You might have a different score with each credit bureau — and wonder which one actually counts. Here is how CIBIL, Experian, Equifax and CRIF differ, and what it means for your loan applications.
India has four RBI-licensed credit bureaus: CIBIL (TransUnion), Experian, Equifax and CRIF High Mark. Each collects your credit data from lenders and calculates a score on the 300–900 scale. CIBIL is the oldest and most widely referenced, but all four are legitimate.
| Bureau | Scale | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| CIBIL (TransUnion) | 300–900 | Most widely used by lenders |
| Experian | 300–900 | Growing adoption, global presence |
| Equifax | 300–900 | Used by many banks and NBFCs |
| CRIF High Mark | 300–900 | Strong in microfinance and retail |
Each bureau uses its own scoring model and may receive slightly different data from lenders at different times. So a 10–40 point difference between bureaus is normal. None is "wrong" — they are just calculated differently. A big gap, however, can signal a reporting error worth investigating.
Our advisors help you improve your score and find loans you qualify for — at no cost.
It depends on the lender. Many use CIBIL, but plenty check Experian, Equifax or CRIF — and some check more than one. You usually can't control which bureau a lender pulls, so the smart approach is to keep all your scores healthy by maintaining good credit habits across the board.
Broadly yes — payment history, credit utilisation, credit age, credit mix and new enquiries. The relative weights and exact formulas differ slightly, which is another reason scores vary. The habits that improve one score improve them all.
Check at least your CIBIL score since it is most commonly used, but it is wise to know all of them. Check your score free and review the underlying report for accuracy. If you spot errors with one bureau, dispute them directly with that bureau.