The world of credit ratings is rife with misinformation and misunderstanding - even some national newspapers have got it wrong on occasion. Much of it's because lenders don't want it understood, and SO CALLED credit repair agents want you to think it works a certain way so they can sell you extra products based on your fear. Here's what you really need to know to debunk the myths...
1. You DON'T have a universal credit rating
There's no such thing as a blacklist. This is a myth. In the INDIA, there's no universal credit rating or score, and there's no blacklist of banned people.
Each lender or banks or NBFCs scores you differently and secretly.
This means just because one bank has rejected you, it doesn't automatically mean others will. Though after a rejection, it's always important to check your credit report before applying again.
Of course, if you've got a poor credit history, or had problems, it can feel like you're blacklisted. Credit scoring is intuitive - would you lend to someone with a history of not repaying?
However, on occasion there are some NBFCs or private firms that specialise in lending to those who have had past problems - though they then charge a whacking rate of interest.
The tools banks use to decide aren't universal either. As well as your credit report , they also look at application information and any past dealings they've had with you, and use the three sources of information to build up a picture of you.
2. Credit scoring is about trying to predict your future behaviour
This is not easy if you've little credit history. When you apply for a product, a 'credit check' is done. In practice, this means lenders pour all the data they have on you into a complicated algorithm. It's an attempt to predict your future behaviour based on what you've done in the past.
While a poor history counts against you, so does having little credit history as it makes predictions less certain.
Imagine you are lending someone money. On the surface, they may appear trustworthy. But if you don't have much information about them, then you probably want to know more, just to be sure.
3. It's as much about 'will you make the lender money' as it is about risk
Many people mail or call to us incensed after rejection of loans or credit card - " I've never missed a payment, why on earth did they reject me?"
This is based on a misunderstanding. Many people think lenders are credit scoring to see if you are a good or bad risk. They're not. They are credit scoring to see if you match up to a wishlist of what makes a profitable customer. Of course, someone who is a bad risk is likely to be scored out as unprofitable by most banks, but risk is not the be all and end all.
Credit card companies may reject you for always repaying cards in full.
You might feel like a dream punter, but for credit card companies you're a nightmare. If they spot this trend, you're likely to be rejected. The most profitable customers are those perpetually in debt, never defaulting, but always meeting the minimum repayment.
Pay off in full every month, don't use your cards enough, or always shift debt to 0% cards, and if they can spot you (it isn't always that easy) some may reject you.
Banks score you based on products they'd like to sell you in the future.
Imagine a bank wants new mortgage customers. That's a costly sell. Instead, it offers a current account paying a high rate of interest on a small amount kept in it. Yet, when you apply, rather than scoring you as a bank account customer, it could actually be scoring to see if you're likely to be a profitable mortgage borrower in the future - you might face rejection if you aren't.
The secretive nature of credit scoring makes this difficult to ever truly know.
4. What banks really know about you?
It's important to be aware of exactly what banks know when you apply, so you can present yourself in the best light. Importantly, it's more than just what's on your credit file.
The application form.
In many ways this is the most important. Here, lenders obtain the crucial details of your pin code, salary, family size, reason for the loan and whether you're a home owner or tenant .
Make sure you fill in the forms carefully. One slight slip, such as a "10,000" salary rather than a "1,00,000" one, can kibosh any application.
Be consistent too, scoring firms filter applications and if there are many inconsistencies - such as changing your job title each time or different phone numbers, it can cause a problem that you may not be told about.
Past dealings you've had with the Bank.
Companies use any data on previous dealings they've had with you to feed into the credit score. This means those with limited credit history may find their own bank more likely to lend to them than others.
Of course, those who've had problems with a bank in the past may find it more difficult to get accepted there too.
CIBIL score with credit report
CIBIL is credit reference agencies compile information, allowing them to send data on any INDIAN individual to prospective banks which are members of the CIBIL. All bankss use alsways cibil credit report when assessing your file. This data comes from existing banks only whihc includes your payment habits with the relevant banks.
5.Your credit score dictates the product and the rate you'll get
In the past couple of years the credit landscape has almost completely shifted towards 'rate for risk'. This means almost every Loan Provider on the market uses your credit score to not only dictate whether they'll provide you with credit, but also what rate you'll get.
The most obvious way this manifests itself is in representative rates on loans. Ofcourse still banks want to business with your with lower score they will charge more rate of interest by taking calculated risk.
Source: Secondary
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