Experian vs CIBIL Score - Key Differences Between Experian and CIBIL (2024)

The credit score is the most vital aspect of your financial life. It reflects your creditworthiness and is likely to be a major part of all your financial decisions over the years. As part of the Credit Information Companies Act, 2005, all lending institutions are required to share credit-related information with their customers.

Credit bureaus gather this information to create a report. They further utilise this data to assess an individual’s creditworthiness and on the basis of this analysis provide a credit score. Currently, 4 credit bureaus approved by RBI are operational in India. These include TransUnion CIBIL, Experian, Equifax, and CRIF Highmark.

Experian Credit Score

Experian is a well-known credit information organisation approved by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI). The company provides credit information services and detailed financial analysis reports. It helps both individuals and organisations make informed decisions. Experian has built a solid reputation since its inception in 1996.

CIBIL Credit Score

TransUnion CIBIL is among the oldest and most reputable Credit Information Companies in India. Nearly all leading organisations are members of the bureau. CIBIL collects, analyses and maintains the information of different borrowers and lenders. It offers a CIBIL rank and report for organisations, along with a credit report and score for individuals.

Key Differences Between Experian and CIBIL

Experian and CIBIL have both earned their place in the Indian financial market. The two organisations have distinct algorithms to calculate and maintain a credit score. CIBIL and Experian both carry just as much weight to influence your credit prospects. Let us understand the difference between both these bureaus and their scores to see which of the two suit your requirements the best.

Particulars

CIBIL

Experian

Presence in India

  • Founded in 2000

  • Licensed in 2010

  • Founded in 1996

  • Licensed in 2010

Credit Score Range

300-900

300-900

Payment

  • For one-time credit score and report - ₹550 (by net banking, debit card, or cash)

  • For one-time credit report purchase - ₹159 (offline by demand draft only)

  • For one-time credit report - ₹138 (by demand draft or NEFT)

  • For one-time credit report - ₹399 (online)

Time Taken

Can take up to 1 week

Can take up to 20 days

Use

CIBIL scores are considered to be one of the most widely accepted and utilised scores in India

Experian scores are considered to be the second-most widely accepted or utilised scores in India

Conclusion

As per the set regulations, all credit bureaus must enable citizens to access their credit reports for free at least once a year. Besides this, if you wish to access your credit report, you can do so by paying a nominal fee as mentioned above. Furthermore, you can carry out free CIBIL score checks on fintech platforms such as Bajaj Markets.

FAQs

Which credit bureau’s scores are more widely used in India, Experian or CIBIL?

Generally, TransUnion CIBIL is considered to be the most widely utilised credit bureau in India when compared to Experian. This is because it was the first credit bureau established in the country and carries over two decades of operational experience.

Do Experian and CIBIL have the same credit scoring model?

No, Experian and CIBIL utilise distinct credit scoring models, implying that your credit score may exhibit variations between the two bureaus. Nonetheless, both credit bureaus factor in similar criteria when computing your credit scores, encompassing payment history, credit utilisation, credit history duration, and the diversity of credit types employed.

Can I make a request for my credit report from both Experian and CIBIL?

Indeed, you have the option to request your credit report from both Experian and CIBIL. Regularly reviewing credit reports from both bureaus is advisable to confirm the accuracy of your credit information.

Experian vs CIBIL Score - Key Differences Between Experian and CIBIL (2024)

FAQs

Experian vs CIBIL Score - Key Differences Between Experian and CIBIL? ›

Credit Ranges:

What is the difference between CIBIL score and Experian score? ›

Experian's FICO Score ranges from 300 to 850, while CIBIL's score ranges from 300 to 900. This difference in the range can impact how lenders interpret and use the scores during the lending process.

Are FICO and Experian scores different? ›

The credit scores you see when you check a service like Experian may differ from the FICO scores a lender sees when checking your credit. That's because the lender may be using a FICO score based on data from a different credit bureau. It may also be looking at a different FICO scoring method.

What is the biggest difference between a credit score & credit report? ›

A credit report is a statement that has information about your credit activity and current credit situation such as loan paying history and the status of your credit accounts. Your credit scores are calculated based on the information in your credit report.

What is the difference between credit score and CIBIL score Quora? ›

One of the notable differences between Credit and CIBIL scores is that credit rating can be provided by any of the four credit bureaus. Whereas only TransUnion CIBIL offers your CIBIL score. Lenders usually deem valid credit ratings from any of the four credit bureaus.

What is Experian CIBIL score? ›

The Experian credit score depicts your creditworthiness and repayment history that further helps lenders in deciding on your new credit application's approval or denial.

Why is Experian score so different? ›

Lenders don't always report information to all three bureaus, however, which means there are often differences among your credit reports (and the scores based upon them). Because your credit reports can differ, your scores are unlikely to be the same.

Which credit score is more accurate, FICO or Experian? ›

While Experian is the largest bureau in the U.S., it's not necessarily more accurate than the other credit bureaus. The credit scores that you receive from each of these bureaus could be the same, depending on which scoring model they use.

Which credit score is more important FICO or Experian? ›

Lenders use such a wide variety of credit scores (and versions of scores) that no single score is definitively the most important. The FICO® Score is used by 90% of top lenders, but there are at least 16 versions of that model in use.

Which credit bureau is most accurate? ›

There is no “best” credit bureau—all three bureaus can offer helpful information and tools to help you make financial decisions.

Why do all 3 credit bureaus have different scores? ›

Credit scoring models can weigh certain information in your reports more heavily than other credit score factors. For example, one scoring model may put more emphasis on total credit usage than others. Because there are varied scoring models, you'll likely have different scores from different providers.

Which of the 3 credit scores is most important? ›

More banks and lenders use FICO to make credit decisions than any other scoring or reporting model. Although borrowers can explain negative items in their credit report, the fact remains that having a low FICO Score is a deal breaker with numerous lenders.

Why are the 3 credit scores different? ›

Your credit scores may vary according to the credit scoring model used, and may also vary based on which credit bureau furnishes the credit report used for the data. That's because not all lenders and creditors report to all three nationwide credit bureaus. Some may report to only two, one or none at all.

What is the difference between CIBIL score and Equifax score? ›

CIBIL offers a detailed credit report. Equifax also offers a detailed report but it also provides a pictorial representation of the credit report which is easier to understand. CIBIL has a larger network of clients and partner banks and financial institutions when compared to Equifax.

Which CIBIL score is accurate? ›

TransUnion CIBIL is among the oldest and most reputable Credit Information Companies in India. Nearly all leading organisations are members of the bureau.

What CIBIL score is the best? ›

CIBIL scores can range anywhere between 300 and 900, with 900 denoting maximum creditworthiness. A CIBIL score of 750 or above in your credit report is ideal. It will aid in qualifying you for personal loans and credit cards.

Is CIBIL or Experian better? ›

Experian is a global credit bureau, while CIBIL is India's first credit bureau and operates solely in India. Another difference is that Experian has a credit score range of 300-900, while CIBIL has the same credit score range but is referred to as the CIBIL score.

Do banks check CIBIL or Experian? ›

Banks in India use the TransUnion CIBIL, Experian, Equifax, or the CRIF High Mark score. Out of these, the TransUnion CIBIL score is the one that is used most commonly. All credit rating bureaus generate credit scores and reports which help lenders assess the creditworthiness of borrowers.

Which is better CIBIL or Equifax or Experian? ›

Credit Reports and credit scores generated by all four credit information companies are equally valid even though there might be a difference in the credit score generated by each of them. This is because lenders such as banks and financial institutions report the same information to all the credit bureaus.

Is Experian the most accurate credit score? ›

Is Experian the Most Accurate Credit Score? Credit scores from the three main bureaus (Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion) are considered accurate. The accuracy of the scores depends on the accuracy of the information provided to them by lenders and creditors.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Tyson Zemlak

Last Updated:

Views: 6016

Rating: 4.2 / 5 (43 voted)

Reviews: 82% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Tyson Zemlak

Birthday: 1992-03-17

Address: Apt. 662 96191 Quigley Dam, Kubview, MA 42013

Phone: +441678032891

Job: Community-Services Orchestrator

Hobby: Coffee roasting, Calligraphy, Metalworking, Fashion, Vehicle restoration, Shopping, Photography

Introduction: My name is Tyson Zemlak, I am a excited, light, sparkling, super, open, fair, magnificent person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.