Low CIBIL Score? Smart Ways to Boost It For A Top-Up Personal Loan

20 August, 2025

Synopsis 


  • Always clear EMIs and Credit Card bills by the due date. 

  • Keep credit usage below 30% and avoid multiple loan applications. 

  • Maintain a healthy credit mix of secured and unsecured loans. 


A healthy credit score isn’t just a number, it’s your ticket to unlocking faster and pre-approved Top-Up Personal Loans with minimal hassle. If your score dips, however, it can delay or even reduce your chances of getting that pre-approved Top-Up Personal Loan in the next few months. A score of 700+ is generally considered excellent, but anything lower could make quick disbursals harder to secure. 

The good news? Even if your score isn’t where you want it to be, there are simple ways to boost it. By making repayments on time, keeping Credit Card usage in check and avoiding multiple loan applications, you can steadily move towards a healthier score and unlock better borrowing opportunities in the future. 

How to Improve CIBIL Score? 

All is not lost if your credit score isn’t perfect right now. You can improve it with these seven smart moves and if you follow them consistently over the next couple of months, you may be in a strong position to grab your pre-approved Top-Up Personal Loan when the offer comes your way. 

  • Smart Move 1: Pay your dues on time 

Missed an EMI? Delayed your Credit Card payment? Then get organised.   You should set reminders for your payments and be disciplined with credit. Your settlement of outstanding debt can have a considerable impact on your credit score. Payment delays for EMIs not only force you to pay the penalty but also lower your credit score. So if you are looking to improve your CIBIL score, pay your dues on time and rack up a good score. Consider using services that let you automate bill payment so that you don’t have to worry about missing deadlines. 

  • Smart Move 2: Too much is, well, too much 

Use credit prudently. Avoid taking on too much debt at one time. The number of loans you apply for, during a fixed time period should be minimal. To keep your credit score from crashing, repay one loan and then take another. If you opt for multiple loans at the same time, it will be evident that you are in an unforgiving cycle with insufficient funds. As a result, your credit score will decrease further. How to improve CIBIL score immediately? When you take a loan, repay it successfully, it will give your credit score a boost. 

  • Smart Move 3: Maintain a healthy credit mix 

It is better to have the right combination of secured loans (such as Home Loan, Auto Loan) and unsecured loans (such as Personal Loan, Credit Cards) of a long and short tenure to build a good credit score. Too many unsecured loans may be viewed negatively. 

With HDFC Bank, you can apply for a Xpress Personal Loan online in just 10 seconds: no paperwork, no branch visits, no hassle. Our 100% digital process gets you from application to approval in moments. Check your eligibility now and get started! 

  • Smart Move 4: Apply for new credit within your limit 

You don’t want to give the impression that you are continuously in need of credit. Only apply for new credit if you need it and can repay it as opposed to wanting it. Too much debt can also affect your credit score and impact your Top-Up Loan eligibility. 

  • Smart Move 5: Monitor your co-signed, guaranteed and joint accounts monthly 

In co-signed, guaranteed or jointly held accounts, you are held equally liable for missed payments. Your joint holder’s (or the guaranteed individual) negligence could affect your ability to access credit when you need it. It is recommended to avoid becoming a joint account holder or a guarantor of loans. 

  • Smart Move 6: Review your credit history frequently throughout the year 

How to improve CIBIL score? Monitor your CIBIL score and report regularly to check for any inconsistencies.  Sometimes, a loan you may have repaid may not have been updated on the credit report, which could have a negative impact on you. If you notice such errors, get them rectified instantly. 

  • Smart Move 7: Build up a good history gradually 

Debt is often essential. But the idea is to take the right kind of debt, use it prudently and service it well. 

You could opt for a longer tenure when you take a loan to ensure that your EMI is low. You could also increase your credit limit. How to improve the CIBIL score through this? This does not mean you are going to spend more money. The trick is to have a lot more credit and keep your utilisation low to leave a positive impact on your score. 

Over time, you can build up a healthy score that can get you quick and competitive loans. 

Your credit score isn’t just a reflection of your credit habits, it’s the key to unlocking better borrowing opportunities. By taking small but consistent steps today to strengthen your score, you set yourself up for a smooth and instant approval when your Top-Up Personal Loan offer arrives. In just a couple of months, that preparation could translate into extra cash in your account with zero paperwork, no delays, and complete peace of mind. 

Know how you can get the maximum Xpress Personal Loan offer click here   

*Disclaimer: Terms and conditions apply. The information provided in this article is generic in nature and for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for specific advice in your own circumstances. Personal Loan at the sole discretion of HDFC Bank Limited.  Loan disbursal is subject to documentation and verification as per Bank's requirement. Interest rates are subject to change. Please check with your RM or closest bank branch for current interest rates.