Is A Good Cibil Score Required For A Gold Loan?

30 Jun, 2025 18:00 IST
Is A Good Cibil Score Required For A Gold Loan?

Financial institutions, whether banks or non-banking finance companies (NBFCs), generally offer two types of loans: secured and unsecured.

Secured loans are backed by collateral—such as property, gold, or other assets. The loan amount is sanctioned after applying a margin to the asset’s value, ensuring protection for the lender in case of default or depreciation.

Unsecured loans, on the other hand, are granted without any collateral, increasing the lender’s risk. To mitigate this, lenders place heavy emphasis on the borrower's credit history, often requiring a minimum CIBIL score of 700 for approval. A higher score not only improves eligibility but also helps secure better interest rates and loan terms.

What is Gold Loan

A gold loan is a secured loan where borrowers pledge their gold jewellery as collateral to access quick funds. It is considered one of the safest lending options for banks and NBFCs due to the consistent value and liquidity of gold. IIFL Finance typically does not require a high CIBIL score, making gold loans more accessible than unsecured personal loans.


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What Is The CIBIL Score And Why Is It Important?

Your CIBIL score—short for Credit Information Bureau (India) Limited score—is a three-digit number that reflects your creditworthiness. Ranging from 300 to 900, this score is calculated based on your credit history, repayment behaviour, credit mix, and other financial factors. A higher score indicates strong financial discipline and boosts your chances of loan approvals at lower interest rates.

CIBIL scores play a crucial role in determining whether a bank or NBFC will approve your loan application and at what terms. In many cases, a low credit score can lead to outright rejection or result in higher interest rates on approved loans.

Many borrowers often ask: does a gold loan affect CIBIL score? While gold loans are secured loans backed by physical gold, your repayment behaviour still impacts your credit score. Timely repayment can help improve or maintain your score, while defaults or delays can pull it down.

Typically, a score of 750 and above is considered good, offering confidence to lenders about your repayment ability and making you eligible for better loan terms.

How Is Your CIBIL Score Determined?

Besides CIBIL, which is now known as TransUnion CIBIL, there are a few other specialised credit information agencies that offer standardised credit scores that help lenders evaluate a loan application. These include Experian, Equifax and CRIF Highmark.

These firms scan each individual’s financial capacity given their credit history. This is not just by looking at actual loans, be it personal loan or a housing loan etc, but also credit card usage and repayment track record.

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Does Gold Loan Affect CIBIL Score?

If you’ve ever thought about taking a gold loan, you might have wondered, ‘Will a gold loan affect my credit score?’
The short answer is yes, a gold loan can impact your credit score, both positively and negatively. But the extent depends on how you manage your loan.

Unlike unsecured loans such as personal loans or credit cards, a gold loan is a secured loan.This means you pledge your gold as collateral. Because of this, lenders see it as less risky. Still, your repayment behaviour and how you handle the application process play a big role in shaping your credit history.

Here’s how it can work in your favour, or against it:

Positive Effects

  • Timely repayments build trust: Paying your EMIs or closing your gold loan on time shows lenders that you’re reliable, improving your credit score.
     
  • Diverse credit mix: Having a secured loan like a gold loan, along with other types of credit, can strengthen your credit profile.
     
  • Quick loan closure boosts score: When you repay the full amount and close the loan cleanly, it adds a positive note to your credit report.
     

Negative Effects

  • Missed or delayed payments hurt your score: Even one late payment can lower your credit score and stay on record for a while.
     
  • Multiple loan applications cause hard inquiries: Every time you apply for a loan, the lender checks your credit report. Too many applications in a short period can reduce your score temporarily.
     
  • Defaulting has long-term damage: If you fail to repay, the lender may auction your gold, and your credit score will take a serious hit.
     

Neutral Facts

  • Taking a gold loan doesn’t automatically lower your score: It’s how you manage it that matters.
     
  • Short-term impact from credit checks fades over time: A few hard inquiries won’t affect your score much if you maintain regular repayments.
     

Gold loans are less risky for lenders: Since gold acts as collateral, approval is quicker, and the impact on your credit report is usually moderate.

 

Key Factors Influencing Credit Score with a Gold Loan

Your credit score is shaped by how responsibly you handle your gold loan. Here are the key factors that matter most:

  • Repayment History: Making payments on time has the biggest impact. Even one missed EMI can lower your score.
     
  • Credit Utilisation Ratio: Using too much of your available credit limit shows dependency on loans and may hurt your score.
     
  • Credit Mix: Having both secured (like gold loans) and unsecured loans gives lenders confidence in your repayment ability.
     
  • Hard Enquiries: Every time you apply for a loan, the lender checks your credit report. Too many checks can slightly reduce your score.
     

Length of Credit History: A longer and consistent repayment track record helps build a strong and trustworthy credit profile.

Tips to Protect and Improve Your CIBIL Score When Taking a Gold Loan

A gold loan can be a smart way to access quick funds, if you handle it wisely. Here are a few tips to keep your CIBIL score safe and healthy:

  • Borrow only what you can repay: Don’t overextend yourself; take a realistic loan amount.
     
  • Make repayments on time: Regular and timely payments are the easiest way to boost your score.
     
  • Avoid multiple loans and inquiries: Too many loan applications make you look credit-hungry.
     

Use gold loan calculators for planning: Estimate EMIs and plan repayments before borrowing to stay financially comfortable.

Responsible borrowing is key.

Here are some tips to navigate the gold loan game and keep your credit score sparkling:

Borrow only what you need: Don't get carried away by the ease of access. Remember, you have to repay the loan with interest. Overborrowing can strain your finances and lead to defaults. Use a gold loan calculator to estimate your repayment burden before diving in.

Prioritize timely repayments: Treat your gold loan like any other debt. Set up reminders, automate payments, or opt for flexible repayment options to avoid missed deadlines.

Limit other credit inquiries: While exploring a gold loan, avoid applying for multiple loans or credit cards simultaneously. This temporary dip in your score can impact your eligibility for the best gold loan offers.

Now that you've demystified the gold loan and credit score connection, remember responsible borrowing is key to a shining credit report. If you're considering a gold loan, consider IIFL Finance as your trusted partner. Their rapid disbursal rates, flexible repayment options, and competitive interest rates ensure a smooth and stress-free borrowing experience. For added convenience, they even have a gold loan calculator which instantly gives you the value of the loan amount that you can avail against your gold possessions.

For added convenience, IIFL Finance offers "Gold Loan at Home Services," where their representative visits your home, evaluates your gold and completes all the formalities. This doorstep service makes the process even more seamless, allowing you to borrow with ease from the comfort of your own home.

So, the next time life throws you into a financial dilemma, remember, that a gold loan with IIFL Finance can be your saviour. Borrow responsibly, repay diligently, and watch your credit score soar as you navigate life's challenges with confidence and financial freedom.

Conclusion

A gold loan is often considered the best form of borrowing to meet short-term personal needs. This is because they come with minimal hassles and scrutiny by the lender, who otherwise need to be comfortable of the creditworthiness of the borrower and his or her ability to repay.

Since the gold loan is provided against gold as a collateral, lenders like IIFL Finance do not base their decision to accept a borrower on their CIBIL score. This is due to the fact that they already have a precious metal as collateral, whose value is more than that of the loan sanctioned.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q1.Does taking a gold loan affect my CIBIL score immediately? Ans.

Not immediately. The impact shows up only after your repayment activity starts. Consistent, timely payments help improve your score, while missed EMIs can reduce it over time.

Q2.Will timely repayment of a gold loan improve my credit score? Ans.

Yes. Paying your EMIs or clearing the loan on time adds positive repayment history, which boosts your credit score and shows lenders that you’re dependable.

Q3.Can I get a gold loan with a low or no credit score? Ans.

Yes, you can. Since gold loans are secured by your jewellery, lenders focus more on the gold’s value than your credit history, making them easier to access.

Q4.What happens if I default on my gold loan repayment? Ans.

Defaulting can seriously harm your credit score. The lender may auction your pledged gold, and the missed repayment will reflect negatively on your credit report.

Q5.Does applying for multiple gold loans harm my credit score? Ans.

Yes, it can. Each loan application triggers a hard enquiry, and too many in a short time can temporarily lower your CIBIL score.

Q6.Does closing a gold loan early impact my credit score? Ans.

Closing your gold loan early doesn’t hurt your score. On the contrary, it can help. It shows financial discipline and reduces your outstanding credit obligations.

Q7.How can I maintain a healthy CIBIL score while having a gold loan? Ans.

Pay your EMIs on time, avoid taking unnecessary loans, and keep your credit utilisation low. Consistent repayment behaviour is the best way to maintain a strong score.

Disclaimer : The information in this blog is for general purposes only and may change without notice. It does not constitute legal, tax, or financial advice. Readers should seek professional guidance and make decisions at their own discretion. IIFL Finance is not liable for any reliance on this content. Read more

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