Credit penetration and participation of women consumers has rapidly increased in India’s credit market

MUMBAI, March 5, 2020: TransUnion CIBIL’s latest insights show that share and participation of Indian women consumers is increasing rapidly in India’s credit sector with 30 million women borrowers gaining access to credit products*. Share of women borrowers to total borrowers stood at ~26% as on Sep-19, up from ~21% in Sep-13.

Speaking on these findings the Chief Operating Officer of TransUnion CIBIL, Ms. Harshala Chandorkar said, “ The significant increase in the number of women who are seeking credit products is a promising indicator of the evolution of India’s credit market which has enabled increased economic opportunities for women borrowers. Financial institutions must unlock the significant potential that lies in customizing product constructs for women borrowers to further drive business growth and enable greater customer experience for women consumers.”

As the number of women borrowers has grown, awareness and credit consciousness amongst these women borrowers has also improved with **self-monitoring women consumers growing by 62% between 2018 and 2019. This is twice the growth rate of self-monitoring male consumers (30%).

As per the insights, 56% of these self-monitoring women consumers are from the states of Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Telangana, and Delhi. (Refer to Table 1) It is important to note that while Andhra Pradesh only contributes to 5% of this segment, 44% of them go on to avail a loan or credit card within three months of checking their CIBIL Score and Report. This shows that they are credit-conscious and aware of the role of their CIBIL Report in getting access to credit.

Interestingly, 64% of self-monitoring women consumers are millennials (Refer Table 2).[1] The average CIBIL Scores in these age groups are noteworthy, with self-monitoring, millennial women consumers having an average CIBIL Score of 735. Overall, the average self-monitoring woman consumer’s CIBIL Score is at 734; higher than the average self-monitoring male’s CIBIL Score of 726.

“In the Indian credit and loan landscape, lenders are looking to onboard credit-conscious consumers who will comply with the loan agreement and will repay the amount in full on time. A consumer’s CIBIL Score and Report is a reflection of this credit-consciousness,” says Sujata Ahlawat, VP and Head of Direct-to-Consumer Interactive, TransUnion CIBIL.

Ahlawat adds, “Indian women consumers are indeed much more cautious, conscious and responsible when it comes to credit, and it is interesting to see that their top loan preferences range from personal loans and consumer durables to credit cards. Women consumers may be viewed more positively because of better credit profiles than their male counterparts, and that will translate into more access to credit and faster loan approvals, too.”

So what are women doing with this access to credit?

Within three months of checking their CIBIL Score and Report, 52% of women consumers apply (enquire only) for at least one loan account or credit card. Additionally, 35% of the overall base will actually go on to open a loan account or avail of a credit card.

Women have also demonstrated their credit-consciousness and within six months of checking their CIBIL Score and Report, 45% of them have improved their credit profiles (CIBIL Scores). This ensures they are ready to avail credit when they need it the most.

The government and lenders are also acknowledging this credit-consciousness among women consumers. They have introduced various initiatives to boost women’s access to loans by providing them with affordable credit at reduced rates of interest. Lenders are also creating loans and credit card offerings that are specifically aimed at the woman consumer.