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Credit Bureaus

Why Your CIBIL and Experian Scores Are Different

Four bureaus, four records, four scoring models, and why a lender may look at the one you have not checked.

5 min read · CreditSolution

It is common to see different scores from TransUnion CIBIL, Experian, Equifax and CRIF High Mark. This does not mean any of them is necessarily wrong.

Different scoring models

Each bureau uses its own model to turn the same kind of information into a score. The weight given to payment history, utilisation or enquiries can differ slightly.

Different timing

Lenders send updates to bureaus periodically, and an update may reach one bureau before another. A recently closed loan may already show as closed in one report and still active in another.

Different errors

An error can appear in one bureau's records and not the others. Because lenders may check any bureau, an error you have not seen can still affect an application.

The practical takeaway

Review all four reports, not just one. You are entitled to request a free full credit report from each bureau periodically, as per RBI directions.

This article is general information, not personalised financial or legal advice.

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