For an individual planning to apply for a loan or a credit card, the most important factor that a lender/bank considers is the CIBIL (Credit Information Bureau (India) Limited) report and score of that individual, besides his/her income. Hence, it is imperative that the individual checks his/her credit report, showing the credit history and score, before applying for a loan/credit card, so that his/her application is viewed favourably by the lender/bank.