Credit report accuracy
Obtain your report from the bureau through an authorised channel. Check:
- accounts that are not yours
- incorrectly reported late payments
- duplicate loans
- closed accounts still shown incorrectly
- settlement or write-off status
- personal details that may indicate a mixed file
- recent enquiries you do not recognise
Dispute factual errors with the bureau and relevant lender. Do not pay an agent who promises to erase accurate negative history.
Existing obligations
List all EMIs, card balances, buy-now-pay-later obligations, overdrafts, and guarantees. Lenders use their own affordability rules; a score alone does not show monthly cash pressure.
Income and employment evidence
Mismatch between salary credits, payslips, tax records, employer details, or application figures can cause rejection. Self-employed applicants may need a longer and more detailed financial record.
Recent credit activity
Several new accounts, high card utilisation, frequent enquiries, or a recent missed payment can alter the lender’s risk view. There is no universal waiting period or guaranteed score improvement.
Lender policy
A lender can reject an otherwise sound applicant because of employer category, occupation, location, age, minimum income, internal exposure, or product policy. Applying to a lender whose published criteria do not fit you wastes another enquiry.