The Role of Credit Score in MSME Loan Approval
Disclaimer: This blog is generic in nature. Please contact Ujjivan Small Finance Bank for details on MSME Loan eligibility.
July 21, 2025

The CIBIL or credit score determines your creditworthiness and plays a pivotal role in securing an MSME or business loan. Understanding its requirements can significantly increase your chances of approval. This blog explores the minimum credit score required, its importance, and how to improve it for business loan eligibility.
What is a CIBIL Score?
The CIBIL score is a three-digit number, ranging from 300 to 900, representing an individual or business's creditworthiness based on their financial history. The higher the score, the better your chances of getting a loan approved at favourable terms. Any score above 750 is known as a good CIBIL score.
Why is CIBIL Score Important for Business Loans?
1. Loan Approval
Lenders rely heavily on the CIBIL score to gauge your ability and willingness to repay the loan. A high score increases your chances of approval as it signifies financial discipline. On the other hand, a low score may raise red flags, making it harder to secure funding.
2. Interest Rates
Your CIBIL score directly influences the interest rate offered on your loan. Borrowers with higher scores are perceived as low-risk, enabling lenders to offer them loans at competitive interest rates. Conversely, a lower score might result in higher interest rates to offset the risk.
3. Loan Amount Eligibility
Lenders are more confident in approving higher loan amounts for applicants with strong credit histories. If your business requires substantial funding, maintaining a high CIBIL score ensures that you qualify for a larger loan limit.
4. Flexible Repayment Terms
A good credit score not only improves your chances of loan approval but also allows you to negotiate favorable repayment terms, such as extended tenure or lower monthly installments. This flexibility can significantly benefit businesses by improving cash flow management.
5. Credibility for Unsecured Loans
For MSME owners without collateral, a high CIBIL score becomes even more vital. Lenders use it as the primary determinant of your creditworthiness since there is no asset to back the loan. In such cases, a score of 750 or higher can make the approval process smoother.
6. Strengthens Business Reputation
A strong CIBIL score reflects well on your business's financial health, increasing trust with creditors, suppliers, and investors. It showcases your ability to handle financial obligations responsibly, which can positively impact business relationships.
7. Faster Loan Processing
Applicants with high CIBIL scores often experience quicker loan approvals and disbursements. Lenders feel more confident processing these applications since the risk of default is minimal. This speed can be crucial for businesses needing immediate funds.
Minimum Credit Score Required for Business Loans
Most financial institutions require a CIBIL score of 650 or above for business loan approvals. However, some lenders may consider scores as low as 600, depending on the applicant's business performance and other criteria.
Score Breakdown:
- 750-900: Excellent - Quick approval with favorable terms.
- 650-749: Good - Moderate terms, generally approved.
- 600-649: Average - Higher scrutiny and possibly higher interest rates.
- Below 600: Poor - Very low chances of approval.
That said, securing an MSME Loan from Ujjivan Small Finance Bank is super easy.
Factors Influencing the Required Credit Score for MSME Loans
- Business Tenure: Established businesses with consistent revenue might get approval despite lower scores.
- Collateral: Offering collateral may offset a low credit score.
- Repayment History: A strong repayment record can compensate for minor score deficiencies.
- Lender Policies: NBFCs and fintech lenders might be lenient compared to traditional banks.
How to Check Your CIBIL Score?
- Visit the official CIBIL website or other authorised platforms.
- Register with your details, including PAN.
- Access a free annual credit report or subscribe for monthly updates.
Tips to Improve Your Credit Score for a Business Loan
- Timely Payments: Pay EMIs and credit card bills on time.
- Reduce Debt: Lower your credit utilization ratio by minimizing outstanding debt.
- Avoid Frequent Credit Applications: Multiple loan inquiries can hurt your score.
- Monitor Credit Report: Regularly check for discrepancies or errors in your credit history.
- Increase Credit Age: Maintain older credit lines for a better score.
Final Thoughts
A strong CIBIL score significantly enhances the likelihood of getting an MSME or business loan with favorable terms. Regular monitoring, responsible credit behavior, and strategic financial planning are essential to maintain or improve your score.
Take your business to the next level with Ujjivan Small Finance Bank MSME Loans. We have a host of MSME products tailored for your unique business growth needs. Additionally, we offer MSME Overdraft facilities for urgent business capital requirement. Browse through our suite of products and apply today!
Disclaimer:
The contents herein are only for informational purposes and generic in nature. The content does not amount to an offer, invitation or solicitation of any kind to buy or sell, and are not intended to create any legal rights or obligations. This information is subject to updation, completion, amendment and verification without notice. The contents herein are also subject to other product-specific terms and conditions, as well as any applicable third-party terms and conditions, for which Ujjivan Small Finance Bank assumes no responsibility or liability.
Nothing contained herein is intended to constitute financial, investment, legal, tax, or any other professional advice or opinion. Please obtain professional advice before making investment or any other decisions. Any investment decisions that may be made by the you shall be at your own sole discretion, independent analysis and evaluation of the risks involved. The use of any information set out in this document is entirely at the user’s own risk. Ujjivan Small Finance Bank Limited makes no representation or warranty, express or implied, as to the accuracy and completeness for any information herein. The Bank disclaims any and all liability for any loss or damage (direct, indirect, consequential, or otherwise) incurred by you due to use of or due to investment, product application decisions made by you on the basis of the contents herein. While the information is prepared in good faith from sources deemed reliable (including public sources), the Bank disclaims any liability with respect to accuracy of information or any error or omission or any loss or damage incurred by anyone in reliance on the contents herein, in any manner whatsoever.
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FAQs
1. What is the ideal credit score for an MSME loan?
A score of 750 or above is ideal for quick approval with favorable terms.
2. Can I get an MSME loan with a credit score below 600?
It’s challenging but possible with collateral or strong business financials.
3. Does the CIBIL score affect the interest rate for business loans?
Yes, higher scores typically lead to lower interest rates.
4. How frequently should I check my CIBIL score?
Quarterly checks are advisable to stay updated on your credit health.
5. Can a new business with no credit history get an MSME loan?
Yes, by leveraging government schemes or providing collateral.
6. Do fintech lenders consider credit scores?
Yes, but they may have more lenient requirements compared to banks.
7. How long does it take to improve a low CIBIL score?
Significant improvement can take 6-12 months with disciplined efforts.
8. Can I apply for multiple loans to improve my score?
No, frequent applications can harm your credit score.
9. Are joint applications a good option for low scores?
Yes, they can enhance your chances if the co-applicant has a strong score.
10. Does settling a loan affect my CIBIL score?
Yes, settling instead of repaying in full negatively impacts your score.
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