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Credit Score

What is credit review and how does it work?

What is credit review and how does it work?

A credit review helps lenders assess a borrower’s creditworthiness. Lenders conduct a review on demand or periodically using information gathered by credit bureaus and other financial records. The results of the review allow lenders to decide whether they must approve or reject your loan application. It also enables them to determine interest rates and adjust credit limits. Borrowers must also perform self-credit report reviews regularly. It helps to monitor financial health. If you suspect fraudulent activity or identify errors, you must raise disputes immediately so that they cannot affect your borrowing ability.

A credit review helps lenders evaluate your creditworthiness and decide on loan approval and terms, such as the loan amount, interest rate, and repayment tenure.

Have you ever been curious about what goes on behind the scenes when a lender considers your loan application? What makes them approve or decline your request? If you have, then here is your answer: it’s your credit review.

The terms and conditions of the loan are also based on your credit review. It determines the loan term, interest rate, and principal amount. That means your credit review is quite a significant component. But what is a credit review?

To understand the credit review’s meaning, let’s dive into the definition and purpose of a credit review and other aspects associated with it.

What is a credit review?

A credit review is a process in which the credit profile of individuals or businesses is monitored to assess their creditworthiness and repayment capacity. Your credit review is like a report card of your credit history and current financial situation. It decides whether you have the ability to repay your debts.

Credit reviews can be done by your lender, financial institutions, settlement companies, or credit bureaus like TransUnion CIBIL.

What is the purpose of a credit review?

Your credit review serves the following purposes:

  1. A credit review allows lenders to assess your present financial situation based on your income, debt levels, and overall financial stability. It assures them that you have the potential to repay your loans, and the credit risk associated with you is low.
  2. The credit review process also contains a thorough analysis of your credit history. It demonstrates your repayment patterns and overall financial reliability in the past.
  3. Credit review also reveals any financial setbacks, such as bankruptcy filings or loan defaults, in front of the lenders. These factors can influence your chances of loan approval.

Read More – Minimum & Maximum Tenure for Personal Loan

What are the different types of credit review processes?

A credit review can be performed in the following situations:

Credit review during the loan application

The credit review in this process is done by potential lenders to assess your creditworthiness when considering your loan application.

Periodic credit reviews by lenders

Periodic reviews are conducted during the loan repayment period. They ensure your continued repayment capacity. If any issues arise during this phase, the borrowers and lenders can renegotiate the loan terms based on the current situation.

Read More – Types of CIBIL Errors

Self-initiated credit reviews

A self-review is an informal assessment done by the borrowers themselves, which is also referred to as a soft inquiry. It helps them gauge their financial standing and take necessary steps in case of any inaccuracies.

What factors are considered in a credit review?

Here are some factors that lenders consider when performing a credit review.

  1. Credit report: Your credit report includes detailed information about your current and past loans, repayment patterns, credit limits, and credit inquiries. It demonstrates your overall financial health.
  2. Employment status: Lenders often consider your working status, whether you are a salaried employee or business owner, when making credit decisions. They might reject the loan application if they think you do not have a regular source of income.
  3. Collateral: Collateral is reviewed in the case of secured loans to determine the worth of the asset and check for any damages.
  4. Debt-to-income ratio: This ratio declares the amount of your income you use to pay your debts. A low debt-to-income ratio indicates better financial health.
  5. Type of credit: The credit type you’re applying for can affect the review process. A secured loan involves detailed scrutiny of your collateral, while in an unsecured loan, lenders focus more on your credit history.

What information does a credit review collect?

A credit review collects the following information to help lenders assess your financial reliability.

  1. Personal details: The review collects your name, address, contact information, and identification details to verify your identity.
  2. Credit accounts: It reviews your loans, credit cards, and other borrowing accounts.
  3. Repayment history: It checks whether you pay your Equated Monthly Installments (EMIs) and bills on time.
  4. Outstanding debt: The review examines your current loan balances and credit utilization.
  5. Credit inquiries: It records the loan or credit card applications you have made recently.

Why review your credit report regularly?

Regularly reviewing your credit report is essential to maintaining good financial health. Any issues in your credit report can directly affect your loan approval or even result in unfavorable interest rates. You can also be informed about your credit score and take the necessary steps to improve it.

Sometimes, you may spot inaccuracies in the report that may not be your fault. You have to raise a complaint with the credit bureau to resolve such issues.

Is a credit score of 650 considered good in India?

A credit score of 650 isn’t considered good in India. Instead, it is considered fairly decent. If you have a credit score of 650, some lenders may approve your loan or credit card application, but you will not qualify for the best interest rates or terms. Most lenders prefer applicants with scores above 750 for easier approvals and better offers. If your score is 650, you must focus on increasing it before applying for a loan. You must reduce your outstanding debt, pay all bills and dues on time, and maintain low credit utilization.

Read More – What Does a 777 Credit Score Mean

Can you review your own credit report?

Yes, you can review your own credit report at any time. In fact, it is advisable that you check your credit report regularly. The financial habit will help you verify that your personal details, loan accounts, and payment records are accurate. Moreover, when you do a credit report review, you can spot errors, unauthorized accounts, or signs of identity theft early. You can raise a dispute with the credit bureau regarding incorrect information or errors and request a correction to protect your credit score.

Final thoughts

Your credit review plays a significant role in determining your loan approval. It helps lenders evaluate your financial stability based on your credit history and current financial situation. In such a case, managing your creditworthiness becomes extremely crucial. This can be done by regularly assessing your credit report and taking necessary actions to improve your financial standing. If you are considering applying for a loan, ensure your credit score is in a good range to increase your chances for approval. Check your credit score at Tata Capital, one of India’s leading financial institutions.

FAQs

What are types of credit review?

Credit reviews can be conducted in the following ways: 1. During the application process by your lenders. 2. Periodic review is done during the repayment process to assess continued creditworthiness. 3. Self-review is done by borrowers to monitor their own credit profile and take steps to improve it.

How do I clear my credit review?

To clear your credit review, you must ensure that your repayments are made in a timely manner. You can even pay more than the minimum instalment every month. You should also regularly review your credit report.

What happens after credit review?

If the review is done during the application process, the quality of your credit report will influence your loan approval. If it's a periodic review done during the repayment process, and there are any issues in the credit review, the lender and borrower may negotiate new terms of agreement.

How long does a credit review last?

The credit review may take between 36 to 60 months, or it may be faster. It depends on the information being reviewed, your financial situation, and the lender's policies.

Will I get a loan after a credit review?

Your loan approval depends on the credit review. If the lender is assured, based on your credit review, that you can repay the loan, your loan will be approved. If the lender feels you are not in a position to repay your debts, your loan application might get rejected.

Does a credit review by a bank lower my credit score?

When a bank performs a hard inquiry for a new loan or credit card application, it can result in a slight dip in your credit score. However, there is no impact if it is a soft inquiry.

How long does a credit review take for a personal loan?

If you apply for a personal loan, your financial profile is under credit review for a few minutes to a few days. It depends on the lender’s process and document verification requirements.

Why did my bank do a credit review without my permission?

Banks may conduct credit reviews for existing accounts if permissions are granted under your loan or account agreement. For new credit applications, banks will need your consent.