If you’ve ever hesitated to check your own CIBIL score out of fear that it might lower it, you’re not alone. This is one of the most common myths floating around in personal finance circles in India. Let’s bust this myth once and for all and give you a clear, confident understanding of how credit inquiries actually work.
The Short Answer: No, It Does Not
Checking your own CIBIL score does not reduce it. Not even by a single point. You can check your score today, tomorrow, and every single day of the week — and it will have zero negative impact on your credit health. In fact, checking it regularly is one of the smartest financial habits you can build.
Understanding the Two Types of Credit Inquiries
To truly understand why your own check doesn’t hurt your score, you need to know the difference between the two types of credit inquiries — hard inquiries and soft inquiries.
Hard Inquiries happen when a lender — like a bank or an NBFC — pulls your credit report because you’ve applied for a loan, credit card, or any form of credit. This type of inquiry signals that you are actively seeking new credit, which can slightly lower your CIBIL score, typically by a few points. Multiple hard inquiries in a short period can further impact your score because it may suggest financial stress or credit-hungry behavior.
Soft Inquiries happen when you check your own score, or when a company checks your credit for pre-approved offers or background verification. These inquiries are completely invisible to lenders and have absolutely no effect on your credit score.
When you log into CIBIL’s website or use a third-party platform like BankBazaar, Paisabazaar, or your banking app to check your score, it always counts as a soft inquiry.
Where Did This Myth Come From?
The confusion likely stems from the fact that people hear “credit check lowers your score” and assume that applies to all kinds of checks. In reality, that warning only applies to lenders checking your score on your behalf when you apply for credit. Since both actions are called “credit checks,” it’s easy to see how the myth took root.
Another reason this myth persists is a general lack of awareness about how credit bureaus like CIBIL, Experian, CRIF High Mark, and Equifax actually operate. Most people are never taught the mechanics of credit scoring, so they rely on word of mouth — which isn’t always accurate.
Why You Should Regularly Check Your CIBIL Score
Far from being harmful, regularly checking your CIBIL score is something every financially aware person should do. Here’s why it matters.
Catch errors early. Credit reports can contain inaccuracies — a loan that was closed but still showing as active, or a hard inquiry you never authorized. Catching these errors early and raising a dispute can prevent your score from suffering unnecessarily.
Track your financial health. Your CIBIL score is like a financial report card. Keeping an eye on it helps you understand how your financial behavior — paying EMIs on time, using credit responsibly — is translating into your score.
Prepare before applying for credit. If you’re planning to apply for a home loan or car loan in the next few months, checking your score in advance gives you time to improve it if needed. This way, you’re in a much stronger position when you actually approach the lender.
Detect fraud and identity theft. If someone has fraudulently taken credit in your name, it will show up on your credit report. Regular monitoring helps you spot and address such issues before they spiral out of control.
How Often Should You Check?
Financial experts generally recommend checking your CIBIL score at least once every three to four months. If you’re actively working to improve your score, checking it monthly can help you monitor your progress. Since it’s free to check on many platforms and has zero negative impact, there’s really no reason to hold back.
Free Ways to Check Your CIBIL Score in India
You’re entitled to one free CIBIL report per year directly from the CIBIL website. Beyond that, several platforms offer free and unlimited checks, including Paisabazaar, BankBazaar, OneScore, and even certain banking apps like HDFC Bank and Axis Bank’s mobile applications.
The Bottom Line
The idea that checking your own CIBIL score reduces it is nothing more than a myth. Your self-initiated checks are classified as soft inquiries and are completely harmless. What actually affects your score is applying for too many loans or credit cards in a short span, missing EMI payments, defaulting on debt, or maintaining a very high credit utilization ratio.
So go ahead — check your score without any hesitation. Knowledge is power, and in the world of personal finance, knowing your credit score is the first step toward taking control of your financial future.
Have questions about improving your CIBIL score or understanding your credit report? Drop them in the comments below!
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