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Credit Score for Two-Wheeler Loan

To avoid long queues in public transport, one needs to own a vehicle. Two-wheelers are cheaper than cars. Plus, they provide better mileage. If you are planning to get a bike, consider financing it through a bike loan.

In India, an individual can apply for a two-wheeler loan with affordable interest rates and repayment terms. Obtaining a two-wheeler loan with ease requires a decent credit score. Banks and NBFCs (Non-Banking Financial Company) like Shriram Finance offer attractive bike loan deals with a repayment period ranging from 12 to 36 months.

Minimum Credit Score for Two-Wheeler Loan

Almost all the leading banks and financial institutions offer two-wheeler loans to individuals, provided they have a good credit score to get the loan approval. But let's understand what a good credit score means in India.

A credit score is a number that depicts the creditworthiness of a borrower. Credit score ranges between 300 and 900. A higher credit score equals to a higher chance of getting the loan amount.

Generally, a bank or an NBFC does not specify the exact minimum credit score for car loan or a bike loan. But most lenders will be ready to disburse bike loans with a score of 700 or above.

This chart helps in understanding the scores and what would be the lender's reaction.

However, when issuing a loan to a borrower, other factors are also taken into consideration.

Below 650It's unlikely to get a bike loan based on such a score.
Between 650 and 700The lender may approve subject to certain other conditions such as high income, credit history and loan amount.
Between 700 and 750Very likely.
Above 750High chances of loan approval at favourable terms.

So, as mentioned in the table, the minimum credit score for a car loan or a bike loan is not a certain number.

The lender may provide a loan extension, subject to certain conditions being fulfilled. These conditions could include factors such as previous repayment history, income ratio, and the specific type of loan being considered.

Why Is Credit Score Important for a Bike Loan?

The Credit Bureau of India collects and integrates all the documents received from banks and NBFCs containing all information about loans and credit cards. It then analyses the repayment patterns of individual borrowers and prepares credit reports that are useful to potential lenders.

While assessing the loan applications, the lenders primarily focus on a higher credit score to determine your capability to make future repayments and manage interest payments. Therefore, it becomes necessary for a loan applicant to maintain a good credit score. Though bike loans are easier to get compared to any four-wheeler loan or a home loan, it is advised to keep a decent score to expedite the loan approval process.

How Credit Score Impacts Your Eligibility for a Bike Loan

There are many factors that impact loan eligibility, some of them are: the minimum age of applicant should be 18 years, income ratio, employment type, existing dues and area of residence. A low credit score will create a bad image, while a high credit score will fetch a better loan deal. Usually, the applicant becomes ineligible once the credit score goes below 750 or 700, as the case may be. Depending upon the lender, the credit score will differ, subject to their eligibility criteria.

How to Improve Your Credit Score for Bike Loan?

Having a poor credit score does not mean it can never be improved. By taking the following steps, one can significantly enhance his/her credit score and raise it to more than 700.

Trace Your Credit Report

At times, the credit report may fail to reflect the settlement of debts that have already been cleared. It affects the credit score adversely. Hence, it is advisable to keep tracking your credit report to avoid any errors.

Pay All Your Outstanding Credit Bills on Time

To present yourself as a responsible and credit-worthy borrower, it is recommended to ensure timely payment of all outstanding credit card bills . Pay all due debts on time, ensure that credit limits have not been maxed out to avoid any negative impression. Banks look closely at the applicant's repayment history to decide whether to approve the bike loan or not.

Prefer Availing of Long Term Loans

Choosing a longer loan tenure results in smaller instalments and reduces the likelihood of default. On the other hand, when you obtain a short-term debt facility, the chances of non-repayment increase.

Do Not Hold Many Credit Cards

Frequently changing your credit card may lead the lender to view it as an irresponsible behavior. Therefore, it is advisable not to discard old cards, even if you wish to do so. A good credit history is a significant measure for a bank to assess a borrower's creditworthiness.

Things to Keep in Mind Before Applying for a Bike Loan

Before you apply for a loan with Shriram Finance or another lender, consider the following factors to attract the best deal -

Conduct In-Depth Research

In-depth research is the first and vital step before getting started. Ensure that all the research and comparison among various options has been duly done. The parameters include interest rates, repayment options, loan processing charges, and other terms and conditions. It will help in availing the best deals on bike loans.

Select Your Loan Tenure Wisely

The loan tenure indicates what will be the instalment each month. To make sure you can afford the repayment, choose the tenure carefully. The shorter the loan duration, the faster it can be repaid. However, the instalment amount will also be higher. To prevent defaults and cash crunches, opt for a tenure that aligns with your affordability.

Select an Affordable Interest Rate

The interest rate generally determines the overall cost of your bike loan. Interest rates also impact EMI. Selecting a loan with a lower interest rate will help to keep EMIs low and affordable.

Understand the Difference Between Fixed Rates and Floating Rates

Floating rates keep changing according to the changes in market rates, whereas fixed rates, as the name suggests, remain unchanged. Some lenders may offer both fixed and floating interest rates. Due to the market risk, fixed rates are slightly higher than floating rates.

Check Out the Prepayment Fees

If you plan to repay the loan before the scheduled time, make sure to check for any applicable prepayment charges. While some banks impose this fee, others do not. Sometimes, prepayment charges are lower than interest payments, so choose carefully.

Calculate Your EMIs

When comparing loan options, calculate EMIs for various choices and consider other factors as well. Select an EMI option that is affordable and provides a comfortable repayment period.

Check the Loan Terms and Conditions Wisely

Before signing any documents, read every single term carefully. The loan offer document may contain hidden charges that are easy to miss or overlook. Make sure to go through the entire document to avoid hefty penalties.

Impact of a Low Credit Score on Two-Wheeler Loan

As previously mentioned, a low credit score has a negative impact on the individual's ability to repay debts. Low credit scores are one of the reasons lenders reject bike loan applications.

Below are the implications of a low credit score on a two-wheeler loan

Existing Bike Loan

If you already have an existing bike loan or your loan application was recently rejected, there is a high chance that a new loan application will also get rejected. Existing loans reduce the chances of having a good credit score.

Making Delays on Credit Card EMIs

If you tend to pay credit card EMIs later than the scheduled time, it will lead to a poor credit score, and the loan application will face rejection. Anything outstanding is considered overdue by credit rating agencies. Hence this lowers the credit score and impacts the bike loan negatively.

Too Many Credit Applications

Whenever you apply to multiple banks for a loan, there are high chances of inquiry against you. Any adverse inquiry will contribute to a bad credit score.

Higher Interest Rate

Lenders typically impose higher interest rates on individuals with poor credit scores, even if their loan applications are approved, thereby raising the overall cost of borrowing.

How to Get a Two-Wheeler Loan for a Low Credit Score?

A low credit score does not mean you will never get a bike loan. However, if a lender approves the loan application despite the bad credit score, you may have to make compromises on various aspects.

Check these below pointers to see how it is possible to get a two-wheeler loan for a low credit score

Comparatively Higher Down Payment

A down payment is the fixed amount that is paid initially. Lenders usually finance around 80-90% of the bike loan. The rest is paid by the borrower upfront as the down payment. However, with a low credit score, you will be required to pay more on the down payment because you are considered a risk to the bank. A higher down payment also reduces the interest rate and loan tenure. A higher down payment can be a good option as the repayments will also be less.

Consider Multiple Loan Options

It is always wise to have various loan options to choose from. Conduct enough research for the best loan terms, interest rates, and repayment tenure. Lenders evaluate the borrower's creditworthiness on multiple measures, such as employment area and source of income. If you have a low credit score, work on these sections to increase your chances of loan approval.

Negotiate with Your Lender

Even if the lender has quoted a higher interest rate on the loan, you can still negotiate to reduce it further. The lender may accept the application upon request.

Bring a Guarantor or a Co-Signer

A guarantor is a person who gives a guarantee for any potential default. Co-Signer is usually a person who holds a good credit score. Bringing a co-signer assures the lender their money is not at risk. If you have a bad credit score, it is advisable to have a guarantor while applying for the bike loan application.

Conclusion

A high credit score is crucial while applying for a two-wheeler loan. To avoid rejections on an application, one must maintain a minimum credit score for a bike loan. Avoid applying for multiple loans simultaneously, as it can have a detrimental impact on your credit score. Check your credit score for a bike loan with Shriram Finance today.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the minimum credit score required for a two-wheeler loan?

It is important to have a credit score above 700 to get seamless approval on the two-wheeler loan.

Can I get a bike loan with a 600 Credit score?

Obtaining a bike loan with a credit score of 600 might be challenging. However, one can increase his/her chances by following a few tips, such as negotiating with the lender, comparing multiple options, and asking someone to be the guarantor on their loan.

What is the minimum Credit score for a vehicle loan?

The credit score range for a vehicle loan is typically between 300 and 900. While there is no specific credit score requirement to secure a loan, it is advisable to aim for a credit score of at least 701.

How to check your credit score for a bike loan?

One can visit Shriram Finance website to check their credit score and get a detailed report.

How much Credit score is required to get a bike loan?

You must have at least a 701 score to get a bike loan.

Why do NBFCs check credit scores before approving bike loans?

Your credit score indicates whether you are capable of repayment or not. Banks and NBFCs assess credit scores before lending money and typically do not provide loans without checking the credit scores.

How to get a Two-Wheeler loan with a low Credit score?

Getting a two-wheeler loan with a low credit score is only possible if you bring a co-signer on the loan.

Does Credit score affect bike loan eligibility?

Yes, a credit score plays an important role in determining whether or not you are eligible for the bike loan.

How to get a bike loan without a credit score?

It's nearly impossible to get a bike loan without a credit score. Make sure you have a good credit score in hand before applying for a loan.