Fico Credit Score And What It Means For Personal Loans FICO score model is a relatively new entrant in India compared to other established credit-scoring models. FICO score is mainly built on credit card payment data and India still has a limited credit card user base. As of January 2024, credit card penetration in India stands at 5.5% for its 1.4 Billion population. This article explains FICO credit scores and how they impact personal loans. What is a FICO Credit Score? The FICO score is a 3-digit score and ranges between 300 – 850. FICO score is a credit score based on one’s credit history. It helps lenders assess borrower’s creditworthiness in a short period. Lenders need a quick way to check the credit history of the borrower. When one applies for a personal loan, lenders consider the FICO score as a quick way to assess whether to approve a loan or not. The FICO score is calculated by an algorithm that considers various factors: History of Repayment (35%), Amounts Owed (30%), Length of Credit History (15%), New Credit (10%), Credit Mix (10%) To qualify for a personal loan, one needs a FICO score of at least 580. Moreover, if one needs a personal loan at a lower interest rate, they need a FICO score of 800 with a steady income score. How to Improve Your FICO Credit Score? There are definitive steps one can take to improve their FICO credit score. Following these steps can improve credit score in a few months to a few weeks, depending on the borrowers’ credit behaviour: Review Credit Reports: Before improving your credit score, get a copy of your credit report. Your credit report will help you understand which area you need to work on. If there are any errors or unauthorised credit checks, it can impact your credit score. Report them to your credit bureau and get it fixed. This helps improve the credit score. Pay Bills on Time: Recurring late EMI payments can negatively impact your credit score. Ensure you pay bills on time. Set up automatic payments or reminders to ensure bills are paid on time. Pay Full Bill Amount: Ensure to pay the full bill amount each month. While there is an option to pay a minimum monthly EMI, it carries forward along with the interest. Keep Credit Utilisation Ratio Low: Use 30% or less of your available credit. For example: if the credit limit is ₹50,000 aim to utilise around 30% or less of that limit i.e. ₹15,000. Limit New Credit Applications: Multiple credit applications at the same time, impact the credit score. Avoid or limit new credit applications and only apply for a new one, when necessary. Keep Your Old Accounts Open: Closing an old account negatively impacts the credit score. A long credit history gives the lender insight into the borrowers’ credit behaviour. Thus, it helps to keep old credit accounts open. Common Myths About FICO Credit Scores Myth: Checking Your Fico Score Lowers It Checking one’s credit score does not lower it. It is a good practice to regularly check your credit score and keep track of your credit history. Myth: A Low Credit Score Means Loan Rejection Low credit score impacts loan application. But doesn’t imply direct rejection. While the chances of loan approval are low, one can still get loans. Myth: Income Impacts Fico Score Income is considered as a measurement to pay timely EMI bills. However, it does not impact the FICO score. Myth: A Good Credit Score Means One Is Rich Credit score is a measure of risk a borrower has when taking a loan. A low credit score means the individual is a high-risk borrower. Similarly, an individual with a good credit score means they have a good credit history. However, It does not imply whether they are rich or not. Myth: Getting Married Will Merge One’s Credit Score With Their Spouse Credit reports stay unique to the individual. If an individual applies for a new loan with their spouse, the credit scores of each one are taken into consideration. However, if a joint loan is taken, the impact of that loan is reflected in both individuals. Comparing FICO Score with Other Credit Scores FICO score, CIBIL score and Equifax score are different types of credit scores used by banks and lenders in India. While CIBIL and Equifax are widely used credit scoring models in India, FICO model is a new entrant in India and is used by several lenders. The table below compares FICO score and credit score; CIBIL and Equifax credit scoring models: Criteria FICO Score CIBIL Score Equifax Score Definition Credit score given by Fair Isaac Corporation (FICO), to represent an individual’s credit history. CIBIL score is a score calculated by Credit Information Bureau (India) Limited. Equifax is one of the top credit-scoring bureaus in India & is a joint venture by Equifax and 7 Indian financial institutions. Range Ranges between 300 to 850 Ranges between 300 to 900 Ranges between 280 to 850 Preferred By FICO score is mostly used in the U.S. and several International financial institutions. FICO score is relatively new in India and its usage is limited. CIBIL score is preferred by most Indian banks and financial institutions. Equifax score is used by several banks and financial institutions, but not as widely as CIBIL. Calculation Score is calculated based on payment history (35%), credit utilization (30%), length of credit history (15%), types of credit used (10%), and recent credit inquiries (10%). Score is calculated based on credit history, repayment patterns, credit utilization, number of credit inquiries, and loan amounts. Score is calculated on credit history, existing loans, repayment behaviour, and new credit accounts. Score for Loan Approval FICO score above 670 is preferred for loan approval. CIBIL score above 750 is preferred for loan approval. Equifax score above 750 is preferred for loan approval. How to Check Your FICO Credit Score Checking your credit score regularly is a good practice and doesn’t