New Delhi, Oct. 10 -- Marriage does not automatically merge spouses' credit scores or credit histories. However, when couples apply for a joint personal loan or home loan, a lender may assess both applicants' credit scores, repayment histories, incomes and existing debts. A spouse's poor credit record could affect the loan application's approval or terms, making it important to understand how creditworthiness influences joint borrowing.

This distinction is particularly important when couples plan to take on major financial commitments, such as a home loan, car loan or personal loan. Having a clear understanding of these concepts is essential for couples to plan their finances better.

Furthermore, a credit score is like an individual's f...