CIBIL vs Experian vs CRIF: Which Score Do Lenders Actually Check?
India has four RBI-licensed credit bureaus: TransUnion CIBIL, Experian, Equifax, and CRIF High Mark. Different lenders use different bureaus, and your score can vary by 20–60 points across them. Understanding which one matters helps you target the right lender.
Which Bureau Each Major Lender Checks
| Lender Type | Primary Bureau Checked |
|---|---|
| SBI, HDFC, ICICI, Axis (major banks) | CIBIL |
| HDFC Bank | CIBIL + Experian (cross-checks) |
| Bajaj Finserv | CIBIL + CRIF |
| Tata Capital | CIBIL + Experian |
| Most NBFCs | CRIF + CIBIL |
| BNPL platforms (Slice, ZestMoney) | CRIF + Experian |
| Smaller MFI / co-op banks | Equifax + CRIF |
This is general industry practice; specific lender choice varies.
Why Your Scores Differ Across Bureaus
- Different data reporting cadence - some lenders report to CIBIL weekly, to Experian monthly
- Different scoring algorithms - each bureau weights factors slightly differently
- Different correction status - a dispute resolved on CIBIL may still appear on Experian for 30 more days
- Different sample sizes - Experian has more BNPL data; CIBIL has stronger banking data
How Each Score Range Compares
All four bureaus use a 300–900 scale with similar bands:
- 750+ : Very Good across all bureaus
- 700–749: Good across all
- Below 650: limited approval at any bureau
The relative position (your standing vs others) is usually consistent - if you're 770 on CIBIL, you'll typically be 740–780 on the others.
What This Means for You
- Apply with banks → CIBIL score matters most
- Apply with NBFCs → CRIF score also matters
- Check all four annually - each bureau gives one free report per year
- Disputes - file with each bureau separately; they don't share corrections
Where Aggregators Sit
Apps like OneScore, Paisabazaar, BankBazaar typically show your Experian score (not CIBIL), because Experian sells its API to fintechs more openly. The score is directionally accurate but not the exact number a bank will see when they pull CIBIL.
Our advisor can pull from multiple bureaus before submitting your file to make sure we approach the right lender for your profile.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or investment advice. Interest rates, loan terms, and eligibility criteria are set by individual lenders and subject to change without notice. Please verify current rates directly with the lender or consult a qualified financial advisor before making any borrowing decision. Loans Got Easy is a DSA partner platform - we do not lend money directly.
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