When does your credit score start?

Your credit score starts when you first avail of a credit product, such as a credit card or a loan, and the lender reports your activity to credit bureaus like CIBIL. For most individuals in India, this journey begins at age 18 or older. Initially, you may have no score or a status of NH (No History). Once you start making regular repayments, it typically takes 6 to 12 months of consistent credit behavior to generate a numerical score. Starting early helps build a longer credit history.