accounts rapidly, shopping for new credit should be delayed until the current borrowings are paid off.

How to Check Your Credit  Score Online?

Checking your credit score online has become a convenient and simple process. To access your credit score, follow these steps:

• Visit the official website of a reputable credit bureau, such as CIBIL (Credit Information Bureau India Limited).
• Look for the "Check Your Credit Score" or similar option on the website's homepage.
• Click on the link and provide the necessary details, including your name, date of birth, address, and identification information.
• Authenticate your identity through the verification process, which may include answering security questions or providing documentation.
• Once verified, you will be able to view your credit score and credit report.
• Review your credit report for accuracy and check for any discrepancies or errors that may impact your creditworthiness.

Take note of the factors contributing to your credit score and areas that need improvement.
Remember to check your credit score regularly to stay informed about your financial standing and take steps to maintain or improve it.

Why Is a Credit Score Important?

1. Easier access to funding: The most important aspect of holding a positive credit score is access to funding. The approval of credit by banks or financial institutions depends on the credit score you hold. A good score will help you avail a home loan, credit card, personal loan, mortgage loan or any other type of loan with ease. A bad score will lower your chances of receiving any funds.
2. Favorable loan structuring: It enables you to seek the most suitable terms in case of a short-term, medium-term or a long-term loan.
3. Lower interest rates: A good credit score scale ensures that you get the benefit of a lower rate of interest for secured as well as unsecured loans.
4. Greater negotiating power: A good credit score puts you in better negotiating power with the bank or financial institution. When you hold a positive credit history, you can negotiate your terms with the lender and benefit on the loan.
5. Security deposits may not be required: Most loans require you to provide a security deposit which depends on the amount of borrowing you seek. With a good credit score, you may not have to provide a security deposit when you borrow.
6. Higher limits: A positive credit score enables you to seek higher credit and enables an increase in your CIBIL score limit.
7. Lower processing fees and other charges: With a good credit score, you can easily cut down on the processing fees and other charges that various banks and financial institutions seek.
8. Long term benefit: Even if you are not looking for a loan right away, a good credit score will help you in the future. It will become much easier to get a housing loan if you have a positive credit score. If you are looking to rent a house, the credit score will make your process much easier.

How to Improve Your Credit Score

1. Know your current score: The first step to improving a credit score is by knowing the score you hold. Check your credit score on the various credit bureau’s websites and see where you are standing.
2. Resolve credit report discrepancies: Your credit report will display the score and help you gain an insight into any discrepancies present. To resolve the same, you need to follow up with the lender and make sure any errors are immediately rectified and the information updated.
3. Try and consolidate debt: This will make it easy for you to repay and also put an end to the hassle of remembering different dates of repayment. If you have two or three loans running concurrently, you can consolidate it into one.
4. Clear existing debt: The easiest way to improve the credit score is by clearing the debt. Do not let the debt pile up, instead begin with clearing the small loans. If you have overdue credit card bills, repay them and move to other loans. Unpaid balance will keep adding on interest and it will have a negative impact on your credit score.
5. Don't withdraw cash using a credit card: Avoid using the credit card for cash withdrawals, as it shows that you are unable to live within your means. This is a red flagfor many lenders.
6. Only seek funds if you need them: Unnecessary opening of credit accounts leads to a negative impact on your score. Every loan application means an additional burden of repayment and affects the credit score.

Difference Between Credit Score >Difference Between Credit Score & Credit Report?amp; Credit Report?

While related, credit scores and credit reports serve different purposes in assessing an individual's creditworthiness. Here's a breakdown of the key differences:

Credit Score	Credit Report
A numerical representation of creditworthiness	Detailed record of an individual's credit history
Provides a quick snapshot of creditworthiness	Contains comprehensive information about credit accounts, payment history, credit inquiries, and public records
Influenced by factors like payment history, credit utilisation, and length of credit history	Does not have a direct impact on credit scores
Used by lenders to assess credit risk and determine loan terms	Reviewed by lenders to evaluate creditworthiness and make informed lending decisions
Can vary across different credit bureaus	Generally consistent across credit bureaus if information is accurate

Benefits of Having a Good Credit Score

Maintaining a good credit score brings several advantages and opportunities. Here are the key benefits:

• Access to Better Loan Terms: A good credit score makes it easier to secure loans with favourable interest rates, repayment terms, and higher borrowing limits.
• Lower Interest Rates: Lenders are more likely to offer lower interest rates on mortgages, auto loans, and credit cards to individuals with good credit scores, resulting in significant savings over time.
• Higher Approval Rates: With a good credit score, you have a higher chance of getting approved for credit applications, including loans.
• Negotiating Power: A good credit score gives you leverage when negotiating terms with lenders, allowing you to request better rates or terms. 

Maintaining a good credit score opens doors to financial flexibility, favourable terms, and better opportunities in various aspects of loan life.

Holding a good credit score is highly important from a financial management perspective. It is essential to be aware about how the score is calculated so that you can either maintain the good credit score or work towards a better score through various ways. Remember maintaining good spending habits will help in a good credit score, this will go a long way in wealth creation.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is considered a good credit score?

A credit score of 750 or higher is generally considered good and increases the likelihood of favourable credit terms.

2. Credit score 0 means?

A credit score of 0 typically indicates a lack of credit history or insufficient credit information to generate a score.

3. How long does it take to build credit?

Building credit takes time and consistent positive credit behaviour. It generally takes several months to a few years to establish a solid credit history.

4. Can my credit score be affected by someone else's actions?

No, your credit score is not directly affected by someone else's actions unless you have joint accounts or shared financial obligations.

5. How often should I check my credit score?

It is recommended to check your credit score at least once a year, or before major financial decisions, such as applying for a loan or credit card.

6. What steps should I take if I find errors on my credit report?

If you find errors on your credit report, you should notify the credit bureau in writing, provide supporting documentation, and request a correction or removal of the inaccuracies.

7. What are the 5 C's in credit score?

The 5 C's in credit score are Character, Capacity, Capital, Collateral, and Conditions. These factors help lenders evaluate a borrower's creditworthiness.