BNPL Before Cards: Is Your CIBIL Score Invisible?

Millions of young Indians are borrowing via BNPL and EMI apps before getting a credit card. This changes how their credit score is built — and not always in a good way. Here's what Gen Z needs to know.

Here's what happened: Most Gen Z Indians now enter borrowing through BNPL apps, EMI plans, or small digital loans — not credit cards like Millennials did.. Many BNPL lenders do not report repayment history to credit bureaus like CIBIL, leaving young borrowers with a thin or invisible credit profile.. Without a formal credit history, Gen Z may struggle to get home loans, car loans, or premium credit cards when they actually need them..

What you should do: Check your CIBIL score for free at CIBIL.com or via apps like GoCredit — even if you've never used a credit card.. Choose BNPL or EMI providers that explicitly report to credit bureaus (CIBIL, Experian, CRIF) so your repayments actually build your score.. Apply for a secured credit card (backed by your FD) or a starter credit card to begin building a formal, bureau-reported credit history..

Paying your BNPL on time feels responsible — but if the lender doesn't report to CIBIL, your good behaviour is completely invisible to future lenders.