Your credit score summarises how you have handled credit so far. It is not fixed. Most people who follow a simple routine see a meaningful change within two reporting cycles.
What moves the score most
- Payment history. Pay every EMI and card bill on time. Set up auto-debit for at least the minimum due.
- Credit utilisation. Keep card balances below 30% of the limit. If you spend ₹60,000 a month on a ₹1 lakh limit, pay mid-cycle or ask for a limit increase.
- Credit mix and age. A long-held card in good standing helps. Do not close your oldest card.
- Enquiries. Every formal application triggers a hard enquiry. Apply only where you are likely to be approved.
Fix what is wrong on the report
Pull your report from CIBIL, Experian, Equifax or CRIF (one free report a year each). Dispute accounts that are not yours, closed loans still showing as active, and incorrect amounts.
What does not help
Checking your own score (a soft enquiry), earning more, or holding a large bank balance. Scores track credit behaviour, not wealth.
A six-month plan
Month 1: get your report, set auto-pay, dispute errors. Months 2–4: bring utilisation under 30%, make no new applications. Months 5–6: check the updated score and apply for the loan or card you actually need.
Published 5 October 2026 · General information, not financial advice.