It’s pretty standard to see a difference between your CRIF score and CIBIL score — and that’s perfectly normal. Many users wonder why their CRIF score looks slightly lower, but it doesn’t mean anything is wrong. Both are accurate and RBI-approved credit bureaus that track your credit activity. The difference mainly comes from how and when each bureau receives your data.
CRIF and CIBIL Work Independently
CRIF High Mark and CIBIL both collect your credit information from banks, NBFCs, and fintech lenders. But every lender reports to them at slightly different times. One bank may update its data with CRIF first, while another may update its data with CIBIL later. Depending on the update cycle, the numbers you see may vary slightly.
Why the Difference Happens
Here are a few common reasons for variation between the two scores:
- Data update timing: If one bureau has received your latest payment info and the other hasn’t, the score may differ.
- Lender coverage: Some smaller lenders or fintech companies may report to CRIF first or only to CRIF.
- Different scoring models: CRIF and CIBIL use their own methods to assess your repayment and usage patterns.
- Open or closed accounts: If you recently closed a loan or card, one bureau may reflect it faster than the other.
What You Can Do About It
You don’t need to “fix” the difference because both scores are valid. Lenders accept reports from multiple bureaus. The key is to maintain healthy credit behaviour, which ensures that all your bureau scores, whether with CRIF or CIBIL, remain strong.
Here’s what really helps your overall credit health:
- Pay all EMIs and credit card bills on time.
- Keep credit card usage below 30% of the limit.
- Avoid applying for multiple loans within a short time.
- Review your CRIF credit report regularly to stay aware of your progress.
You can view your CRIF report easily through the check CRIF credit score platform, which gives a clear snapshot of your credit health and updates regularly.
Final Thoughts
A lower CRIF score compared to CIBIL doesn’t mean a problem — it just reflects data timing and calculation differences. Both are reliable; lenders trust both, and both accurately reflect your credit behaviour.
Bas yaad rakho — score ka thoda difference normal hai. Time par payment karo, credit limit wisely use karo, aur apni CRIF report dekhte raho—score automatically strong bana rahega.
