CRIF Full Form, Meaning, and How to Improve it?

The full form of CRIF Highmark is the Centre for Research in International Finance Highmark. It is a popular credit bureau that assesses your creditworthiness and assigns you a score. This score impacts your eligibility when applying for a credit. Therefore, understanding the factors that contribute to your score is essential to devise effective strategies to boost it. Read on to know more!

What is a CRIF Highmark Score?

Established in 2007, the Centre for Research in International Finance is one of the four well-known credit bureaus in India. In 2014, CRIF bought major stakes in Highmark Credit Information Services Private Limited. Since then the bureau has been renamed as CRIF Highmark.
Just like other credit bureaus, CRIF Highmark provides individuals with a credit score, that is a three-digit number ranging from 300 to 900. The higher the score, the better the chance for loan approval at lower interest rates. These scores are determined by considering various factors such as how well a person or a business has repaid bills, used credit, managed loans, and more. In essence, the credit score reflects a person’s creditworthiness, indicating how likely they are to repay a debt on time.

What are the Major Pointers to be Noted About the CRIF Highmark Credit Score?

Several important factors are considered when calculating a CRIF Highmark credit score. These factors play a significant role in determining the overall creditworthiness of an individual. These are the factors to be considered:

• Payment History
• Length of Credit History
• Credit Utilization Ratio
• A Healthy Credit Mix

ALSO READ :- CRIF Score Vs CIBIL Score: Explore the Major Difference...!

Meaning of CRIF Highmark Credit Score

To understand whether you have a good or bad CRIF score go through the following table. It provides a brief overview of the different CRIF Score ranges with their meanings.

CRIF Score	Range	Meaning
300-549	Low	If you have a poor credit history and a record of missed repayments, it means you are at a high risk of not being able to make credit payments on time. This can make lenders hesitant to approve loans or credit for you.
550-649	Medium	If you have experienced delays or defaults in making payments in the past, it can result in a lower credit score. This lower score indicates to lenders that you may still be a risk when it comes to borrowing money.
650-749	High	This score reflects your responsible financial behaviour. A credit score above 700 is generally considered good as it indicates that you have a low risk of defaulting on your debts.
750-900	Excellent	If you have consistently shown excellent credit repayment behaviour in the past, it means you are highly reliable when it comes to managing your debts. Lenders see you as a low-risk borrower, and as a result, they will be more willing to offer you credit.

 

How to Improve a Bad CRIF Highmark Score?

There are numerous ways in which you can improve your CRIF Highmark score. However, improving your credit score takes time, and you will need to be patient for the changes to reflect on your credit report.
Here are some ways to enhance your CRIF Highmark credit score:

• Timely Repayment of Debts

Pay all your debts on time and in full to improve your CRIF Highmark score. If you tend to forget due dates, consider setting up automatic debit payments, so the money is deducted from your account on time. This ensures that you will not miss any payments and helps maintain a good credit score.

• Maintain a Low Credit Utilization Ratio

The credit utilization ratio means the amount of credit you have used against the amount you are lent. Keep it below 40%. If you exceed this limit, it can drop your score. Moreover, lenders may perceive it as a sign that you rely too heavily on credit to cover your expenses and may have difficulty managing your finances.

• Have a Diverse Credit Mix

Having a diverse credit mix can have a positive effect on your CRIF Highmark credit score. A diverse credit mix means having different types of loans in your credit history. However, it is essential to be cautious when taking out different types of loans. Only consider if you are confident that you can handle the repayment responsibilities on time. Otherwise, it can have a negative impact on your credit score and financial situation.

• Avoid Applying  for Multiple Credits

It is essential to avoid applying for multiple credit cards or loans within a short period. Doing so can give the impression that you are eager to get the loan. Additionally, each time you apply for a new loan or credit card, your CRIF Highmark credit profile is reviewed, which can result in a decrease in your credit score.

How to Check Your CRIF Credit Score Online?

According to an RBI directive, you have the right to receive one free credit report per year from each of the four credit bureaus. Check your CRIF Highmark credit report, follow the steps mentioned below:

• Step 1: Go to the official website of CRIF Highmark.
• Step 2: Click on the "Get your Score Now" button.
• Step 3: Provide the necessary details such as your name, date of birth, email address, mobile number, address, Aadhaar Card, or PAN details.
• Step 4: Review the details and submit your application.

To Conclude

Now you know the full form of CRIF and its importance, you can analyze your financial profile easily. Remember, it is crucial as it reflects how trustworthy you are when it comes to borrowing money. By understanding it and the factors that affect your credit score, you should be able to improve it. Once done, you can apply for loans such as Personal Loan, Business Loans, Secondhand Car Loan etc., from Poonawalla Fincorp at competitive rates and meet your monetary needs.

Frequently Asked Questions About CRIF HighMark

1.    How often should I check my credit score?
It is always recommended to check your credit report at least once a year. However, if you are planning to make a significant purchase soon or actively taking measures to improve your credit score, you may check it more frequently.
2.    What is a normal CRIF score?
The normal CRIF score typically falls between 300 and 900. A score of 300 is the lowest, which means it reflects a poor credit score. On the other hand, a score of 900 is the highest possible, indicating an excellent credit score. Therefore, a score above 700 is considered a good score and is usually accepted by lenders.
3.    What is the highest CRIF score?
900 is the highest possible CRIF score you can attain in the 300 to 900 range. It reflects that you have a strong credit profile and increases the likelihood of securing credit at favorable terms.
4.    Will I have a credit score if I have never had a credit card or loan before?
If you have never used a credit card or had a loan before, you will not have a credit score as there is no credit history about you. As such, the credit bureau cannot produce any available details for the lenders to refer to. In such cases, the bureau labels it as “NH”, which means “No History”.

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.
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