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When you check your credit score on different platforms, it is common to see CIBIL, Experian, CRIF High Mark, and Equifax showing different numbers. This leads to the obvious question: Which credit score is the correct one? The answer is – all four are correct. Each bureau collects data independently, uses its own scoring algorithm, and receives information from lenders at different times. This creates legitimate score variations, not errors. This in-depth guide breaks down how each bureau works, why scores differ, and how lenders interpret them – so you can understand your true credit standing.
| Parameter | CIBIL | Experian | CRIF | Equifax |
| Score Range | 300–900 | 300–900 | 300–900 | 300–900 |
| Most Trusted By | Banks, NBFCs | Fintechs, Digital lenders | NBFCs, Microfinance | Banks, MSMEs |
| Update Frequency | High | High | Moderate–High | Moderate |
| Scoring Strictness | High | Moderate | Moderate–High | Moderate–High |
| Impact of High Utilisation | Medium | High | Medium | Very High |
| Impact of New Inquiries | Moderate | Moderate | High | Moderate |
A credit score is a 3-digit numerical indicator (300–900) that measures your creditworthiness. It is calculated using:
Although these factors are constant, each bureau assigns a different weightage, which is why your scores vary from one bureau to another.
Founded in 2000, CIBIL is India’s oldest credit bureau and holds the most extensive credit database. Most banks and NBFCs rely heavily on the CIBIL Score during underwriting. Its scoring model is known to weigh repayment behaviour and past delinquencies more strongly than other bureaus. A score of 750+ is considered excellent by lenders.
Experian is a global credit bureau operating in more than 40 countries. In India, it uses a sophisticated scoring model with an emphasis on credit utilisation, account age, and credit stability. Many digital lenders and fintech platforms prefer Experian because of its faster update cycles and strong fraud-detection algorithms.
CRIF is known for its deep integration with NBFCs, microfinance institutions, and digital lenders. Its credit score often diverges more (positively or negatively) than CIBIL due to broader microfinance reporting. CRIF places strong weight on recent inquiries and credit exposure, making it very responsive to new loan applications.
Equifax specializes in banking and MSME profiles. Many banks use Equifax for business loans, auto loans, and secured lending. Equifax’s scoring model penalizes high credit utilisation more heavily compared to CRIF and Experian.
All four bureaus follow the same numerical range, but the score behaviour varies.
| Credit Bureau | Score Range | What It Focuses On |
| CIBIL | 300 – 900 | Repayment history, delinquencies, credit age |
| Experian | 300 – 900 | Utilisation, inquiries, overall stability |
| CRIF High Mark | 300 – 900 | Recent activity, microfinance exposure |
| Equifax | 300 – 900 | Credit utilisation, secured credit behaviour |
A difference of 20–70 points across bureaus is normal. Even a 100+ point variation can occur depending on the lender’s reporting behaviour.
Banks and NBFCs are not legally required to report data to all four bureaus. Many report to only 2 or 3, causing major differences in credit files.
Lenders do monthly reporting — but the date varies for each bureau. Example:
So a new loan or EMI may appear on one report earlier than the others.
Each bureau uses a proprietary model with different weightages:
This naturally creates score discrepancies.
Some bureaus update closures instantly, others take 30–45 days. A closed loan still showing as active can reduce the score by 30–60 points.
This is more common than people think. Examples:
Each bureau processes loan/credit card applications differently. CRIF often shows inquiries faster than CIBIL or Equifax, which can affect the score temporarily.
All four scores are correct.
There is no official “central” score in India. Every score is legitimate because it reflects the data available to that particular bureau at that moment.
The best reflection of your credit health is:
Lenders do not rely on one fixed bureau. But here is the general pattern in India:
For high-value loans, banks often pull reports from multiple bureaus to reduce risk.
Choose the bureau that:
A reliable method is to consider your average score across all 4 bureaus — this gives the most realistic picture.
If the difference is above 70–100 points, follow these steps:
CIBIL weighs repayment history and delinquencies more heavily, so even a single late EMI can reduce the score significantly.
Most banks use CIBIL, but many cross-verify with Experian, CRIF, or Equifax for high-value loans.
No. These are soft inquiries and do not impact your score.
Every month if you’re planning to apply for a loan or credit card.
A score of 750+ across any bureau is considered strong for loan approvals.
Because lenders may not report to all four bureaus — they choose which bureaus to share data with.
Experian and CIBIL typically update faster than CRIF and Equifax.