Does Checking CIBIL Score Decreases It? Myths vs Facts

Many people avoid checking their CIBIL score because they believe it will reduce their credit score. This misunderstanding around the checking CIBIL score effect is quite common. In reality, your CIBIL score plays a key role in loan approvals, credit cards, and interest rates, and not knowing it can put you at a disadvantage.

Checking CIBIL Score Effect on Your Credit Score

When you check your CIBIL score, it does not decrease.

For example, when you check your credit score on platforms like CIBIL, banks’ websites, or via financial marketplaces , it is considered a soft enquiry. Soft inquiries don’t affect your credit score at all.

But when it comes to your CIBIL score and checking the same, there are several myths surrounding the practice that people believe. And by the way, you should also know that this itself is a good financial habit of keeping an eye on large discretionary expenses.

Myths about CIBIL score check

Each One Takes a Bite Out of Your Score — Most common myth of all.

Myth 1: CIBIL score will go down if you check it yourself.

This is the most common myth.

That said, when you check your score on your own, you come out unscathed — that activity isn’t shown to lenders and doesn’t have any impact on your credit profile.

Myth 2: Each time your score is run, it drops.

Not all checks are the same. Only certain checks affect your score, and they come from lenders — not you.

Myth 3: Watching your score all the time is hazardous.

You could visit your CIBIL score more than once, it’s okay! Self-inspection usually doesn’t have a price.

Things You Should Always Know About CIBIL Score Checks

Soft Enquiry vs Hard Enquiry — Understanding this difference is important.

Soft enquiry

When you check your CIBIL score yourself.

Performed by lenders for pre-qualified offers.

Does not affect your score.

Hard enquiry

Happens when you apply for a loan or credit card.

Done by banks or NBFCs.

Can be diminished slightly in case of overuse.

You can also check official credit score guidelines directly on the CIBIL website.

If you have many hard enquiries in your credit history recently, then it is likely that your credit score would dip momentarily. Typically, this happens when an individual applies for multiple loans or credit cards at one time.

When Your CIBIL Score Can In Fact Fall

What is more likely to harm your credit score:

Missed or delayed EMI payments

High credit card usage

Multiple loan applications in a short period

Loan defaults or settlements

Errors in your credit report

Checking your score is not one of them.

How Often Can I Check CIBIL Score?

You must ideally check your CIBIL score:

Once every 2–3 months

Before you complete a loan or credit application

If an application for a loan is declined

To detect errors or potential fraud

With regular inspections, you can keep up to date and be prepared.

Why You Should Check Regularly

You know what you’re getting yourself into before you do it.

It can be done to catch others’ human errors on your credit report.

You know where you stand before applying, so there are fewer surprises.

And when your profile is strong, lenders are more willing to offer better rates.

By knowing where your credit stands, you’re able to make smarter financial decisions.

Final Thoughts

Your CIBIL score will not decrease just by checking. This is one of those myths that hold people back from making the right decision.

What gets counted toward your credit score is how you perform with loans, credit cards and repayments. Checking your score regularly ensures you stay alert, correct oversights, and gain the confidence to apply for credit.

When you’re unsure of your credit and thinking about taking a loan, CredMart helps you know where you stand with the right loan offers tailored just for you.
If you’re planning to apply for credit, you can also read our detailed guide on how to improve your CIBIL score before applying for a loan.