PERSONAL LOAN

How to Get a Personal Loan with a Low CIBIL Score

Ritwik Choudhury

17 March 2026 3 min read

A low CIBIL score does not automatically disqualify you from a personal loan.
Lenders also weigh your income, existing EMIs, job stability and repayment capacity.
Applying with a co-applicant, offering collateral or opting for a smaller amount improves your odds.
Responsible repayment is the fastest way to rebuild your score.

Personal loan application form placed on a credit report

Since approval decisions are strongly linked to your credit profile, your CIBIL score plays an important role in determining your eligibility.

If you are wondering, “Can I get a personal loan with a low CIBIL score?” The answer is yes, but approval is not guaranteed. A low or borderline score does not automatically disqualify you, though lenders may review your income, existing EMIs, job stability, and repayment capacity more closely.

Understanding how lenders assess applications and the steps you can take to improve your profile can increase your chances of getting a personal loan.

What does your CIBIL score mean for approval?

A CIBIL score is a credit score provided by TransUnion CIBIL, one of India’s leading credit information bureaus. The score reflects your credit history based on your financial behaviour. It includes loans and repayments, credit card payments, and more. The score ranges from 300 to 900, with higher scores indicating a healthier credit history.

Refer to the table below for quick insight into what is considered a good or a bad credit score:

Date	Daily balance	Interest rate	Interest calculation	Day’s interest
01-Jan-2026	₹19,292	6%	(19,292 × 6%) / 365	3.20
01-Jan-2026	₹19,292	6%	(19,292 × 6%) / 365	3.20
01-Jan-2026	₹19,292	6%	(19,292 × 6%) / 365	3.20
01-Jan-2026	₹19,292	6%	(19,292 × 6%) / 365	3.20
01-Jan-2026	₹19,292	6%	(19,292 × 6%) / 365	3.20

Personal loan EMI calculator

Loan amount

₹

50K 1Cr

Interest rate

p.a.

9.99% 36%

Tenure

Months

9 60

Your monthly EMI

₹9,541

Total interest payable

₹28,991

Loan amount

₹2,00,000

Total amount payable

₹2,28,991

Your monthly EMI

₹9,541

Apply Now

What are the challenges you can face with a low CIBIL score?

If you have a low CIBIL score, you may often face challenges while taking a loan. These challenges may include:

Higher interest rates: Lenders may offer loans at significantly higher interest rates to offset the perceived risk of lending to low-score borrowers like you.
Limited loan options: Many financial institutions or banks may reject applications outright or offer smaller loan amounts.
Strict eligibility checks: A low CIBIL score triggers closer scrutiny of your income, employment stability, and other financial obligations.

Can you get a 15 lakh personal loan in India?

“
You can apply for an instant personal loan with IDFC FIRST Bank in just a few clicks without having to go to the bank.

Can you still qualify for a personal loan with a low CIBIL score?

Obtaining a personal loan with a low CIBIL score can be challenging, but it's not impossible. By implementing the following strategies, you can enhance your chances of approval and secure the funds you need.

Can you still qualify for a personal loan with a low CIBIL score?

Personal loan for applicants with a low CIBIL score: Checklist to plan like a pro

While a low CIBIL score impacts the chances of getting approved for a personal loan, it is not impossible. There are other factors that affect your chances of getting a loan – your employment status, income, and credit report. Thus, if you want a personal loan for a CIBIL score of 550 or above, you need to be mindful of a few parameters:

Calculate your needs
You can use the IDFC FIRST Bank personal loan EMI calculator to get a better picture of how long you will be required to pay EMIs at different interest rates. Based on these calculations, you can draft your monthly budget and ensure its alignment with your overall goals.
Ensure all your documents are in place
Personal loans require minimum documentation, so you only need to gather all the right documents and ensure they are as per requirements. The list includes your proof of identity and residence, salary account bank statement for the past three months, and salary slips for the past three months.
Research before you apply
Select a lender whose terms and conditions appear favourable. Applying to multiple places does not reflect well on your credit report. Once you secure a loan, ensure you use it responsibly. If you are using it to consolidate and pay off your previous loans, ensure that you are doing so in the right manner.

Infographic: how to qualify for a personal loan with a low CIBIL score

Apply confidently - A step closer to your goals

While a low CIBIL score can make securing a personal loan more challenging, it’s certainly not the end of the road. With the right strategy—such as applying with a co-applicant, choosing smaller loan amounts, or exploring lenders like IDFC FIRST Bank who consider more than just your credit score—you can still access the funds you need. Focus on building healthy financial habits, researching lenders carefully, and using credit responsibly to gradually improve your score. A thoughtful approach today can lead to stronger financial freedom tomorrow.

Conclusion

Disclaimer

The information contained in this article is generic in nature and is meant for educational purposes only. Nothing here is to be construed as an investment or financial or taxation advice nor to be considered as an invitation or solicitation or advertisement for any financial product.

The features, benefits and offers mentioned in the article are applicable as on the day of publication of this blog and is subject to change without notice. The contents herein are also subject to other product specific terms and conditions and any third party terms and conditions, as applicable. Please refer our website www.idfcfirst.bank.in for latest updates.

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Edited by

Ritwik Choudhury

Marc B. Garnick contents herein are also subject to other product specific terms and conditions and any third.

Reviewed by

Marc B. Garnick

Marc B. Garnick contents herein are also subject to other product specific terms and conditions and any third party terms and conditions, as applicable.

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