Can you get a personal loan with 600 credit score? Explore lender options and tips to boost approval chances

A credit score of 600 is not considered outstanding, which makes getting a personal loan in India more difficult but not entirely impossible. A score of 600 is generally considered fair, meaning lenders and financial institutions may consider you a high-risk borrower.

Even considering these risk factors, some non-banking financial institutions (NBFCs) and select traditional banks may still offer personal loans to individuals with a 600 credit score. However, these loans typically carry higher interest rates, stricter terms, and less flexible repayment options.

Therefore, securing a loan will be challenging if your credit score is low due to late payments, loan defaults, or a very high credit utilisation ratio.

Lenders often assess your sincerity and repayment intent before disbursing funds.

To improve your chances, focus on paying your credit card bill and personal loan EMIs on time. Responsible credit behaviour can gradually boost your credit score.

Challenges and problems related to a 600 credit score

Generally, most banks in India prefer applicants with credit scores above 750. This indicates sincere interest in repayments and a clean credit profile.

With a score of 600:

• You can be offered a higher interest rate loan.
• Absolute loan amounts can be much lower.
• You will also face challenging and tighter repayment deadlines.
• This also invites the possibility of more hard inquiries.
• Rejection of credit card and personal loan applications is also a possibility.

Hence, a low credit score is never a good mark on your credit history. That said, lenders such as Bajaj Finance and Shriram Finance, among others, have dedicated products for loan and credit card applicants in the range of 600 to 700 credit scores.

Your income level, employment status, existing debts, repayment capacity, and default history will all play vital roles in the final decision.

Low credit score: Lenders that still provide loans

Some lenders are more flexible when it comes to credit history. Here are some viable options:

• Airtel Finance: Offers fast-track loan approval with disbursal and distribution within 24 hours.
• NBFCs such as Hero FinCorp and Shriram Finance: Frequently work with lower-credit borrowers and individuals with poor credit profiles.
• P2P Lending Platforms: Can offer unsecured loans based on income, not just score.
• Bajaj Finserv: They are selectively flexible with individuals having lower credit scores. Generally, they provide loans to individuals with credit scores over 685+.

Therefore, while you may not get the best interest rate with the above lenders, you can still secure credit if your income, repayment capacity, and documentation are solid.

Note: The lenders discussed above are only for illustrative purposes. For complete details on the offered loans, interest rates, repayment terms and conditions consider visiting the official website of the respective financial institutions and their customer service representatives.

Ways to improve loan eligibility with a credit score of 600

You can boost your loan and credit card approval chances by improving your overall credit profile and by efficiently managing your credit score. Here’s how:

• Prove consistency in earning and stability in income: A steady job, earning potential or business with regular income reassures lenders.
• Pay down your existing debt: Keep your credit utilisation ratio to less than 30% of your overall credit limit to show responsible usage.
• Find and fix errors on your credit report: Dispute and discuss any inaccuracies, errors or mistakes that may be hurting your score.
• Apply for new loans or credit cards with a co-applicant: A guarantor or co-borrower with a higher credit score can help you immensely to secure your desired loan or credit card.

Lastly, remember never to simultaneously apply for too many loans and credit cards. Multiple checks and inquiries can further dampen your credit score.

Conclusion

Hence, it is a given that a credit score of 600 or lower makes it very challenging to secure a personal loan or credit card. Still, it is not a deal breaker. On your part, you can still get the desired loan by opting for the correct lender and demonstrating financial discipline. This way, you can access credit when it matters the most.

Disclaimer: Mint has a tie-up with fintechs for providing credit, you will need to share your information if you apply. These tie-ups do not influence our editorial content. This article only intends to educate and spread awareness about credit needs like loans, credit cards and credit score. Mint does not promote or encourage taking credit as it comes with a set of risks such as high interest rates, hidden charges, etc. We advise investors to discuss with certified experts before taking any credit.