banner image credit rating vs credit score whats the difference

Difference Between Credit Rating and Credit Score

January 05, 2024 • 1549 views

Credit score or credit rating - which one to look for while availing of a loan? It goes without saying that terms like credit rating and credit score are overwhelming. Especially when these terms are often used interchangeably. The fact is, credit rating and credit score hold distinct meanings in the financial landscape. This blog provides a detailed overview of credit rating vs credit score to help you get better clarity. Read on!

What is Credit Rating?

Credit rating determines the credit risk of business entities such as proprietorships, partnership firms, non-profit organisations (NGOs), or limited companies. This rating usually ranges from AAA to D. Professional credit rating agencies analyse the financial records, sales data, historical and current debts, and income prospects to gauge the lending risk. A good rating signifies the company's financial stability and robust repayment capacity.

List of Agencies That Assign Credit Rating to Businesses

Credit ratings for businesses are determined by SEBI-regulated agencies in India. Notable agencies include:

  • CRISIL

Founded in 1987, CRISIL operates globally and assesses companies based on market share, management expertise, and overall strength.

  • CARE

Established in 1993, CARE provides comprehensive services, including long-term and short-term debt ratings.

  • ICRA

Operational since 1991, ICRA with its headquarters in Gurgaon, specialises in rating various financial products.

  • India Ratings & Research

Formerly Fitch Ratings India Pvt. Ltd. (1995), this agency evaluates financial institutions, local bodies, corporate bonds, and managed funds and assess business creditworthiness.

What Does a Good Credit Rating Mean?

Credit ratings are denoted by a letter or symbol, signifying the risk level linked to an entity. For instance, an "AAA" rating, the highest, signifies minimal credit risk, whereas a "D" rating, the lowest, indicates either default or a substantial probability of default. Take a look at the table below to know what each rating denotes:

Rating

Scale of Rating

Risk

AAA

Excellent

Lowest

AA

Very good

Very low

A

Good

Low credit

BBB

Average

Moderate credit

B

Low

High credit

C

Poor

Very high

D

Defaulted

Default

What is Credit Score?

A credit score is a numerical assessment reflecting an individual’s creditworthiness. The number ranges between 300 and 850. A higher credit score indicates that an applicant is a low-risk borrower. Maintaining a good credit score to avail of loans in favourable terms is best.

List of Agencies That Assign Credit Scores to Individuals

In India, four major credit bureaus determine the credit score:

  • CIBIL

TransUnion CIBIL, established in 2000, is a leading credit bureau in India with over 1 billion records. It provides credit information to 5,000+ members and focuses on managing lending risk effectively.

  • Equifax

Equifax India, which has been operating since 2010, caters to 1,000+ members and excels in microfinance, fintech lending, and MSME financing. Leveraging advanced analytics and industry knowledge, it is famous for its trusted data.

  • Experian

Experian, with a global history of 125+ years, entered India as a credit bureau in 2010. It collaborates with financial companies, insurers, e-commerce firms, and Telco’s, offering diverse information services.

  • CRIF High Mark

Founded in 2008, CRIF High Mark influences millions of lending decisions monthly and holds data from 4,000+ financial institutions. It pioneered comprehensive borrower information in India.

Also Read - How to Improve CIBIL Score to Get a Loan at Lower Interest Rates?

What Does Different Credit Scores Mean?

Credit scores, often presented as numerical values, provide a three-digit numeric portrayal of an individual's creditworthiness. Ranging between 300 and 900, a higher score indicates excellent creditworthiness, with 900 being the highest level.

Score

Scale of Score

Meaning

NA

Not applicable

You haven't applied for your first loan yet.

300-549

Poor

Your track record includes missed EMIs and defaults, making loan approval unlikely with this score.

550-649

Fair

This indicates a history of irregular EMI payments and numerous hard inquiries on your profile. Having a credit score within this range could result in the rejection of a loan application.

650-749

Good

While you have exhibited positive credit behaviour in the past, there are still some imperfections that might hinder your eligibility for obtaining loans with low-interest rates.

750-799

Very good

Your timely EMI payments and great credit history label you as a low-risk borrower, potentially leading to favourable loan rates from your lender.

800-900

Excellent

Your exceptional financial management, demonstrated by a perfect repayment record, qualifies you for a larger loan with lower interest rates and favourable terms.

 

Credit Score vs Credit Rating:  Key Differences

Here are the key differences between credit score and credit rating:

Parameters

Credit Score

Credit Rating

Assigned By

Agencies like CIBIL, Equifax, Experian, CRIF High Mark

Agencies like CRISIL, CARE, ICRA, India Ratings & Research

Assigned to

Individual borrowers

Sole proprietorships, partnership firms, and limited companies

Representation

By number

By alphabets

Ranges Between

300 and 900

D and AAA

To Conclude

Understanding the difference between credit score and credit rating is essential to navigate through your loan journey seamlessly. A good credit score/CIBIL Score or credit rating always helps individuals and businesses get better deals and loan offers. To experience a hassle-free loan journey, get a loan from a trusted financial services institution like Poonawalla Fincorp. Enable your dreams in just a few clicks!

Disclaimer

We take utmost care to provide information based on internal data and reliable sources. However, this article and associated web pages provide generic information for reference purposes only. Readers must make an informed decision by reviewing the products offered and the terms and conditions. Loan disbursal is at the sole discretion of Poonawalla Fincorp.
*Terms and Conditions apply

poonawalla fincorp team

Poonawalla Fincorp Team

Our team of expert writers and editors are passionate about providing authentic and valuable information on finance. Our aim is to simplify financial and finance-related concepts. We strive to help our readers become more aware and empowered to make informed financial decisions.

Trending Topics



Contact Us logo Quick Apply CIBIL Score logo Free CIBIL Whatsapp logo Connect on WhatsApp