Summary: Improving your credit score is the key to success in financial planning. It will improve your eligibility for lowest interest rates.

When it comes to securing the lowest interest rate on a personal loan, your credit score becomes the most powerful financial tool. It is a three-digit number from 300-900, indicating the creditworthiness of borrowers. A score of 700 is considered good, but it will be better if you can clock more than a good score. 

Let’s see how credit utilization, payment, and new credit inquiries affect credit score

Payment History (35%)

Credit Utilization (30%) 

Length of Credit History (15%)

Credit Mix (10%)

New Credit Inquiries (10%)

Things to do to improve your credit score:

1. Pay your debts strategically

Prioritize high-interest debts, especially credit card payments and always pay more than the minimum amount to reduce your debt and strengthen your credit score. Try to be punctual in your credit card payments to avoid late penalties and save your credit score.

2. Avoid closing old credit accounts

It is better to keep your old credit cards active by using them for occasional small purchases. It will lengthen your credit history and show reliability. It will help boost your credit score and the possibility of securing the lowest interest rate on a personal loan. 

3. Be cautious with new credit inquiries

Whenever you apply for a loan or credit card, the lender makes a hard inquiry on your credit score. If you have multiple hard inquiries, your credit score will certainly plummet. Apply for a loan or credit card only when necessary and research lenders before applying. 

4. Low credit utilization

A high credit utilization, such as 80% of your credit limit, indicates over-dependence on credit cards. It is better to keep your credit utilization low, such as 50% of the total credit limit. In this way, you will be able to fulfill your financial needs and be eligible for the lowest interest personal loan.

5. Monitor your credit score regularly

Keep an eye on your credit score to ensure its high, and maintain good financial habits to remain debt-free. You can take the services of agencies like CIBIL, Experian, and CRIF to check your creditworthiness and take the suggested measures to improve your credit score.

A credit score change towards the higher side can award you with the lowest interest rate on a personal loan. Your credit score is a reflection of your creditworthiness. If you can keep it high, you can get lucrative pre-approved loan offers.