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Stuck with Credit Card Debt? How to Improve Your Credit Score

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Aug 21, 2024

Ramalingam Kalirajan has over 23 years of experience in mutual funds and financial planning.
He has an MBA in finance from the University of Madras and is a certified financial planner.
He is the director and chief financial planner at Holistic Investment, a Chennai-based firm that offers financial planning and wealth management advice.... more
kolin Question by kolin on Jun 10, 2024Hindi
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Hi I have taken credit card year before and ihave not clear the outstanding amount for 3years now it's effectedto my cibil score and if I clear the outstanding amount my cibil will increase or not . If I need to close with out effect to my cibil score what need to do .

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
DISCLAIMER: The content of this post by the expert is the personal view of the rediffGURU. Users are advised to pursue the information provided by the rediffGURU only as a source of information to be as a point of reference and to rely on their own judgement when making a decision.
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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Apr 30, 2024

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Hi I recently encountered a challenging period during the COVID pandemic. Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances, I faced a period of unemployment that led me to utilize my credit card extensively. Regrettably, I couldn't manage timely repayments, resulting in my accounts being defaulted upon. However, after three years, I successfully settled all outstanding dues on my credit cards and a personal loan from Bajaj Finance. Despite resolving these debts, I am now confronted with the repercussions on my CIBIL score, which has significantly declined. I am eager to take proactive measures to rehabilitate and improve my creditworthiness. I recognize the importance of a healthy credit score for future financial endeavors. Could you kindly offer guidance or strategies on how I can begin the process of rebuilding my CIBIL score? I'm open to any advice, tips, or specific steps that could help me steadily enhance my creditworthiness over time. Your expertise in this matter would be immensely appreciated and valued.
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.

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 03, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jun 24, 2025Hindi
Money
I took two loans to increase my CIBIL score and closed them within 6 months. My CIBIL score has dropped by 24 points from 761 because I closed two loan accounts within 6 months. What should I do now to increase my points?
Ans: Understanding Your Current CIBIL Drop

Your CIBIL score was 761 earlier.

You took two loans to improve it.

Closed both within 6 months.

Now, your score has dropped by 24 points.

You are concerned why this happened.

How Short-Term Loans Affected Your Score

Loan closure too early signals credit instability.

CIBIL expects longer loan tenures for score strength.

Closing quickly reduces credit age.

It hurts your score more than helping.

Loan repayment history was too short to build credit.

What CIBIL Score Really Measures

It checks repayment behaviour.

Considers credit mix and utilisation.

Monitors credit history length.

Short loans give limited data to CIBIL.

It prefers consistent repayment over time.

Steps to Rebuild Your CIBIL Score Slowly

Do not take new loans now.

Focus on credit card discipline.

Maintain low credit usage, under 30% of limit.

Pay full dues on or before due date.

Set up auto-debit for EMIs or card dues.

If You Don’t Have a Credit Card, Get One

Get a secured credit card if score is low.

Use for small purchases.

Repay full amount each month.

After 6–9 months, score will improve.

Do not apply for multiple cards.

Avoid Frequent Loan Applications

Multiple enquiries lower your score.

CIBIL flags you as “credit hungry”.

Don’t fall for personal loan offers easily.

Wait 6–9 months before fresh credit moves.

Let the Credit Age Grow

Credit age is an important factor.

Older accounts help score grow.

Never close old credit cards.

Even unused ones with zero fee are useful.

Check CIBIL Report for Errors

Download detailed CIBIL report from official site.

Check if loans are correctly reported as closed.

See if any delayed EMI or missed payment shown.

If any issue, raise dispute with CIBIL.

Build Credit Mix Carefully

Credit mix means types of credit used.

A good mix has both secured and unsecured loans.

But don’t take loan just to create a mix.

Keep your financial health more important.

Avoid These Mistakes Going Forward

Don’t close loans early without purpose.

Don’t take loans just to increase score.

Don’t miss EMI dates.

Don’t carry credit card balance forward.

Don’t max out your cards.

CIBIL Score Growth is Slow but Steady

Credit score takes time to build.

Don’t expect changes every month.

Track every quarter only.

Do not panic with 20–30 points movement.

Focus on long-term responsible behaviour.

Why Credit Score Matters Later

Better score helps in home or car loans.

You get lower interest rates.

Also helps for higher credit card limits.

Employers and landlords may check score.

Maintain 750+ for best benefits.

If You Used Direct Loans or Cards Without Guidance

Direct approach lacks credit strategy.

Always work with a Certified Financial Planner.

CFP helps manage credit and investments together.

You can align credit behaviour to long-term goals.

Rebuild With Long-Term Financial Health

Don’t chase score only.

Build savings alongside credit history.

Have Rs 1–2 lakh emergency fund.

Start SIP in mutual funds monthly.

Use 50:30:20 budget rule.

Finally

Your CIBIL score drop is temporary.

It happened due to early closure of loans.

CIBIL expects long-term repayment track.

Don’t take loans for scoring purpose again.

Instead, use credit card wisely and repay fully.

Check report, avoid new enquiries, and be patient.

You will regain score in 6–12 months steadily.

Consult a Certified Financial Planner for overall money planning.

Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment

..Read more

Latest Questions
Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Dec 06, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 06, 2025Hindi
Money
Dear Sir/Ma'am, I need some guidance and advice for continuing my mutual fund investments. I am a 36 year old male, married, no kids yet and no debts/liabilities as such. I have couple of savings in PPF, NPS, Emergency funds and long term investing in direct stocks. I recently started below mentioned SIPs for long term to grow wealth. Request you to review the same and let me know if I should continue with the SIPs or need to rationalize. Kindly also advice on how to invest a lumpsum amount of around 6lacs. invesco small cap 2000 motilal oswal midcap 2700 parag parikh flexicap 3000 HDFC flexicap 3100 ICICI prudential largecap 3100 HDFC large and midcap 3100 HDFC gold etf FOF 2000 ICICI Pru equity and debt fund 3000 HDFC balanced advantage fund 3000 nippon india silver etf FOF 2000
Ans: You already built a solid foundation. Many investors delay planning. But you started early at 36. That gives you a strong advantage. You have no liabilities. You have long term thinking. You also have diversified savings like PPF, NPS, Emergency funds and direct stocks. That shows clarity and discipline. This approach builds wealth with less stress over time.

You also started systematic investments in equity funds. That is a positive step. Your selection covers multiple categories like large cap, mid cap, small cap, flexi cap, hybrid and precious metals. So the intent is right. You are trying to create a broad portfolio. That gives balance.

» Your Portfolio Composition Understanding
Your current SIP list includes:

Small cap

Mid cap

Flexi cap

Large cap

Large and mid cap

Hybrid category

Gold and Silver FoF

Equity and Debt allocation fund

Dynamic hybrid fund

This shows you are trying to cover many segments. But too many categories can create overlap. When there is overlap, you get confusion during review. It also makes portfolio discipline difficult. You may think you are diversified. But the holdings inside may repeat. That reduces efficiency.

Your portfolio now looks like:

Equity dominant

Hybrid for stability

Metals for hedge

So the broad direction is fine. But simplifying helps in long-term habit building.

» Fund Category Duplication
You hold:

Two flexi cap funds

One large and mid cap fund

One pure large cap fund

One mid cap fund

One small cap fund

Flexi cap funds already invest across large, mid, small. Then large and mid also overlaps. So the large cap exposure gets repeated. That may not add extra benefit. But it increases monitoring complexity.

So I suggest rationalising. Keep one fund per category in core. Keep satellite space for only high conviction.

» Core and Satellite Strategy
A structured portfolio follows core and satellite method.

Core portfolio should be:

Simple

Long term

Stable

Satellite portfolio can be:

High growth

Concentrated

Based on your thinking level, you can structure like this:

Core funds:

One large cap

One flexi cap

One hybrid equity and debt fund

One balanced advantage type fund

Satellite funds:

One mid cap

One small cap

One metal allocation if needed

This division gives clarity. You can continue SIPs with review every year. No need to stop and restart often. That reduces behavioural mistakes.

» Your Current SIP List Review with Suggested Streamlining

You can consider continuing:

One flexi cap

One large cap

One mid cap

One small cap

One balanced advantage

One equity and debt hybrid

You may reconsider keeping both flexi caps and both gold silver funds. One of each category is enough. Because too many funds do not increase returns. It complicates tracking.

Precious metal funds should not be more than 5 to 7 percent in your portfolio. This is because metals are hedge assets. They do not create compounding like equity. They act as protection during cycles. So keep them small.

» How to Use the Rs 6 Lakh Lump Sum
You asked about lump sum investing. This is important. Lump sum should not go fully into equity at one time. Markets move in cycles. So use a staggered method. You can invest the lump sum through STP (Systematic Transfer Plan). You can keep the amount in a liquid fund and set STP toward your chosen growth funds over 6 to 12 months.

This reduces timing risk. It also creates discipline. So your Rs 6 lakh can be deployed gradually. You may use 50% towards core equity funds and 30% toward satellite growth category. The remaining 20% can go into hybrid category. This gives balance and comfort.

» Regular Funds Over Direct Funds
One important point many investors miss. Direct funds look cheaper. But they demand deep knowledge, discipline, and behaviour control. Most investors lose more through emotional selling and wrong timing than they save on expense ratio.

With regular funds through a Mutual Fund Distributor with Certified Financial Planner qualification, you get guidance, structure and correction. The advisory discipline protects you during market extremes. That is more valuable than a small saving in expense ratio.

A personalised planner also tracks portfolio drift, rebalancing need and category shifts. So regular fund investing gives long-term benefit and behaviour coaching.

» Actively Managed Funds over Index or ETF
Some investors choose index funds or ETF thinking they are simple and cheap. But they ignore drawbacks.

Index funds or ETF will not avoid weak companies in the index. They will invest whether the company grows or struggles. There is no fund manager decision making. So when markets are at peak, index funds continue aggressive exposure. In downturns also they fall fully. There is no cushion.

Actively managed funds work with research teams. They can avoid bad sectors. They can shift allocation based on market and economy. Over long term, this gives better alpha and stability. So continuing with actively managed funds creates better wealth compounding.

» SIP Continuation Strategy
Once the rationalisation is done, continue SIPs every month without interruption. Pause and restart behaviour damages compounding power. SIP works best when you go through all market cycles. You benefit more during corrections because cost averaging works.

So continue SIP amount. You can also review SIP increase every year based on income. Increasing SIP by 10 to 15 percent every year helps you reach large corpus faster.

» Asset Allocation Based Approach
One key point in wealth creation is having the right asset mix. Equity gives growth. Hybrid gives balance. Metals give hedge. Debt gives safety. Your asset allocation should stay aligned to your risk profile and time horizon.

Since you are young and have long term horizon, higher equity allocation is fine. But as time moves, rebalancing is important. Rebalancing protects gains and restores allocation.

So review your asset allocation every year or during major life events like child birth, home buying or retirement planning.

» Behaviour Management
Many portfolios fail not due to bad funds. They fail due to bad decisions. Selling during correction. Stopping SIP when market falls. Chasing past return performance. These mistakes reduce wealth.

Your discipline so far is good. Continue to stay patient during volatility. Equity rewards patience and time.

» Financial Goals Clarity
Since you have no children now, you can decide your long-term goals. Typical goals may include:

Retirement

Future child education

Dream lifestyle purchase

Health care reserves

When goals are clear, investment purpose becomes stronger. So you can map each fund category to goal horizon. Short-term goals should not use equity. Long-term goals should use equity with hybrid support.

» Role of Review and Monitoring
Review once in a year is enough. Frequent review can create anxiety. Annual review helps check:

Fund performance

Expense drift

Category relevance

Allocation balance

Then adjust only if needed. This progress helps you stay confident and aligned.

» Taxation Awareness
Equity mutual funds taxation rules are:

Short term (below one year holding) taxable at 20 percent

Long term (above one year holding) gains above Rs 1.25 lakh taxable at 12.5 percent

Debt mutual funds are taxed as per your income slab.

So always hold equity funds for long term. That reduces tax impact and gives better growth.

» SIP Increase Plan
You can create a simple plan to increase SIP over time. For example:

Increase SIP at every salary increment

Increase SIP during bonus time

Use rewards or extra income for investing

This habit accelerates wealth. So by the time you reach 45 to 50 years, your investments could reach a strong level.

» Insurance and Protection
Before investing large, ensure you have term insurance and health insurance. If not already done, it is important. Insurance protects wealth. Without insurance, even a small medical event can impact investment plan. So review this part also. Since you are married, cover both.

» Wealth Behaviour Mindset
You are already disciplined. Just keep these simple principles:

Invest without stopping

Review once a year

Avoid funds overlap

Follow asset allocation

Avoid reacting to media noise

This helps you reach long term milestones.

» Finally
You are on the right track. Only fine tuning and simplification is needed. Your discipline is visible. Your portfolio will grow well with structure, patience and periodic review. Use the Rs 6 lakh with STP approach. And continue SIP with rationalised categories.

With time and consistency, wealth creation becomes effortless and peaceful. You just need to stay committed and avoid overthinking during market movements.

Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment

...Read more

Dr Dipankar

Dr Dipankar Dutta  |1837 Answers  |Ask -

Tech Careers and Skill Development Expert - Answered on Dec 05, 2025

Career
Dear Sir, I did my BTech from a normal engineering college not very famous. The teaching was not great and hence i did not study well. I tried my best to learn coding including all the technologies like html,css,javascript,react js,dba,php because i wanted to be a web developer But nothing seem to enter my head except html and css. I don't understand a language which has more complexities. Is it because of my lack of experience or not devoting enough time. I am not sure. I did many courses online and tried to do diplomas also abroad which i passed somehow. I recently joined android development course because i like apps but the teaching was so fast that i could not memorize anything. There was no time to even take notes down. During the course i did assignments and understood the code because i have to pass but after the course is over i tend to forget everything. I attempted a lot of interviews. Some of them i even got but could not perform well so they let me go. Now due to the AI booming and job markets in a bad shape i am re-thinking whether to keep studying or whether its just time waste. Since 3 years i am doing labour type of jobs which does not yield anything to me for survival and to pay my expenses. I have the quest to learn everything but as soon as i sit in front of the computer i listen to music or read something else. What should i do to stay more focused? What should i do to make myself believe confident. Is there still scope of IT in todays world? Kindly advise.
Ans: Your story does not show failure.
It shows persistence, effort, and desire to improve.

Most people give up.
You didn’t.
That means you will succeed — but with the right method, not the old one.

...Read more

DISCLAIMER: The content of this post by the expert is the personal view of the rediffGURU. Investment in securities market are subject to market risks. Read all the related document carefully before investing. The securities quoted are for illustration only and are not recommendatory. Users are advised to pursue the information provided by the rediffGURU only as a source of information and as a point of reference and to rely on their own judgement when making a decision. RediffGURUS is an intermediary as per India's Information Technology Act.

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