Credit scores have the most pivotal position among all financial aspects of a person. A number of individuals have the habit of checking their credit score on a regular basis, only to notice a rapid rise or fall in it. This happens to most individuals, mainly when they are planning to avail a personal loan, home loan, car loan, or a business loan.
Whether you’ve ever caught yourself wondering, “Why did my credit score suddenly change,” this in-depth guide is intended for you.
This blog would highlight all the major factors that lead to sudden changes in your credit scores and also inform you on how to take all the necessary precautions to increase your scores and make you eligible for a personal loan.
What is Credit Score? Credit score is one of the most widely
Credit Score, also called CIBIL Score in India, is a three-digit number which depicts your creditworthiness. It is utilized by credit providers to determine:
Whether To Approve: Your Personal Loan
Rate of Interest that you will receive
How much loan amount you are eligible for
What loan tenure you qualify for
The better the credit score, the lower the risk, and the poorer the credit score, the higher the risk.
Importance of Fluctuations in Credit Score for Personal Loans A slight difference in your credit score can greatly affect: Approval for a personal loan Interest rates on loans EMI Amounts Speed of Loan Disbursal A lot of borrowers miss good loan offers simply because they fail to monitor their credit changes.
1. Missed EMI or Late Payment on Loans One of the main causes of an abrupt change in your credit score can be an EMI payment or a late payment. How It Impacts Your Credit Scores Missing just one payment for a loan or credit card can lower your credit rating Late payments result in sudden dips The lenders perceive late payment amounts as an indicator of weak repayment habits Personal Loan Impact Rejection of personal loans Higher Interest Rates Eligibility based on reduced loan amount Tip: It is essential to turn on the auto-debit feature for loan EMI payments to prevent any errors
2. Increase in Credit Utilization Ratio Your credit utilization ratio will be based on the level of credit you have extended compared to your available credit limit. Acceptance In case you have a credit card limit of ₹1,00,000 and you use it for ₹80,000, it means you’re utilizing Why This Matters “High credit use is an indicator of a stressed credit cycle Going above 30% to 40% utilization can negatively impact your score suddenly Effects on Personal Loans In regards to Personal loan amounts that would have been barred Lessened Trust among Lenders Increased scrutiny during loan approval
3. Applying for Multiple Loans or Personal Loans Together It can be detrimental to your credit rating if you apply for several personal loans, credit cards, or loan apps within a short period. Why This Happens Each loan request results in hard inquiries Several investigations indicate credit thirst. They believe that you are operating under a sort of financial duress Result: Sudden Credit Score Drop Chances of rejection of loansIncreasing Smart Tip Applying for loans when necessary and doing so one at a time.
4. Partial Repayment or Loan Settlement Most of the borrowers think that loan settlement is an easy get-away, while in reality, it can bring down credit scores abruptly. What Happens in Loan Settlement You pay less than the total outstanding loan amount. It is reported as “Settled”, not “Closed” by the lender. Credit Scoring Heavy adverse comment on credit report Long-term implications for loan eligibility Difficulty in obtaining personal loans in the future Important: The loan settlement stays on your credit report for years.
5. Closing Old Credit Cards and Loan Accounts Losingly, closing out old loans or credit card accounts can shockingly decrease your credit score. Why? Reduces Your Credit History Length Shorter credit history = Higher Perception of Risk Raises credit utilization ratio Loan Impact Lower chances for personal loan approval Lower Credit Trust Score Tip: You can keep old accounts that have been well managed active if possible.
6. Mistakes or Delays in Updating Credit Reports Occasionally, your credit score can change abruptly because of inaccuracies. Common Errors Include: Duplicate loan entries Closed loans appearing active Error in outstanding balance What You Should Do Check your Credit Report regularly Immediacy: Raises disputes Resolve the status of the track A small mistake can also delay the personal loan approval process.
EMI out although payment was made
7. Credit Mix/Change in Loan Types Having a balanced credit mix is quite significant when it comes to determining your credit score. Types of Credit There are Secured loans (Home loan/ Car loan) Unsecured loans (Personal loan/Credit card) Sudden changes occur when: You take too many unsecured Personal Loans You pay off the secured loan early Your credit file becomes imbalanced It means that It is preferred by lenders to have borrowers with a balanced portfolio of loans.
8. EMI Bounce or Auto-Debit “An EMI bounce, even for technical reasons, can impact your credit score.” _Why EMI Bounces Are Dangerous_ Reported as Default or Late Payment Charges imposed for penalty purposes Negative loan history created CONSEQUENCES OF PERSONAL Loan decision rejection rates decreased Rising interest rate offers Reduced lender trust Reduced
9. Becoming a Guarantor or Co-App
It’s common for many individuals to not know that being a guarantor could impact their credit report. What Happens If he does not pay his EMIs, it will affect your credit score. Your loan eligibility is impacted Tip: Exercise utmost care before becoming a guarantor.
10. Long Period with No Credit Activity
Having no loans or credit taken for a very long period of time can affect your credit score. Why? Credit score requires active behavior. This can result in sudden changes when the activity continues.
No data = uncertainty for lenders
How Sudden Credit Score Changes Can Affect Personal Loans
An unstable credit score may: Processing personal loan approval Raise EMI burden Decrease Maximum Loan Amount Attract stricter verification procedures Enhance the Rejection Opportunities For NBFCs and banks, credit stability is much more important than merely having a high credit rating.
How to Protect Your Credit Score with Future Loans”
All loan EMI’s to be paid on time Refrain from making personal loan requests Maintain control over credit use Check your credit report every month Avoid loan settlements unless it becomes absolutely necessary. Keep a balanced mix of credits
How long it takes to recover credit score?
Recovery time depends on: Severity of default Consistency in paying Type of loan issuance Generally: The minor delays: 2–4 months Major defaults: 6–24 months Repaying EMI on time consistently enhances the eligibility of a personal loan over a period.
Final Thoughts:
Stay Credit-Smart Before Taking a Loan Credit scores have a Your credit score will not fluctuate arbitrarily. For every abrupt shift in your credit score, there will be a reason related to your handling of personal loans and credit activities. Make smarter loan decisions Protect your financial future Obtain improved loan offers Help prevent unnecessary stress 1 For loans and personal loans, the credit status must be checked before applying for the loan.
It is helpful to understand those factors so that you