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.
Comparison Overview: CIBIL vs Experian vs CRIF vs Equifax
| 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 |
What exactly is a Credit Score?
A credit score is a 3-digit numerical indicator (300–900) that measures your creditworthiness. It is calculated using:
- Repayment history: On-time EMIs, late payments, defaults
- Credit utilisation ratio: Percentage of credit limit used
- Credit mix: Secured vs unsecured loans
- Credit age: Total length of your credit history
- Number of hard inquiries: Loan/credit card applications
- Active and closed loan accounts
Although these factors are constant, each bureau assigns a different weightage, which is why your scores vary from one bureau to another.
Overview of India’s Four RBI-Approved Credit Bureaus
1 – TransUnion CIBIL
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.
2 – Experian
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.
3 – CRIF High Mark
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.
4 – Equifax
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.
Score Range Comparison
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.
Why Credit Scores Differ Across Bureaus (Reasons)
1 – Not All Lenders Report Data to All Bureaus
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.
2 – Different Reporting Dates
Lenders do monthly reporting — but the date varies for each bureau. Example:
- Experian may receive the update on the 5th
- CIBIL may receive it on the 10th
- CRIF may receive it on the 18th
So a new loan or EMI may appear on one report earlier than the others.
3 – Different Scoring Algorithms
Each bureau uses a proprietary model with different weightages:
- CIBIL weighs past payment behaviour heavily
- Experian weighs credit utilisation more
- CRIF weighs recent credit inquiries more
- Equifax weighs credit exposure more
This naturally creates score discrepancies.
4 – Different Treatment of Loan Closures
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.
5 – Incomplete or Incorrect Reporting by Lenders
This is more common than people think. Examples:
- A credit card with a ₹0 balance incorrectly reported as overdue
- An old loan showing as “settled” instead of “closed”
- A limit increase not updated for months
6 – Differences in Hard Inquiry Handling
Each bureau processes loan/credit card applications differently. CRIF often shows inquiries faster than CIBIL or Equifax, which can affect the score temporarily.
So, Which Credit Score Is “Correct”?
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:
- The bureau with the most complete and up-to-date data
- The bureau your lender primarily uses
- The bureau showing accurate account details
Which Score Do Banks Actually Use?
Lenders do not rely on one fixed bureau. But here is the general pattern in India:
- CIBIL → Personal loans, credit cards, home loans
- Experian → Fintech loans, BNPL, quick approval products
- CRIF → NBFCs, microfinance, small-ticket loans
- Equifax → Auto loans, MSME loans, secured lending
For high-value loans, banks often pull reports from multiple bureaus to reduce risk.
Differences You May Notice Across Credit Bureaus
- Score variations between 10–100 points
- Some loans missing in a specific bureau
- Closed loans showing as active
- Discrepancies in utilisation
- Credit limits not updated
- Duplicate or missing inquiries
Which Credit Score Should You Trust?
Choose the bureau that:
- Shows the most accurate and updated credit data
- Matches the bureau your lender uses
- Reflects recent changes (loan closures, payments)
A reliable method is to consider your average score across all 4 bureaus — this gives the most realistic picture.
What to Do If Your Scores Differ Drastically
If the difference is above 70–100 points, follow these steps:
- Download all 4 credit reports
- Make a line-by-line comparison
- Identify incorrect or missing accounts
- Raise a dispute with the respective bureau
- Request your lender to rectify errors from their end
- Monitor for updates within 30–45 days
FAQs about CIBIL , Experian, CRIF, Equifax Credit Score
1. Why is my CIBIL score lower than Experian?
CIBIL weighs repayment history and delinquencies more heavily, so even a single late EMI can reduce the score significantly.
2. Which credit score do banks use for loan approval?
Most banks use CIBIL, but many cross-verify with Experian, CRIF, or Equifax for high-value loans.
3. Does checking my credit score frequently reduce it?
No. These are soft inquiries and do not impact your score.
4. How often should I check my credit score?
Every month if you’re planning to apply for a loan or credit card.
5. What is a good credit score?
A score of 750+ across any bureau is considered strong for loan approvals.
6. Why do some loans appear only on specific bureaus?
Because lenders may not report to all four bureaus — they choose which bureaus to share data with.
7. Which bureau updates the fastest?
Experian and CIBIL typically update faster than CRIF and Equifax.
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