Understanding a CIBIL Score of -1: What It Means and What You Should Do
For individuals checking their credit report for the first time, seeing a CIBIL score of -1 (or sometimes NA/NH) can be confusing. Does it mean your credit is bad? Is it an error? Will it affect your ability to get a loan?
This article provides a clear understanding of what a score of -1 signifies, why it happens, and what steps you can take to move toward building a valid credit score.
What is a CIBIL Score?
The CIBIL score, issued by TransUnion CIBIL, is a three-digit numeric summary of your credit history. It typically ranges from 300 to 900, with higher scores indicating better creditworthiness. Lenders use this score to assess your ability to repay loans and determine your eligibility for credit products such as personal loans, home loans, car loans, and credit cards.
What Does a CIBIL Score of -1 Mean?
A CIBIL score of -1 (or 'NA' or 'NH' in some reports) simply means:
There is no credit history available to calculate your score.
This does not reflect poor credit behaviour—it only indicates that TransUnion CIBIL does not have sufficient credit information associated with your profile to generate a score.
Common Reasons for a Score of -1
There are several reasons why your credit report may reflect a score of -1:
No Credit History
You have never taken a loan or used a credit card, so no credit data exists.
New to Credit
You may have recently taken a credit product, but it hasn’t been reported or aged enough to generate a score.
Inactive Credit Profile
Your last credit activity was over 24 months ago, and no recent data is available to assess your profile.
Only Add-On Cards Used
If you only use supplementary credit cards (not primary cards), the activity may not be reported under your name.
Credit Enquiries Without Borrowing
You applied for loans or cards but did not proceed or weren’t approved. Enquiries alone don’t create a credit history.
Implications of Having a CIBIL Score of -1
While a score of -1 is not negative, it can make it difficult for lenders to assess your creditworthiness. In many cases, financial institutions may hesitate to approve unsecured loans or credit cards without a valid credit score.
However, several banks now offer special products for first-time borrowers or those with a thin credit file. With the right approach, you can quickly build your score.
How to Build Your Credit Score from -1
Here are proactive steps you can take to build a positive credit profile:
1. Apply for a Secured Credit Card
A secured credit card, issued against a fixed deposit, is ideal for individuals with no credit history. Use it for small purchases and repay the dues in full each month.
2. Take a Small Loan or EMI Product
Some NBFCs and fintech platforms offer small-ticket loans or Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) products to new borrowers. Ensure timely repayment to build a strong history.
3. Become a Co-Applicant or Authorized User
You can request a family member to add you as a co-borrower on an existing loan or as an authorized user on their credit card. Shared repayment history will reflect on your report.
4. Maintain Credit Discipline
Always pay dues on or before the due date. Avoid minimum payments or carrying over balances, as this can delay score improvement.
5. Monitor Your Report Regularly
Track your credit report every 3–6 months to observe updates, new entries, or score changes. You can access one free report per year from each bureau.
What to Avoid When Building Your Score
Do not apply for multiple credit cards or loans simultaneously. Each enquiry gets recorded and may negatively impact your score.
Avoid missing payments, even small ones, as they are reported and affect your profile.
Don’t co-sign loans without visibility into the borrower’s payment behaviour.
Conclusion
A CIBIL score of -1 is not something to worry about—it’s simply the starting point of your credit journey. With responsible usage of credit products and timely repayments, your score can be generated within a few months and improved steadily thereafter.
At CCAOI, we believe in empowering individuals with the knowledge and tools to manage their digital and financial profiles responsibly. If you need help understanding your credit report or building your credit score, feel free to reach out to us.