- On-time payments are the biggest lever, and there is no shortcut around that.
- Lower utilization can lift your score within a billing cycle or two.
- Older negative marks fade slowly; consistency matters more than speed.
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Pay every EMI and card bill on time
Set up auto-debit for at least the minimum due, and pay the full balance when you can.
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Keep card utilization under about 30%
On a ₹1,00,000 limit, try to keep the statement balance under ₹30,000. Use the credit utilization calculator to plan.
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Do not close your oldest card
Old accounts in good standing lengthen your history. Close one only if the annual fee is not worth it.
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Limit new applications
Each formal application adds a hard enquiry. Space them out, and compare offers through eligibility checkers where possible.
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Clear overdue amounts
Pay overdue balances in full. A loan marked “settled” is seen as less favourable than one that is “closed”.
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Build a healthy credit mix
A small secured loan or a credit card used responsibly adds variety. Do not take a loan only to improve a score.
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Check your report for errors
Mistakes such as a closed loan still showing as active can drag the score down. See how to fix report errors.
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Request a limit increase carefully
A higher limit lowers utilization if your spending stays the same. Ask only if the lender uses a soft check.
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Be patient
Utilization changes can show within one or two months. A history of late payments takes much longer to fade.
What not to believe
No one can legally “guarantee” a score increase, and paying a third party to remove genuine negative entries does not work. Free official tools and your own habits are what move the score.
Learn the basics in what a CIBIL score is.
This article is for general information only and is not financial, legal or tax advice. Interest rates, fees and rules change, so confirm current terms with the lender or the regulator before you decide. Examples use illustrative figures. Last reviewed: October 2026.
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