Difference Between Credit Score and Cibil Score

If you’ve ever applied for a loan or credit card, you’ve likely come across the terms credit score and CIBIL score. Many people use them interchangeably, which often leads to confusion. So, is credit score and CIBIL score same? The answer is not exactly. While both relate to your creditworthiness, there are some important differences you should understand.

Credit Score vs CIBIL Score

What is Credit Score?

A credit score is a three-digit number that reflects your creditworthiness. It is calculated based on your credit history, repayment behaviour, credit utilisation, and other factors. The score typically ranges between 300 and 900, with a higher score indicating better credit health.

Multiple credit bureaus in India generate credit scores — such as CIBIL, Experian, Equifax, and CRIF High Mark. Hence, the term credit score is a general category that includes scores from any of these bureaus.

What is CIBIL Score?

A CIBIL score is a type of credit score generated by TransUnion CIBIL, one of the major credit bureaus in India. When people refer to the CIBIL score, they are specifically talking about the score given by TransUnion CIBIL based on your credit information report (CIR).

So, while all CIBIL scores are credit scores, not all credit scores are CIBIL scores.

Difference Between Credit Score and CIBIL Score

Let’s break down the key differences in the table below:

Hence summarising the above table, credit report is a generic term that refers to your overall creditworthiness whereas CIBIL report is a specific credit score given by TransUnion CIBIL. Furthermore, classifying the difference as follows.

Issued By

Credit Score: Can be issued by any authorised credit bureau in India such as:

CIBIL (TransUnion)

Experian

Equifax

CRIF High Mark

Each bureau may calculate the score slightly differently based on their own models.

CIBIL Score: Is exclusively issued by TransUnion CIBIL. It is not a general term — it refers only to their calculation of your creditworthiness.

Difference Between Score Range

Both types of scores typically range from 300 to 900.

Higher score = better credit health.

While CIBIL and other bureaus use the same range, the actual score may differ slightly for the same individual due to different scoring algorithms.

Credit Score Vs CIBIL Score Usage

Credit Score: Used broadly by financial institutions and lenders. Depending on their preference, they might refer to the score from any bureau.

CIBIL Score: Most commonly requested score in India. Many banks and NBFCs have long-standing partnerships with CIBIL, making it the go-to score for most evaluations.

Difference Between the Data Source

Credit Score: Based on the credit report maintained by the respective bureau. Each bureau pulls data from lenders, credit card companies, and financial institutions to build their report.

CIBIL Score: Based on your Credit Information Report (CIR) maintained by TransUnion CIBIL, which is updated monthly with your credit activity from member institutions.

Method of Calculation

Credit Score: Since each bureau uses different scoring models, your score may vary from one bureau to another, even with the same data.

CIBIL Score: Uses a specific and consistent algorithm by CIBIL, so there’s only one CIBIL score per person at a time.

Reputation in India

All bureau scores are valid and accepted, but some lenders may give preference to one over the others.

CIBIL Score: Has the strongest brand recognition in India. It was India’s first credit bureau, and over the years, it has become the most trusted and widely accepted credit score.

How Can I Check my CIBIL Score?

You can check your CIBIL or credit score online for free from various platforms. Here's how:

To check your CIBIL score:

1. Visit Piramal Finance CIBIL score page.

2. Enter your mobile number and captcha.

3. Click on ‘Get Your Free Credit Report’.

4. Verify the OTP sent on your mobile number.

5. Enter your PAN card details and basic personal information.

6. View your CIBIL score and report.

To check your credit score from other bureaus:

You can also check credit scores from other bureaus through Piramal Finance like:

• Experian India

• Equifax India

• CRIF

FAQs

What is a good CIBIL score?

A CIBIL score of 750 or above is generally considered good. It improves your chances of getting loans approved at better interest rates.

What is a good credit score?

Just like the CIBIL score, a credit score of 750+ from any bureau is considered healthy and creditworthy by most financial institutions.

What is considered while getting a loan – credit or CIBIL?

Lenders consider both terms — but what matters is the credit report from a recognized bureau, most commonly CIBIL. Factors include:

• Repayment history

• Loan utilisation

• Credit mix

• Recent credit inquiries

• Length of credit history