Saturday, 26 July 2025

Credit Score Guide #18: What Lowers Your Credit Score Without You Knowing

 


Surprising Things That Lower Your Credit Score in India

Think you’re financially responsible? You might still be hurting your score without realizing it.


1. Paying Minimum Due Only

Even if you pay the “minimum due” on your credit card, it signals poor repayment behavior to credit bureaus.

Always try to clear the total outstanding, not just the minimum.


2. Closing Old Credit Cards

Your credit history’s age matters. Closing your oldest card lowers your average account age, negatively affecting your score.

Keep your oldest card active with small monthly spends and full repayments.


3. High Credit Utilization

Using more than 30-40% of your card limit regularly shows dependency on credit.

If your limit is ₹1 lakh, try not to go beyond ₹30,000 even if you repay on time.


4. Too Many Loan Applications

Every loan or credit card application leads to a hard inquiry, which temporarily lowers your score.

Avoid applying for multiple loans or cards within a short period.


5. Ignoring Small EMIs or BNPL Apps

Missed payments on apps like Flipkart Pay Later or Amazon Pay Later are reported to CIBIL.

They affect your score just like any big loan.


Conclusion

A strong credit score opens financial doors. Know these hidden traps and stay score-safe.


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