Can getting a Personal Loan improve your credit score?
4 min read
Nov 1, 2023
Whether you want to fund your wedding, take a vacation, or consolidate your debts, a Personal Loan can be a lifesaver. But did you know that taking a Personal Loan can also improve your credit score?
Taking a Personal Loan and repaying it on time can improve your credit score by showing a history of responsible borrowing and timely repayments. Let's take a look!
Benefits of a Personal Loan
A personal loan is an unsecured loan that can be used for any purpose. It is an easy way to access funds without putting up any collateral. Some of the benefits of a Personal Loan are:
- Quick approval: With the advent of online personal loan applications, you can now apply for a personal loan online and get quick approval. Before applying, you can check your eligibility, personal loan interest rates and EMI calculator for a Personal Loan online.
- No collateral: Unlike secured loans, you don't have to provide collateral to get a personal loan. This makes it a good option for people with no assets to pledge.
- Flexible repayment terms: Personal loans come with flexible repayment terms that allow you to choose a repayment period that suits your financial situation.
How to increase your credit score by taking a Personal Loan
A high credit score indicates you are a responsible borrower, while a low credit score indicates you are a high-risk borrower. Taking a personal loan can help increase your credit score in the following ways:
- Timely repayment: When you take a personal loan, you must repay it within a specified period. Making timely repayments will reflect positively on your credit report and improve your credit score.
- Diversify your credit mix: By taking a personal loan, you can diversify your credit mix and improve your credit score.
- Decrease your credit utilization ratio: If you have high credit card balances, it can negatively affect your credit score. By taking a personal loan, you can decrease your credit utilization ratio and improve your credit score.
Can Personal Loans worsen your credit score?
While a personal loan can improve your credit score, it can worsen if you don't manage it properly. Here are some ways a personal loan can negatively affect your credit score:
- Late payments: If you miss or make late payments, it will reflect negatively on your credit report and decrease your credit score.
- Over borrowing: If you borrow more than you can afford to repay, it can lead to financial stress and negatively affect your credit score.
- Multiple applications: Quickly applying for multiple personal loans can negatively affect your credit score. Each time you apply for a loan, it results in a hard inquiry on your credit report, which can decrease your credit score.
[Also Read: Personal Loan Foreclosure: What You Need to Know]
Best time to apply for a Personal Loan
The best time to apply for a personal loan depends on your financial situation and needs. Here are some situations where taking a personal loan makes sense:
- Emergency expenses: If you have unexpected expenses, such as medical bills or car repairs, a personal loan can be a good option to cover these expenses.
- Debt consolidation: If you have multiple debts with high-interest rates, consolidating them into one personal loan with a lower interest rate can save you money in the long run.
- Home renovations: If you plan to renovate your home, a personal loan can help you fund the renovations without having to dip into your savings.
Conclusion
Taking a personal loan can help you meet your financial needs and improve your credit score if managed properly. It is important to be cautious and borrow only what you can afford to repay to avoid any negative impact on your credit score.
In the case of Axis Bank Personal Loan the maximum loan amount you can get is ₹40 lakh and the maximum loan tenure is up to 60 months.
The interest rate starts from 10.49% per annum, which may vary depending on your credit score, income, and repayment capacity.
Disclaimer: This article is for information purpose only. The views expressed in this article are personal and do not necessarily constitute the views of Axis Bank Ltd. and its employees. Axis Bank Ltd. and/or the author shall not be responsible for any direct / indirect loss or liability incurred by the reader for taking any financial decisions based on the contents and information. Please consult your financial advisor before making any financial decision
