I have 3 credit cards with outstanding of 175000 with written off status in CIBIL since last few years. Will it be advisable to settle those cards with bank at 50%? Or will it have more negative impact on my CIBIL score ?

Ans: Score between 700 to 900 is considered a good CIBIL Score. However, credit score above 750 or higher is preferable for a car loan. But CIBIL score is not the only factor that is considered for the sanction of the car loan.

Lenders will consider a number of factors when deciding whether to approve your loan application, including your credit score, income, debt-to-income ratio, and employment history. The fact that you have been a part of the organisation is not necessarily an automatic disqualifier, and considering that you have been taking all the necessary precautions to improve your credit score, it will help you to get a car loan.

You can consider multiple lenders and choose based on the best interest rates, terms and conditions or a close family member with a good credit score can be a Co- applicant in your loan, which can improve your eligibility for getting a car loan.

Ans: When applying for credit or loans, it's essential to check your credit score from multiple bureaus to ensure accuracy and to understand how different lenders may perceive your creditworthiness.

While all these bureaus provide valuable credit information, individual lenders may have their preferences for which bureau's score they rely on. Therefore, monitoring and maintaining a good credit profile across all major credit bureaus can increase your chances of approval for loans and credit cards.

Ans: I'm sorry to hear about the challenges you faced during the pandemic, but I'm glad to hear that you've taken steps to address your financial situation. Rebuilding your credit score after experiencing defaults can take time, but it's certainly achievable with patience and dedication. Here are some steps you can take to begin the process:

Check Your Credit Report: Start by obtaining a copy of your credit report from all major credit bureaus (CIBIL, Equifax, Experian). Review the report carefully to understand the factors contributing to your low score and identify any errors or discrepancies that need to be corrected.
Pay Bills on Time: Moving forward, ensure that you pay all your bills, including credit card bills, loans, and utility bills, on time. Timely payments are one of the most crucial factors in rebuilding your credit score.
Reduce Credit Card Balances: Aim to keep your credit card balances low relative to your credit limit. High credit utilization can negatively impact your credit score, so focus on paying down your credit card balances as much as possible.
Limit New Credit Applications: Avoid applying for multiple new credit cards or loans within a short period as it can indicate financial distress to lenders. Instead, focus on managing your existing credit responsibly.
Diversify Your Credit Portfolio: Having a mix of credit accounts, such as credit cards, installment loans, and a mortgage, can positively impact your credit score. If feasible, consider diversifying your credit portfolio over time.
Use Secured Credit Cards: If you're struggling to qualify for traditional credit cards, consider applying for a secured credit card. Secured cards require a security deposit, making them easier to obtain for individuals with damaged credit.
Monitor Your Progress: Regularly monitor your credit score and credit report to track your progress. Many credit monitoring services offer free credit score tracking, making it easier to stay updated on your credit health.
Remember, rebuilding your credit score is a gradual process that requires consistency and responsible financial behavior. By following these steps and demonstrating responsible credit management over time, you can steadily improve your creditworthiness and regain financial stability. If you need further assistance, consider consulting with a financial advisor or credit counselor for personalized guidance.

Ans: Managing multiple loans and credit card debts can be overwhelming and lead to a debt trap, impacting your credit score and financial health. Here's a step-by-step plan to help you manage and eventually pay off your debts without further damaging your CIBIL score:

Assess Your Debts:

List down all your debts, including credit cards, personal loans, and home loans.
Note down the interest rates, outstanding amounts, and minimum monthly payments for each.
Create a Budget:

Make a realistic monthly budget to track your income and expenses.
Identify areas where you can cut expenses and allocate more funds towards debt repayment.
Prioritize Debts:

Prioritize debts with the highest interest rates to save on interest costs.
Continue making minimum payments on all debts to avoid penalties and further damaging your credit score.
Debt Consolidation:

Consider consolidating high-interest debts into a lower-interest loan or balance transfer credit card.
This can simplify payments and reduce overall interest costs, making it easier to manage.
Negotiate with Lenders:

Reach out to your lenders to negotiate lower interest rates or extended repayment terms.
Many lenders offer hardship programs or restructuring options to help borrowers in financial distress.
Increase Income:

Look for additional sources of income to boost your monthly cash flow.
This could be through a part-time job, freelancing, or selling unused items.
Financial Counseling:

Consider seeking professional financial counseling or debt management services.
They can provide personalized advice and strategies to manage and pay off your debts effectively.
Avoid Taking New Loans:

Stop taking new loans or using credit cards until you have paid off existing debts.
Focus on living within your means and building a savings buffer for emergencies.
Monitor Your Credit Score:

Regularly check your credit report to monitor your progress.
Ensure all information is accurate and dispute any errors to maintain a healthy credit score.
Stay Committed:

Stay committed to your debt repayment plan and avoid falling back into old habits.
Celebrate small victories along the way to stay motivated.
Remember, managing debt requires discipline, commitment, and patience. It may take time to get out of debt, but with a structured plan and determination, you can achieve financial freedom and improve your CIBIL score over time.

Ans: You have an outstanding credit card debt that hasn't been cleared for three years. This has negatively impacted your CIBIL score, and you are concerned about how clearing the debt might affect your score.

Impact of Clearing the Outstanding Amount on CIBIL Score
Positive Impact: Clearing the outstanding amount will positively impact your CIBIL score over time. Your credit score improves when you settle debts, demonstrating responsible financial behavior to lenders.

Time Frame for Improvement: While clearing the debt will help, it may take a few months for your CIBIL score to reflect the improvement. Consistent, timely payments in the future will further boost your score.

Steps to Close the Credit Card Without Further Impact on CIBIL Score
Negotiate a Settlement: Contact the bank and negotiate a settlement for a lower amount. Ensure that the settlement is reported as "Paid in Full" rather than "Settled," as "Settled" can negatively affect your CIBIL score.

Full Payment: If possible, pay the full outstanding amount. This will ensure the account is closed cleanly and positively influence your CIBIL score.

Obtain a No Dues Certificate: After clearing the outstanding amount, request a No Dues Certificate from the bank. This document serves as proof that your account is fully settled.

Check Your CIBIL Report: After settling the debt, regularly check your CIBIL report to ensure the payment is reflected correctly. If there are discrepancies, raise a dispute with CIBIL.

Maintaining and Improving Your CIBIL Score
Timely Payments: Make sure to pay all future credit card bills and loan EMIs on time. This is crucial for maintaining and improving your CIBIL score.

Limit Credit Utilization: Keep your credit card utilization below 30% of the credit limit. High utilization can negatively affect your score.

Diversify Credit: Having a mix of secured (like home loans) and unsecured credit (like credit cards) can positively impact your score.

Monitor Your Credit: Regularly monitor your CIBIL score and report. This will help you stay informed about your credit health and take corrective measures if necessary.

Final Insights
Clearing your outstanding credit card debt is the first step towards improving your CIBIL score. While it might take some time for your score to reflect this improvement, consistent and responsible financial behavior will ensure a positive impact. Negotiating a settlement or paying the full amount, obtaining a No Dues Certificate, and monitoring your CIBIL report are key steps to closing the credit card account without further negative impact.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in